Botswana Implements Advanced Customs Preruling System

Botswana Implements Advanced Customs Preruling System

Botswana is actively advancing its advance ruling system to align with international standards and optimize its trade environment. Through self-assessment and international cooperation, Botswana is committed to improving its laws and regulations, strengthening capacity building, and streamlining processes. This aims to provide businesses with clearer and more reliable trade guidance, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, embrace trade facilitation, and enhance international competitiveness. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit businesses operating in Botswana and contribute to the country's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

The WCO's STCE Project provided training support to the Philippine Customs on strategic goods control. Through online training, Philippine Customs officers enhanced their capabilities in strategic trade control, risk management, and the application of the Strategic Trade Atlas. The project strengthened cooperation between Philippine Customs and domestic agencies as well as international partners, contributing to national security and the international trade order. This initiative improved the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit trafficking of sensitive items and promoting responsible trade practices.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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IF Coconut Water Opens Shanghai HQ to Expand China Presence

IF Coconut Water Opens Shanghai HQ to Expand China Presence

IF Coconut Water's China headquarters settles in Hongqiao. Walmart upgrades its stores. China achieves breakthroughs in underwater space station technology. Hainan Free Trade Port opens a new multimodal transport channel. China Merchants Group increases its investment in Hainan's shipping industry. Hainan's coffee industry flourishes. The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area is upgraded. Hainan Free Trade Port's independent customs operation yields significant results. Coca-Cola appoints a Chief Digital Officer. A new export channel for chemical products from Hainan Free Trade Port opens.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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US Imposes Tiered Fees to Counter Chinas Maritime Trade Dominance

US Imposes Tiered Fees to Counter Chinas Maritime Trade Dominance

The U.S. Trade Representative is implementing tiered tariffs targeting China's maritime, logistics, and shipbuilding industries, aiming to counter its dominance. This action, through adjusted fees and LNG export policies, will impact container shipping costs, supply chain diversification, market competition, and trade friction risks. Businesses should reassess their supply chains, optimize transportation plans, enhance transparency, and monitor policy developments to navigate the evolving trade landscape. The tariffs are expected to increase costs and potentially disrupt existing trade routes, forcing companies to adapt their strategies.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

The 1983 Customs Valuation Committee Decision clarified that the English term "undertaken" in the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out." This aims to standardize international trade terminology, enhance the accuracy and consistency of customs valuation, reduce the risk of trade disputes, and facilitate international trade. The French and Spanish versions of the term remain unchanged. This clarification ensures a more uniform application of the agreement across different language versions, promoting fairness and predictability in international trade transactions.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance customs efficiency in developing countries. This partnership focuses on capacity building, technical assistance, information sharing, and policy dialogue. The goal is to promote trade facilitation and regional integration, jointly address global trade challenges, and build a more efficient and interconnected global trade landscape. The cooperation aims to improve customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and support sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

IAPH and WCO co-organized a workshop to accelerate digital transformation, enhance trade facilitation, and improve supply chain security by strengthening customs-port cooperation. They will develop international guidelines to promote data sharing, process optimization, and capacity building, jointly building an efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade ecosystem. The collaboration aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency within the maritime trade sector. This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Adopts Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

Burkina Faso Customs Adopts Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burkina Faso in establishing an advance ruling mechanism to enhance trade predictability, reduce compliance costs, and improve customs efficiency. Through capacity building workshops and the WACAM project, the WCO supports Burkina Faso's customs modernization and promotes regional trade development. The establishment of this mechanism will improve the trade environment, foster economic growth, and serve as a reference for other African countries. The initiative aligns with global efforts to streamline trade processes and promote efficient customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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