Charleston Port Hits Record Container Volume Amid Expansion

Charleston Port Hits Record Container Volume Amid Expansion

Charleston Port has achieved record-breaking container volumes, driven by port infrastructure upgrades, expanded shipping routes, and efficient operations. Key initiatives include the Leatherman Terminal expansion and increased rail capacity. The addition of a new MSC service will further strengthen its global connections. Continued growth in July suggests that Charleston Port will play an increasingly important role in global trade. The port's strategic investments are paying off, positioning it as a major player in the container shipping industry.

02/06/2026 Logistics
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WCO Enhances Ethiopias Tax Revenue with Improved Audit System

WCO Enhances Ethiopias Tax Revenue with Improved Audit System

The WCO is assisting Ethiopian Customs in upgrading its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. This includes updating the PCA manual, optimizing audit procedures, and introducing risk assessment methodologies. These improvements aim to enhance tax revenue collection efficiency. The project focuses on strengthening Ethiopian Customs' ability to effectively conduct post-clearance audits, thereby contributing to improved trade facilitation and overall customs administration performance. The WCO's support is crucial for building a more modern and efficient customs system in Ethiopia.

Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly implementing the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Program (MTP) to create a professional and sustainable pool of CV trainers in Southern Africa. The third working group activity focused on developing training materials and enhancing practical skills. The WCO and JICA are committed to continuously supporting customs capacity building in the region, building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, and promoting trade development.

Colombia Customs Boosts Strategy with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Customs Boosts Strategy with WCO SECO Backing

WCO and SECO held a workshop at DIAN in Colombia to enhance its strategic planning and project management capabilities. This initiative aims to accelerate DIAN's transformation and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping DIAN officials with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement modernization projects and align them with strategic goals. By strengthening these core competencies, DIAN can improve its efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness in supporting Colombia's economic growth through streamlined customs procedures.

Guide to Protecting Fashion Designs in Global Ecommerce

Guide to Protecting Fashion Designs in Global Ecommerce

This paper delves into intellectual property protection strategies in fashion design. It proposes a tiered protection scheme – "trademark + copyright + design patent + utility model patent" – targeting different design elements like patterns, colors, and silhouettes. Furthermore, it offers compliance advice for cross-border e-commerce businesses, helping them effectively protect original designs in overseas markets and enhance brand competitiveness. The paper aims to provide practical guidance for safeguarding fashion designs in the context of global trade and intellectual property rights.

World Customs Organization Advocates Gender Equality for Sustainability

World Customs Organization Advocates Gender Equality for Sustainability

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization launched the Gender Equality and Diversity Network to promote sustainable development in global trade. Through thematic discussions, experience sharing, and policy advocacy, the WCO is committed to eliminating gender barriers and encouraging member administrations to adopt more inclusive measures. The network also aims to leverage technology to address gender inequality challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Ultimately, the WCO strives for a more equitable and diverse customs environment worldwide.

WCO Intensifies Asiapacific Crackdown on Illegal Plastic Waste

WCO Intensifies Asiapacific Crackdown on Illegal Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening control over the illegal trade of plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region through virtual diagnostic missions to customs administrations in Indonesia and the Philippines. This project aims to help countries effectively implement the Basel Convention amendment through strategic guidance, operational optimization, and capacity building. By enhancing customs capabilities, the initiative supports the participating nations in addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and contributes to global environmental protection efforts.

Albania Boosts Textile Customs Checks with WTO Aid

Albania Boosts Textile Customs Checks with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a national workshop on textile analysis in Albania, aimed at enhancing the expertise of the country's customs laboratory in textile classification, analysis, and equipment usage. Through expert lectures and practical exercises, participants acquired key skills in textile identification and gained insights into the WCO's efforts in promoting international customs laboratory cooperation. The workshop strengthens Albania's capabilities in accurately identifying and classifying textiles, contributing to fair trade and revenue collection.

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Inter-State School for Customs (ISSC) of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (EMCCA) and assisted in developing a new development strategy. This capacity-based strategy aims to reshape customs talent development through a modernized curriculum, faculty development, and a quality assurance system, contributing to regional trade facilitation and economic development. The WCO will continue to provide support to facilitate the ISSC's transformation.