World Customs Organization Enhances Trade with Time Release Study

World Customs Organization Enhances Trade with Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance global trade efficiency and accelerate the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). TRS quantifies the time taken for goods clearance, helping countries identify bottlenecks and optimize processes. The WCO encourages members to share their TRS experiences and explore its application in international trade corridors. Furthermore, it aims to promote TRS as a global tool to drive trade facilitation worldwide.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malaysias Visa Rules for Chinese Tourists Key Updates

Malaysias Visa Rules for Chinese Tourists Key Updates

This article provides a detailed explanation of the visa policies for Chinese citizens traveling to Malaysia. For short-term tourism within 90 days, Chinese tourists can enter visa-free. For stays exceeding 90 days, appropriate visas are required based on the purpose of visit, such as work or student visas. The article also introduces various visa types, application procedures, and important considerations, offering practical guidance for Chinese citizens planning a trip to Malaysia.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mauritius Tax Authority Boosts Ecoprotection Via Data Partnerships

Mauritius Tax Authority Boosts Ecoprotection Via Data Partnerships

The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) effectively implements environmental compliance in cross-border trade through legal frameworks, institutional cooperation, risk management, and technology application. Despite challenges in information sharing and capacity building, the MRA's experience offers valuable lessons for other countries, particularly in waste management, green technology promotion, and endangered species protection. This approach highlights the importance of a multi-faceted strategy for integrating environmental considerations into international trade practices and ensuring sustainable development.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Adopt Agile Tech at WCO 2026

Global Customs Agencies Adopt Agile Tech at WCO 2026

The 2026 WCO Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi successfully concluded, focusing on "Customs Agility in a Complex World." The conference highlighted the pivotal role of technology in enhancing customs efficiency and ensuring trade security. Discussions covered the application of technologies like non-intrusive inspection, risk management, and cloud computing, emphasizing international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement. A hackathon showcased innovative practices, pointing towards the development of smarter, more secure, and efficient customs operations.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Managing International Express Returns and Liability

Guide to Managing International Express Returns and Liability

This article provides a detailed analysis of the core international express return process, including initiation and reason confirmation, return application and solution confirmation, reverse logistics and customs clearance, and final receipt and subsequent processing. It also clarifies the principle of freight responsibility for international express returns, which is based on "source of responsibility." The responsible party is determined based on who caused the return, helping readers better understand and handle international express returns.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Trade Guide Key Tax and Compliance Terms for Shipping

Global Trade Guide Key Tax and Compliance Terms for Shipping

This article delves into the application of VAT/EORI in European and American customs clearance for international express shipments. Regarding Europe, it elaborates on the rules and scenario-specific requirements of EORI and VAT, as well as the role of IOSS. For the United States, it highlights the importance of EIN/SSN and IOR, emphasizing the criticality of compliant declaration. This guide helps you master the regulations and navigate global shipping smoothly.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Customs Efficiency to Streamline Trade

Moldova Boosts Customs Efficiency to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation workshop in Moldova to enhance the country's customs expertise in customs valuation and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered topics such as the application of the WTO Valuation Agreement, the establishment and utilization of valuation databases, the valuation of second-hand goods, the treatment of assistance and license fees, and the advance ruling system. This provided valuable learning opportunities for Moldovan customs officials.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile successfully hosted a national seminar in Valparaiso on the Harmonized System and Customs Tariff Management. The seminar aimed to enhance the professional skills of customs officials in commodity classification and tariff management, ensuring consistent application of the HS 2017 version and improving current working methods. With the assistance of the WCO, Chile Customs will continue to improve its capabilities, making greater contributions to promoting Chile's economic development and facilitating international trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO Asia/Pacific region hosted a workshop on disruptive technologies, focusing on the application of technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT in the customs domain. The meeting aimed to share experiences, gather input for updating relevant WCO research reports, and promote digital transformation within Asia/Pacific customs administrations. This initiative seeks to enhance trade facilitation and compliance levels by leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among customs organizations in the region.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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