WCO Revises Customs Valuation Rules to Reduce Trade Risks

WCO Revises Customs Valuation Rules to Reduce Trade Risks

The World Customs Organization has released updated Customs Valuation tools, focusing on revised advisory opinions regarding royalties and the valuation of private label goods. These new guidelines aim to assist businesses in more accurately understanding and applying customs valuation rules, reducing trade costs, improving customs clearance efficiency, and mitigating potential risks. The updates provide clarity on complex valuation issues, ensuring fair and consistent application of international trade regulations. This will ultimately facilitate smoother cross-border transactions and promote greater trade compliance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen IP Border Enforcement

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen IP Border Enforcement

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intellectual Property Border Enforcement was successfully held in Shanghai, bringing together customs representatives and experts from 26 countries. The workshop focused on the harms of intellectual property infringement, the application of the TRIPS Agreement, the use of the IPM system, the identification of genuine and counterfeit goods, and risk assessment. Through experience sharing and practical exercises, the event enhanced the intellectual property protection capabilities of customs officers, promoted international cooperation, and fostered innovation and prosperity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Tightens Border Security with Riskbased Screening

Laos Tightens Border Security with Riskbased Screening

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Lao People's Democratic Republic is actively building a risk-based passenger clearance mechanism through capacity-building workshops. This mechanism aims to enhance border security, improve customs clearance efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. Facing challenges in data analysis, technology application, and inter-agency collaboration, Laos' experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The implementation focuses on streamlined processes and targeted inspections, improving overall border management while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretaries General met, emphasizing deepened cooperation through enhanced data sharing, technical assistance, and security facilitation measures. Key areas include data standardization, passenger data exchange, the application of emerging technologies, and policy dialogues. The aim is to improve the security, efficiency, and sustainability of global trade. This collaboration seeks to streamline processes, enhance risk management, and foster a more secure and predictable international trading environment, ultimately benefiting both customs and maritime sectors.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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RPA Enhances Logistics Efficiency Reduces Costs

RPA Enhances Logistics Efficiency Reduces Costs

RPA optimizes the efficiency of logistics supply chain operations by automating repetitive tasks and freeing up human resources. The Crete Carrier case demonstrates that RPA is an inevitable choice for digital transformation. By automating processes like order processing, shipment tracking, and invoice management, RPA reduces errors, accelerates workflows, and improves overall operational agility. This allows logistics companies to focus on strategic initiatives and deliver enhanced customer service. The application of RPA in logistics leads to significant cost savings and increased productivity.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Logistics Firms Tackle Talent Shortage Ahead of Peak Season

Logistics Firms Tackle Talent Shortage Ahead of Peak Season

This article delves into the talent acquisition challenges faced by logistics companies during peak seasons and proposes four key strategies: developing a long-term talent strategy, actively promoting technology application, emphasizing career development, and formulating 'backup plans.' It emphasizes that companies should adopt a proactive, year-round talent strategy, combined with technological innovation and flexible employment mechanisms, to address labor shortages and ensure smooth operations during peak periods. This approach helps mitigate risks associated with increased demand and workforce limitations.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Johnson Johnson Vision Boosts Efficiency at Manufacturing Plant

Johnson Johnson Vision Boosts Efficiency at Manufacturing Plant

Johnson & Johnson Vision Care's Jacksonville facility achieves efficient and accurate order fulfillment through optimized picking technologies, dynamic SKU layout resets, multi-technology collaborative fulfillment, and precision packaging. Its meticulous design philosophy, flexible application of technology, and attention to detail provide valuable lessons for other manufacturing companies and foreshadow the future direction of smart manufacturing. The factory's approach highlights the importance of continuous improvement and technological integration in achieving operational excellence within a complex manufacturing environment, ultimately leading to enhanced supply chain performance.

01/27/2026 Warehousing
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European Patent Office Fee Hike Costsaving Strategies for Firms

European Patent Office Fee Hike Costsaving Strategies for Firms

The European Patent Office (EPO) will increase official fees from April 1, 2026, with an average rise of 5-8%. Companies should comprehensively review pending and granted patents, prepay fees where possible, file applications early, and streamline claims to mitigate rising costs. In the long term, optimizing patent application strategies and exploring ways to maximize patent value are crucial to offset the impact of the fee increases. Proactive planning and strategic adjustments are essential for maintaining cost-effectiveness in European patent protection.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Revises Export Tax Rebates Guangzhou Experts Advise Adjustments

China Revises Export Tax Rebates Guangzhou Experts Advise Adjustments

This Guangzhou-based offline course addresses significant changes in export tax rebate policies, focusing on new policy interpretation, practical application & declaration updates, and risk mitigation. It aims to help financial personnel comprehensively understand the new policies, improve risk response capabilities, and seize policy opportunities. Led by experienced experts, the course covers policy changes, practical procedures, risk management, and more. The goal is to enhance companies' export tax rebate management, enabling sustainable development by navigating the evolving landscape and optimizing compliance.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Senate Bill Targets Port Efficiency SCM Upgrades

US Senate Bill Targets Port Efficiency SCM Upgrades

The US Senate Commerce Committee approved the Port Performance Act, aimed at enhancing port operational efficiency. Simultaneously, the application of software platforms in Supply Chain Management (SCM) is becoming increasingly prevalent. Leveraging technologies such as data analytics and artificial intelligence, these platforms significantly improve responsiveness, execution efficiency, and decision-making quality. Policy support and technological innovation are collectively driving supply chain transformation and upgrades. The act and SCM platforms are expected to improve port efficiency and overall supply chain performance.

02/12/2026 Logistics
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