WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Ethiopias Customs Modernization with Talent Assessment

WCO Backs Ethiopias Customs Modernization with Talent Assessment

WCO assists Ethiopian Customs in improving human resource management, promoting modernization. Experts recommend optimizing recruitment, training, and performance evaluation, providing a reference for developing countries. The focus is on building a skilled and motivated workforce to support customs reforms and enhance operational efficiency. This initiative aims to strengthen Ethiopia's capacity to effectively manage its borders and facilitate trade, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The recommendations offer practical guidance for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs administrations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Customs Enhances Regional Ties to Spur Economic Growth

MENA Customs Enhances Regional Ties to Spur Economic Growth

The inaugural meeting of the MENA Customs Resource Mobilization Working Group was successfully held in Bahrain. The meeting focused on enhancing regional customs administration capabilities, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic integration. Participants discussed strategies for resource mobilization to support customs modernization and efficiency improvements. The initiative aims to strengthen customs cooperation within the MENA region, contributing to sustainable economic growth and regional stability. Key topics included best practices in revenue collection, risk management, and the use of technology in customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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AI Matchmaking Event Aims to Boost Innovation

AI Matchmaking Event Aims to Boost Innovation

An online closed-door matchmaking event focusing on AI/technology project and product needs. It aims to connect quality projects with potential clients, scenarios, and opportunities, while also helping resource providers find reliable AI products, achieving a win-win situation. The event features a compact and efficient process, including project presentations, interactive discussions, and one-on-one meetings, dedicated to increasing collaboration success rates and shortening project implementation cycles. Ultimately facilitating effective AI integration and technology empowerment through strategic project collaboration.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Autonomous Forklifts Transform Warehousing Industry

Autonomous Forklifts Transform Warehousing Industry

Autonomous forklifts are not entirely 'unmanned' but require human-robot collaboration. Humans play a vital role in exception handling, remote monitoring, and dual-mode operation. As technology advances, pallet movement in high-density storage areas is trending towards full autonomy, integrating with WMS to enhance efficiency and accuracy. Human-robot collaboration is crucial for the development of autonomous forklifts, leveraging human intelligence for complex scenarios while automating routine tasks. This synergy optimizes warehouse operations and ensures seamless integration with existing systems.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Target Expands Largeformat Stores Amid Ecommerce Shift

Target Expands Largeformat Stores Amid Ecommerce Shift

Target is launching a 150,000-square-foot superstore designed to enhance its competitiveness in the e-commerce era. This new store format emphasizes spatial design, omnichannel integration, supply chain efficiency, data-driven marketing, and social responsibility. It aims to provide consumers with a superior shopping experience and reshape the retail landscape. The store focuses on creating a more engaging and convenient environment, leveraging technology and data to personalize the shopping journey and optimize operations, ultimately aiming to redefine the future of retail.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Handsfree Scanning Tech Increases Warehouse Efficiency 20

Handsfree Scanning Tech Increases Warehouse Efficiency 20

Amidst retail growth and warehousing pressures, handheld scanning technology significantly boosts warehouse productivity by freeing hands, reducing errors, enhancing safety, and optimizing management. Widely applied in picking, palletizing, and sorting processes, this technology is evolving towards intelligence, integration, lightweight design, and augmented reality. It has become a crucial element for businesses seeking to improve their competitiveness. It improves efficiency and accuracy, thus streamlining operations and reducing operational costs. The future of warehousing is undoubtedly intertwined with advancements in handheld scanning solutions.

01/16/2026 Warehousing
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Walmart Expands Beef Supply Chain for Premium Cuts

Walmart Expands Beef Supply Chain for Premium Cuts

Walmart is building its own Angus beef supply chain to control quality, reduce costs, and differentiate itself. This vertical integration strategy aims to provide consumers with 'steakhouse quality' beef. However, Walmart faces challenges in quality control, cost management, and sustainable development. The success of Walmart's 'beef empire' hinges on its execution, innovation, and understanding of consumer needs. This move allows for greater oversight from farm to shelf, potentially improving traceability and consistency while navigating the complexities of the meat industry.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Descartes Buys Boxtop to Boost SME Logistics Globally

Descartes Buys Boxtop to Boost SME Logistics Globally

Descartes' acquisition of BoxTop aims to empower small and medium-sized logistics service providers. By combining BoxTop's freight management strengths with Descartes' global logistics network, it will provide customers with more comprehensive digital solutions, enhancing operational efficiency, visibility, and customs compliance accuracy. This acquisition is a key step in Descartes' strategy to build a complete logistics ecosystem, accelerating the digital transformation of the logistics industry. The integration promises a more streamlined and efficient experience for smaller players in the market.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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Descartes Acquires Localz to Boost Lastmile Delivery Services

Descartes Acquires Localz to Boost Lastmile Delivery Services

Descartes' acquisition of Localz aims to strengthen its last-mile service offerings. By integrating real-time vehicle tracking with customer communication technologies, it enhances delivery transparency and customer satisfaction. This acquisition is part of Descartes' ongoing investment in last-mile solutions, designed to help customers stand out in a competitive market and expand its solutions in the delivery and home/last-mile delivery space. The integration will enable improved customer interaction and visibility throughout the final stage of the delivery process.

01/15/2026 Logistics
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