Shipping Industry Grapples With SOLAS VGM Rule Impact

Shipping Industry Grapples With SOLAS VGM Rule Impact

The IMO's SOLAS Convention VGM amendment aims to enhance shipping safety but introduces compliance costs and operational pressures for the shipping industry. This article analyzes the background, impact, and response strategies to the VGM amendment. It emphasizes that strengthening regulation, supporting SMEs, fostering collaboration, and embracing technology are crucial to mitigating challenges. Ultimately, the goal is to transform this 'sweet burden' into a driving force for industry development.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Guatemala Customs Adopts WCO Standards to Boost Trade Efficiency

Guatemala Customs Adopts WCO Standards to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO is assisting Guatemala in accelerating its accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), aiming to streamline customs procedures. An assessment indicates good progress, with the roadmap being maintained. RKC compliance is expected to enhance Guatemala's trade competitiveness and enable it to embrace global opportunities. This initiative focuses on trade facilitation and utilizes customs assistance to ensure successful RKC implementation, ultimately benefiting Guatemala's integration into the global trading system.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Uganda in Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

WCO Aids Uganda in Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

With funding from Sweden, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's (URA) capacity to enforce the CITES Convention. This initiative, under the INAMA project, aims to enhance the URA's ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment included institutional reviews, officer training, and field visits. This lays the foundation for future cooperation to protect endangered wildlife species and combat wildlife trafficking.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

The WCO assessed the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the CITES Convention. The assessment revealed shortcomings, leading to the development of an improvement plan. This plan aims to combat the illegal trade in wild flora and fauna by strengthening customs enforcement and ensuring compliance with CITES regulations. The initiative seeks to enhance the URA's effectiveness in detecting, preventing, and suppressing wildlife trafficking, contributing to broader wildlife conservation efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New HS 2028 Codes Target Plastic Waste for Trade Compliance

New HS 2028 Codes Target Plastic Waste for Trade Compliance

HS 2028 refines HS codes for plastic waste to more accurately identify waste regulated under the Basel Convention. This aims to support customs enforcement and corporate compliance, jointly addressing the global plastic pollution challenge and building a new order for green trade. By providing more specific classifications, HS 2028 facilitates better tracking and management of plastic waste, contributing to the effective implementation of international environmental agreements and promoting sustainable trade practices.

01/30/2026 HS Code Query
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Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Adopts Harmonized System to Modernize Customs

Comoros Adopts Harmonized System to Modernize Customs

With the support of the African Development Bank, Comoros is actively promoting the application of the Harmonized System Convention to enhance customs management, facilitate trade, and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Comorian tariff system and bolstering capacity building within the customs administration. The goal is to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately contribute to economic growth and development in Comoros.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Guide for Wood Furniture Exporters

US Customs Guide for Wood Furniture Exporters

This article provides a detailed interpretation of regulations related to wooden furniture exports to the USA, including APHIS regulations, the Lacey Act, CITES Convention, tariff policies, and customs clearance procedures. It aims to help exporters avoid risks and successfully complete export trade. The article emphasizes the importance of wood disinfection, legality of timber origin, and preparing relevant documents in advance for smooth customs clearance. Understanding these aspects is crucial for a successful export process.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Plastic Waste Management Enters New Era by 2028

Global Plastic Waste Management Enters New Era by 2028

HS 2028 enhances the implementation of the Basel Convention by introducing new subheadings for more precise classification of plastic waste. These adjustments aim to assist customs authorities and traders in identifying and managing controlled plastic waste, combating illegal transboundary movements, and promoting environmentally sound recycling. This contributes to global efforts in addressing plastic pollution by providing a more granular and specific framework for tracking and regulating the trade of plastic waste materials.

02/12/2026 HS Code Query
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