WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, highlighting customs' crucial role in promoting economic competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO showcased relevant tools and measures, emphasizing the importance of customs-business cooperation. During the event, the WCO also strengthened collaboration with Spanish Customs and the Catalan private sector, aiming to build a more efficient and transparent customs system and promote global trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its second seminar on E-Commerce and Customs Valuation, focusing on the valuation challenges in cross-border e-commerce. The event brought together international organizations, customs administrations, and private sector representatives to discuss policies, procedures, and practices. The aim was to address the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of e-commerce trade, facilitate trade, and build a fair and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. The WCO is actively working to develop a more comprehensive e-commerce valuation system to promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Beijing Hosts Global Supply Chain Expo to Enhance Trade Links

Beijing Hosts Global Supply Chain Expo to Enhance Trade Links

The 7th International Supply Chain and Logistics Exhibition will grandly open in Beijing, focusing on new opportunities for supply chain and logistics industry development under the "Belt and Road" Initiative. Hosted by authoritative organizations such as China National Convention Center Group, the exhibition aims to create a world-class logistics exhibition platform, promote regional collaboration and international trade facilitation. It gathers top domestic and foreign government and enterprises, covering sea, land, air and rail multimodal transport. A special Central and Eastern European exhibition area will be set up to help companies "go global" and "bring in", jointly building a new pattern of interconnectedness.

01/30/2026 Logistics
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WCO Boosts Global Trade with New Performance Metrics

WCO Boosts Global Trade with New Performance Metrics

The World Customs Organization has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism, aiming to empower member customs administrations to improve strategic decision-making and overall effectiveness through a standardized assessment framework. This mechanism covers key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and security, promoting global customs modernization and contributing to trade facilitation and economic security. A call is made for active participation from all members to jointly build an efficient and secure global customs system. This initiative will help customs administrations enhance their performance and contribute to a safer and more prosperous global trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Holiday Ecommerce Boosts Small Business Sales

US Holiday Ecommerce Boosts Small Business Sales

US Christmas e-commerce sales surged by 10.6%, exceeding online growth expectations. Black Friday and Cyber Monday remained strong, with December sales surpassing last year's figures. Amid inflationary pressures, consumers diversified their spending, creating opportunities for small brands with price advantages. The consumption trend is expected to continue in the first half of next year, requiring cross-border e-commerce businesses to proceed cautiously. The strong online performance indicates a shift in consumer behavior, favoring digital channels during the holiday season.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Can Chinese Ecommerce Platforms Dominate Africas Emerging Market

Can Chinese Ecommerce Platforms Dominate Africas Emerging Market

The African e-commerce market is experiencing rapid growth and holds immense potential. Jumia, Kilmall, and Tospino are the three major cross-border e-commerce platforms in Africa, with Kilmall and Tospino founded by Chinese companies. Chinese enterprises face both opportunities and challenges in the African e-commerce market. To succeed, they need to develop sound strategies, adapt to market changes, provide high-quality services, and achieve localized operations.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Southeast Asias Digital Economy Shows Growth Despite Global Challenges

Southeast Asias Digital Economy Shows Growth Despite Global Challenges

A Bain & Meta report reveals that Southeast Asia, with its stable GDP growth, large consumer base, fintech innovation, and e-commerce boom, is a haven for digital economic growth amid global economic headwinds. Companies should deeply understand local markets, enhance the online shopping experience, integrate online and offline channels, embrace emerging technologies, and focus on sustainable development to seize Southeast Asian digital opportunities. The region presents significant potential for businesses willing to adapt and invest strategically.

12/29/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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