WCO Issues New Customs Valuation Guidance for Trade Compliance

WCO Issues New Customs Valuation Guidance for Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization is set to release new Explanatory Note 7.1, aiming to clarify the meaning of 'price actually paid or payable' and assist businesses in more accurately performing customs valuation. Companies should thoroughly understand the new regulations, optimize their valuation strategies, reduce trade costs, and improve compliance levels, thereby gaining a competitive edge in cross-border trade. This updated guidance is crucial for navigating the complexities of international trade and ensuring accurate declaration of goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Global Trade Classifications Under Harmonized System

WCO Updates Global Trade Classifications Under Harmonized System

The World Customs Organization released the decisions of the 60th session of the Harmonized System Committee, including new commodity classification opinions, revisions to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, and commodity classification rulings. Businesses should promptly understand and adapt to these changes by updating commodity databases, strengthening internal training, and seeking professional assistance when necessary. This ensures trade compliance and improves efficiency in international trade operations. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for navigating customs regulations effectively.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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Global Customs Intensify Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Global Customs Intensify Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Botswana focusing on intellectual property protection, addressing emerging trends in infringement, targeting techniques, data sharing, environmentally sound destruction, and multi-agency cooperation. Through practical exercises, experience sharing, and expert advice, the seminar aimed to enhance customs enforcement capabilities, combat counterfeit and pirated goods, strengthen intellectual property protection, and build a safe and orderly market environment. This initiative seeks to fortify defenses against IP violations and promote legitimate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bosnia Boosts Ecommerce with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Bosnia Boosts Ecommerce with Wcobacked Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina focusing on cross-border e-commerce. The aim was to enhance the awareness of Bosnian Customs regarding e-commerce and to optimize clearance procedures. The workshop highlighted WCO's Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce and the Immediate Release Guidelines. These tools are designed to help Bosnia and Herzegovina seize the opportunities presented by cross-border e-commerce, address related challenges, and ultimately achieve economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Highlights Data Strategy and Trade Tools at June Meetings

WCO Highlights Data Strategy and Trade Tools at June Meetings

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) meeting focused on data strategy, emphasizing the future of data-driven customs management. The meeting approved several key tools, including the 'Study Report on Disruptive Technologies' and the 'Rail Transit Handbook,' which will be submitted to the Policy Commission and Council for approval. Furthermore, discussions covered e-commerce, pandemic response, and the circular economy. The meeting also saw the election of a new chairman and vice-chairman.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO UN OCHA Boost Malis Customs Emergency Response

WTO UN OCHA Boost Malis Customs Emergency Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Division (UNHRD) on the C-RED project in Mali, aiming to enhance the country's customs clearance capabilities for relief goods. Through needs assessments, strengthened coordination, and the drafting of standard operating procedures (SOPs), Mali is expected to establish a more efficient system for clearing emergency supplies. This initiative will better equip the nation to respond to sudden-onset disasters and improve the flow of humanitarian aid.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comptia Calls for Global Digital Trade System Overhaul

Comptia Calls for Global Digital Trade System Overhaul

CompTIA urges the World Customs Organization (WCO) to optimize the Harmonized System (HS) to adapt to the rapidly evolving business landscape. Recommendations include revisiting valuation criteria, shortening review cycles, increasing private sector involvement, and providing explanatory notes free of charge. These suggestions aim to facilitate the digital transformation of global trade by ensuring the HS accurately reflects modern goods and services. Updating the HS is crucial for efficient customs procedures and smooth international commerce in the digital age.

01/30/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Global Alliance Enhance Disaster Relief in Madagascar

WCO Global Alliance Enhance Disaster Relief in Madagascar

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), is supporting Madagascar in enhancing its disaster response capabilities. Through workshops, process optimization, and capacity building, the project aims to improve the efficiency of customs and related agencies in clearing essential goods during emergencies. This initiative seeks to build a more resilient trade system in Madagascar and provide valuable lessons for other countries facing similar challenges.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Time Release Study

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Bahamas Customs in conducting its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify clearance bottlenecks, optimize processes, and lay the groundwork for implementing a Single Window system. This initiative helps the Bahamas comply with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhances trade efficiency, improves the business environment, and provides new impetus for WTO accession and economic development. The implementation steps of the TRS and the advantages of the Single Window are also detailed.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Intensifies Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Latin America Intensifies Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Twelve Latin American countries have jointly launched "Operation Tiger 2" to combat counterfeit and pirated goods. Led by the World Customs Organization and Panama Customs, and funded by the Japanese government, the operation builds on the success of "Operation Tiger 1." It will leverage IPM tools to enhance information sharing, protect consumer rights, maintain market order, and create a safe consumer environment. The initiative underscores the commitment to safeguarding intellectual property and fostering legitimate trade within the region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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