Botswana Overhauls Tax Agency for Improved Efficiency

Botswana Overhauls Tax Agency for Improved Efficiency

The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), in collaboration with the WCO, implemented a competency-based human resource management program. This initiative aimed to enhance organizational performance, improve employee engagement, and strengthen border management. The program focused on identifying and developing the necessary skills and knowledge for BURS staff to effectively carry out their duties, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective tax administration system in Botswana. The partnership with WCO provided valuable expertise and support in the design and implementation of the competency model.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Border Security with Trade Control Training

WCO Enhances Border Security with Trade Control Training

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Expert Training and Certification Program aims to develop a professional workforce and enhance member customs' enforcement capabilities to combat the illicit trade of items related to weapons of mass destruction. Through systematic training and rigorous certification, the program builds a sustainable training system, promotes international cooperation, and drives the unification of STCE standards, contributing to global security. This initiative fosters a global network of trained experts dedicated to preventing the proliferation of sensitive goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Singapore Sellers Expand to Malaysian Market

Amazon Singapore Sellers Expand to Malaysian Market

Amazon Singapore launched the "Export to Malaysia" program, offering sellers access to more Southeast Asian consumers without extra fees or setup. FBA sellers can seamlessly integrate, while self-fulfilled sellers need to apply manually. The program simplifies customs processes, drawing on the success of the Australian and Middle Eastern sites. It highlights the significant potential of the Malaysian e-commerce market and the broader prospects of the Southeast Asian market. This initiative aims to streamline cross-border selling and tap into the growing demand in the region.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Temu Aims to Move Beyond Discounts With 1B Subsidies

Temu Aims to Move Beyond Discounts With 1B Subsidies

Temu, Pinduoduo's cross-border e-commerce platform, launched a "10 Billion Subsidy" program to support Chinese manufacturers in going global and building brand image, shedding the "low price" label. Temu's rapid rise is attributed to its low-price strategy, but it faces challenges in product quality and brand building. Whether Temu can successfully transform depends on its ability to achieve breakthroughs in product quality, brand construction, service experience, and compliant operation. The program aims to elevate Chinese manufacturing and establish a stronger global presence for participating companies.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a French-speaking Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Technical and Operational Advisor Certification Program to develop a highly qualified team of experts and enhance PCA capabilities in French-speaking regions. The inaugural seminar was successfully held at WCO headquarters. Through rigorous selection and a combination of theoretical and practical training, this program lays the foundation for customs capacity building in the French-speaking area. The initiative aims to strengthen post-clearance controls and improve overall customs efficiency within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UPS Streamlines Rural Deliveries Amid Efficiency Push

UPS Streamlines Rural Deliveries Amid Efficiency Push

UPS's Rural Optimization Delivery (ROD) program aims to improve efficiency, but raises concerns about service quality and equity in rural areas. The program's changes could potentially lead to increased delivery times for some rural customers. The focus on optimization, while potentially beneficial for overall cost reduction, needs careful consideration to ensure that rural communities are not disproportionately affected by any negative impacts on delivery speed and reliability. Further investigation is needed to assess the actual impact of the ROD program on rural service levels.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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LA and Long Beach Ports Introduce Night Pass to Reduce Congestion

LA and Long Beach Ports Introduce Night Pass to Reduce Congestion

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach will implement the Night Gate program by the end of July. This initiative aims to alleviate port congestion and improve freight efficiency by extending terminal operating hours into the early morning and implementing congestion pricing during peak hours. This encourages cargo companies to utilize off-peak times for loading and unloading. The program has been piloted and is currently undergoing system testing. It is expected to significantly increase port throughput capacity and improve traffic conditions by shifting volume and reducing bottlenecks.

09/26/2025 Logistics
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Shopee Lazada Boost Seller Programs in Latam Southeast Asia

Shopee Lazada Boost Seller Programs in Latam Southeast Asia

Shopee continues to increase its investment in the Latin American market, projecting an investment of $1.5 billion with the goal of capturing 20% of the Brazilian e-commerce market share by 2025. Lazada has launched a Preferred Seller program, offering benefits such as traffic support to high-performing sellers. Amazon has expanded its Transparency program to combat counterfeit goods, while eBay has added certified docking warehouses to optimize logistics services. These initiatives highlight the ongoing efforts to improve seller performance, combat fraud, and enhance the overall e-commerce experience.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Expands Seller Access to 30 New European Markets

Amazon Expands Seller Access to 30 New European Markets

Amazon's European Export program has been significantly upgraded, allowing sellers to sell products to over 30 European countries and regions with just one European site. This program simplifies operations, reduces tax risks, and expands sales reach, offering Chinese sellers an excellent opportunity to expand into the European market. Both FBA and MFN are supported, providing sellers with flexible logistics options. This upgrade streamlines the process of exporting to Europe, making it easier for businesses to reach a wider customer base and grow their presence in the European e-commerce landscape.

01/04/2026 Logistics
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Amazon Launches Account Health Assurance for Sellers

Amazon Launches Account Health Assurance for Sellers

Amazon introduces the 'Account Health Assurance' program, offering eligible US and Canadian professional sellers a 72-hour window to resolve issues, reducing the risk of account suspension. Sellers need to maintain a good Account Health Rating and set up emergency contact information. This program is not a 'get-out-of-jail-free card'; compliant operation remains crucial. It aims to provide a safety net for sellers demonstrating good account health, allowing them time to rectify problems before facing account deactivation, ultimately fostering a more stable and reliable marketplace.

01/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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