Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Brazil Clamps Down on Shell Firms Hits Ecommerce Trade

Brazil Clamps Down on Shell Firms Hits Ecommerce Trade

The Brazilian e-commerce market is facing a tax crackdown, leading to the suspension of numerous shell company accounts and posing a risk of cargo detention for Mercado Libre sellers. This analysis examines key dimensions of the tax audit, provides urgent response recommendations, and emphasizes the core elements of long-term compliant operations. The aim is to help sellers navigate the compliance path and find a way out of the current predicament, ensuring continued business operations within the legal framework.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) meeting approved several instruments for submission to the Policy Commission (PC) and Council. The meeting focused on topics such as data strategy, trade facilitation, and e-commerce, aiming to improve customs efficiency and promote international trade development. Representatives from the United Kingdom and Indonesia were elected as the new chair and vice-chair, respectively. The approved instruments are expected to further streamline customs procedures and enhance global trade cooperation within the WCO framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Morocco Boosts Green Customs Via Crossborder Partnerships

Morocco Boosts Green Customs Via Crossborder Partnerships

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of Morocco's customs regulatory framework for environmental compliance, covering the legal and policy foundations, inter-agency cooperation, compliance standards, application of electronic platforms, procedural simplification, and future prospects. It highlights Morocco's commitment to improving environmental compliance through multi-level cooperation, technological application, and process optimization. The study emphasizes Morocco's efforts in enhancing environmental compliance through various strategies and offers valuable lessons for other countries seeking to strengthen their own environmental protection measures within customs control.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by establishing working groups, providing technical assistance, and developing guidance tools. These efforts help members improve customs management and facilitate global trade. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya emphasized that the WCO will continue to support the TFA implementation, jointly moving towards a more efficient and transparent trade future. The WCO's commitment aims to streamline processes and reduce trade barriers for its members.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Taiwan Considers Stricter Rules for Ships to China Over Flag Concerns

Taiwan Considers Stricter Rules for Ships to China Over Flag Concerns

Taiwan's transportation authorities are drafting the "Management Rules for Taiwan-Flagged (Including Flag of Convenience) Vessels Sailing to Mainland China." This aims to regulate shipping between Taiwan, mainland China, and Hong Kong, address the decline in Taiwan-flagged vessels, and strengthen the supervision of flag of convenience ships to prevent potential risks. This initiative is crucial for the development of Taiwan's shipping industry and the safety of cross-strait navigation. The rules are expected to provide a clearer framework for shipping operations and enhance regulatory oversight.

09/26/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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EU Eases CBAM Rules for Small Importers

EU Eases CBAM Rules for Small Importers

The Netherlands Emissions Authority has adjusted the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), significantly reducing the compliance burden for small importers. Importers with annual imports below 50 tons are exempt from reporting obligations, while those exceeding 50 tons can use EU default emission values. Importers should assess their import volumes, seek professional support, and prepare for the full implementation after the transitional period. This simplification aims to ease the initial adoption of CBAM for smaller businesses, ensuring a smoother transition to the new carbon regulation framework.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Fake COVID Supplies in Southeast Asia

Global Customs Intensifies Crackdown on Fake COVID Supplies in Southeast Asia

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening cooperation with ASEAN to combat cross-border smuggling of counterfeit and substandard COVID-19 supplies. This collaboration aims to enhance customs control capabilities, strengthen intelligence sharing, and leverage technology to build a new framework for global customs cooperation. The initiative seeks to safeguard global health security by preventing the proliferation of illicit medical products and ensuring the integrity of supply chains. This partnership underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing transnational threats and protecting public health.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

Malawi Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

With the support of the WCO and Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) is actively building a competency-based human resource management system (CBHRM) to enhance organizational effectiveness. This initiative aims to improve talent selection, customize training programs, implement objective performance evaluations, and optimize career development. MRA's experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries' tax administrations. The CBHRM framework helps MRA to strategically manage its workforce, ensuring it possesses the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively administer taxes and contribute to national development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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