El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

The 32nd Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee concluded successfully, with El Salvador joining, bringing the number of contracting parties to 135. The meeting finalized the review of updated guidelines for both general and specific annexes, covering key areas such as customs security, advance rulings, and coordinated border management. Moving forward, the RKC will continue to be updated, contributing to global trade facilitation. The updates aim to streamline customs procedures and enhance security measures for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

The Director General of Swedish Customs led a delegation to visit the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on discussions about digital transformation, international cooperation, and trade facilitation. Emphasis was placed on leveraging information technology to enhance customs efficiency, strengthening information sharing, and jointly addressing global challenges. Appreciation was expressed for Sweden's significant support in WCO projects. This meeting injected new vitality into the future development of global customs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions in the international trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

The Malawi Revenue Authority, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, conducted advanced Harmonized System training. This initiative aimed to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, with a focus on tariff classification for pharmaceuticals, food products, and general-purpose parts. The goal was to improve the accuracy and consistency of commodity classification, ensuring correct tax collection and accurate trade data statistics. This contributes positively to trade facilitation and economic development in Malawi.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

The WCO Deputy Secretary General highlighted the importance of international trade resilience at the 10th World BASC Congress. He presented the WCO's work in standardizing customs procedures, promoting international cooperation, and building capacity, with specific mention of the SAFE Framework and its positive impact on AEO programs. The WCO will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to address international trade challenges and promote global economic prosperity. The speech underscored the critical role of customs in ensuring secure and efficient global supply chains.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Classifying Footwear and Accessories for Customs

Guide to Classifying Footwear and Accessories for Customs

This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the latest regulations on the classification of footwear and its accessories in customs commodity classification. It details the general rules, important notes, subheading notes, and classification practices for various types of footwear. Through case studies and risk warnings, it helps enterprises accurately grasp commodity classification, avoid trade risks, and facilitate smooth trade. It covers key aspects of footwear classification under the Harmonized System, enabling businesses to correctly classify their products and comply with customs regulations.

01/19/2026 HS Code Query
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Ocean Freight Costs Driven by Supply Demand and Seasonality

Ocean Freight Costs Driven by Supply Demand and Seasonality

Trade lane cost variations are influenced by supply and demand, General Rate Increases (GRIs), and seasonality. High-demand lanes tend to have lower freight rates, while GRI implementation increases them. Peak Season Surcharges (PSS), Chinese New Year, and port congestion also contribute to freight rate fluctuations. Businesses should leverage data analytics to optimize transportation strategies and reduce logistics costs. Understanding these factors allows for better cost management and improved supply chain efficiency. Proactive planning and data-driven decisions are crucial for navigating the complexities of international trade.

11/03/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Customs and Logistics Innovations Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Customs and Logistics Innovations Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the FITAC International Conference, discussing the role of customs and logistics in global competitiveness. The conference highlighted the critical role of customs in promoting economic development, focusing on two key topics: customs-business partnerships and customs modernization. The aim is to build an efficient, convenient, and secure global trade environment, helping businesses succeed in the global market. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to streamline processes and enhance security, ultimately boosting economic growth and trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Logistics
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Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Customs, with WCO support, held a HS Code workshop to improve tariff classification accuracy and consistency, promoting trade efficiency. The workshop covered the application of HS Code General Interpretative Rules, interpretation of Committee Decisions, adaptation to revisions, and the advance ruling system. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials and corporate compliance management, laying the foundation for the modernization of Kazakhstan Customs and the globalization of enterprises. The training is expected to improve trade facilitation and reduce discrepancies in customs declarations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinas Nanjing Customs Lab Named WCO Regional Hub for Asiapacific Trade Security

Chinas Nanjing Customs Lab Named WCO Regional Hub for Asiapacific Trade Security

Nanjing Customs Laboratory of China's General Administration of Customs has officially become a WCO Regional Customs Laboratory, marking a new opportunity for customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. The laboratory boasts expertise in areas such as agricultural products, minerals, and hazardous materials identification. It will provide support to WCO members in the region, strengthen information sharing, organize workshops and training courses to enhance the professional skills of customs personnel, facilitate trade, and contribute to building an open, secure, and prosperous global trade system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) attended the graduation ceremony of French-speaking African customs officials at the Belgian Customs Academy, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and societal protection. This initiative supports African economic development and the AfCFTA by enhancing customs management, promoting regional integration, and fostering international cooperation. The WCO plays a key role by providing technical assistance and promoting the application of international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment in Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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