WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces French Online Courses for Trade Efficiency

WCO Introduces French Online Courses for Trade Efficiency

The WCO has launched a French version of its Data Model and Customs Valuation online course to help customs officers in French-speaking regions improve their skills and promote trade facilitation. This initiative aims to empower customs officials with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement the WCO Data Model and apply customs valuation principles. By providing access to this comprehensive training in French, the WCO is enhancing accessibility and fostering greater participation, ultimately contributing to more efficient and transparent customs procedures and smoother international trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Revises Tariffs to Align With Afcfta Trade Pact

Nigeria Revises Tariffs to Align With Afcfta Trade Pact

Nigeria is upgrading its tariff system in collaboration with the WCO and ECOWAS to prepare for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This modernization aims to improve trade efficiency, combat smuggling, and promote regional integration. The updated system will streamline customs procedures and enhance compliance with international standards, ultimately facilitating smoother trade flows and contributing to Nigeria's economic growth within the AfCFTA framework. This initiative signifies Nigeria's commitment to leveraging the opportunities presented by the AfCFTA and strengthening its position as a key player in African trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Onward Kashiyamas Wool Line Boosts Sales in Japan

Onward Kashiyamas Wool Line Boosts Sales in Japan

Japanese apparel group Onward Kashiyama successfully promoted its Merino wool knitwear collection across six women's brands in collaboration with The Woolmark Company. The campaign effectively highlighted the quality advantages of Merino wool, integrating online and offline channels to achieve significant sales growth and increased online traffic. This initiative demonstrates the importance of sustainable practices and digital transformation in driving brand growth. The partnership underscored the value of quality materials and innovative marketing strategies in the competitive fashion market, resulting in a successful campaign that boosted brand visibility and customer engagement.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Mars Petcare Adopts Blockchain for Pet Food Supply Chain Transparency

Mars Petcare Adopts Blockchain for Pet Food Supply Chain Transparency

Mars, Incorporated partners with Wholechain to build an end-to-end traceability system for seafood in pet food using blockchain technology. This enables digital interoperability and ensures transparent information sharing throughout the supply chain. Aligned with GDST standards, this initiative enhances supply chain visibility and demonstrates Mars' commitment to sustainability. It provides consumers with confidence and promotes improved traceability and responsibility across the entire food industry. The solution allows tracking from origin to finished product, ensuring the seafood is sourced responsibly and ethically, meeting consumer demand for transparency.

01/06/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Ulta Beauty Expands Omnichannel Fulfillment Capacity

Ulta Beauty Expands Omnichannel Fulfillment Capacity

Ulta Beauty is expanding its store fulfillment program to 400 locations, enhancing its same-day delivery service. This initiative aims to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and strengthen the omnichannel experience for customers. By leveraging its store network for fulfillment, Ulta Beauty is optimizing its logistics and providing faster delivery options. The company is also upgrading its supply chain to support future growth and meet the increasing demands of its expanding e-commerce operations. This strategic move underscores Ulta Beauty's commitment to providing a seamless and convenient shopping experience across all channels.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Outside Bidders

USPS Expands Lastmile Delivery to Outside Bidders

The United States Postal Service (USPS) plans to open its last-mile delivery network, allowing shippers of all sizes to access it through a bidding process. This initiative aims to increase revenue, improve efficiency, and enable retailers to achieve faster delivery times. Expert opinions are divided, recognizing both opportunities and challenges. This move could intensify market competition, foster innovation, empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and reshape the consumer experience. USPS needs to overcome operational complexities, pricing strategies, and technical support challenges to succeed in this endeavor.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Uship Launches Realtime LTL Freight Pricing Platform

Uship Launches Realtime LTL Freight Pricing Platform

uShip has launched an instant pricing marketplace for LTL freight, connecting small and medium-sized shippers with carriers. This platform enables dynamic pricing and direct connection, reducing transaction costs and improving transparency and efficiency. Shippers benefit from more competitive rates, increased flexibility, and quality service. Carriers can optimize profit margins and expand their customer base. The marketplace has already partnered with 16 carriers and may expand to other transportation modes in the future. This initiative aims to streamline LTL shipping and offer better solutions for both shippers and carriers.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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UPS to Add Air Conditioning to 5000 Delivery Trucks

UPS to Add Air Conditioning to 5000 Delivery Trucks

UPS is actively advancing its labor agreement with the Teamsters, including the installation of air conditioning in 5,000 existing delivery vehicles and testing cargo area air conditioning. This initiative aims to improve the working conditions for frontline employees and address the challenges posed by high temperatures. Despite previous friction between the two parties regarding network restructuring and other issues, the progress on this air conditioning plan demonstrates a shared commitment to improving employee welfare. This represents a significant step towards creating a safer and more comfortable environment for UPS workers.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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UPS to Add Air Conditioning in Delivery Trucks After Labor Deal

UPS to Add Air Conditioning in Delivery Trucks After Labor Deal

UPS plans to install air conditioning in 5,000 delivery vehicles to improve working conditions for its drivers. This initiative is part of a labor agreement reached with the Teamsters union, aimed at providing better heat protection for drivers. While UPS's relationship with the union hasn't always been smooth, with disputes over network restructuring and employee separation plans, the company is working to enhance operational efficiency and provide better service to its customers. This investment in driver comfort is a step towards improving employee relations and overall service quality.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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