WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Firms Struggle With Customs Compliance

Crossborder Ecommerce Firms Struggle With Customs Compliance

Cross-border e-commerce companies need to balance compliance and efficiency when choosing a customs clearance model. General trade clearance offers high compliance and tax refunds, suitable for bulk goods. Express customs clearance is convenient and efficient but subject to policy restrictions, making it suitable for small-batch replenishment. Companies should select the most appropriate customs clearance method based on their own business characteristics and target market policies. The optimal choice depends on factors such as shipment size, product type, and desired speed of delivery, ensuring both regulatory adherence and operational effectiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UK VAT Registration Expert Tips for Compliance and Growth

UK VAT Registration Expert Tips for Compliance and Growth

This article reveals the current difficulties in UK VAT registration and analyzes the stringent requirements of the UK tax authorities regarding application materials. It emphasizes the importance of providing genuine and valid UK company lease agreements and utility bills. Solutions are proposed to help sellers achieve compliance and expand their business in the UK market. Ensuring accurate documentation and understanding the specific requirements are crucial for successful VAT registration and avoiding potential penalties. This guide aims to assist cross-border e-commerce businesses in navigating the complexities of UK VAT compliance.

01/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Adopts Competencybased HR System for Revenue Authority

Sierra Leone Adopts Competencybased HR System for Revenue Authority

With WCO assistance, the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority implemented HR reforms based on a competency model. This initiative aims to optimize recruitment, training, and performance management processes. By focusing on clearly defined competencies, the reform seeks to enhance organizational effectiveness and improve the overall performance of the revenue authority. The competency model serves as a framework for developing and evaluating employees, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties. Ultimately, this leads to improved revenue collection and a more efficient tax system.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shopify Spirit Fuels Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

Shopify Spirit Fuels Crossborder Ecommerce Growth

This article delves into the popular "Shopify Spirit" within the Chinese cross-border e-commerce community, emphasizing autonomous traffic control, refined user operations, and rapid iteration through trial and error. It elaborates on how to apply the "Shopify Spirit" to independent website operation through technology empowerment, data-driven strategies, and diversified traffic channels. Furthermore, it addresses common technical, payment, and tax-related questions faced by sellers, helping Chinese sellers break free from platform dependence and achieve sustainable growth. The focus is on empowering sellers to take control of their businesses.

01/15/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Shipping Guide Simplifies Customs Clearance Process

Global Shipping Guide Simplifies Customs Clearance Process

This article provides a detailed explanation of the international express customs clearance process, outlining how express companies typically handle clearance on behalf of the recipient, eliminating the need for their presence. It also addresses special circumstances such as tax payments, supplementary documentation requests, and random cargo inspections, explaining how recipients can cooperate online. Furthermore, it covers the rare exceptions where recipients must handle customs clearance themselves and offers suggestions for optimizing the clearance process. The aim is to provide a clear understanding of the usual and unusual aspects of international express customs clearance.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Spur Economic Growth

Pacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Spur Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has launched the Master Training Program (MTP) to develop regional taxation experts in Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to enhance customs valuation and commodity classification capabilities, thereby addressing tax revenue leakages and promoting sustainable economic development. Focusing on the specific taxation challenges faced by these island nations, the program builds a pool of expert trainers and develops specialized training materials. This provides a solid foundation for regional customs capacity building and contributes to improved revenue collection.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Brazil Adjusts Coffee Tariffs to Comply With EU Deforestation Rules

Brazil Adjusts Coffee Tariffs to Comply With EU Deforestation Rules

Brazil is adjusting its coffee industry tariffs to address the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) and promote industry upgrading. This involves lowering import tariffs on compliance-related equipment, increasing export tax rebates for high-value-added products, and restricting the export of low-quality coffee beans. Brazil aims to strengthen its position in the EU market, deepen trade with China, and achieve sustainable development and high-value transformation of its coffee industry. The adjustments are designed to ensure EUDR compliance while simultaneously boosting the competitiveness and profitability of the Brazilian coffee sector.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, supports the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). GRA is pioneering a competency-based HRM approach in West and Central Africa, reviewing and refining key tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks. This initiative aims to build a highly qualified tax workforce, improve operational efficiency and service delivery, and contribute significantly to national economic development. The focus is on creating a sustainable and effective HRM system within the GRA.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

Trucking Industry Calls for Infrastructure Funding to Cut Congestion Costs

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) has launched an advocacy campaign urging Congress to increase infrastructure investment to address traffic congestion and economic losses caused by aging roads and bridges. The ATA proposes raising the fuel tax to provide a sustainable funding source for the Highway Trust Fund. They are calling on the public to pressure their congressional representatives to support infrastructure development. The initiative highlights the urgency of modernizing America's transportation network to improve efficiency and boost the economy by reducing delays and ensuring the safe movement of goods.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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