WTO members introduced more trade-restrictive measures from mid-October 2017 to mid-May 2018 compared to the previous review period (mid-October 2016 to mid-October 2017), according to the Director-General's mid-year report on trade-related developments presented to members on 25 July at a meeting of the Trade Policy Review Body.
The United States has requested WTO dispute consultations with Canada, China, the European Union, Mexico and Turkey regarding additional duties imposed by the five WTO members on imports of certain US products. The request was circulated to WTO members on 19 July.
Reproduced from www.wcoomd.org
Reproduced from www.wcoomd.org
The Antwerp Port Authority and the Antwerp blockchain start-up T-Mining have developed a solution designed to make document flows safer and more efficient. Documents, such as certificates of origin and phytosanitary certificates, are transferred via blockchain technology and the document flow is automated by means of so-called "Smart Contracts". Together with Belfruco, Enzafruit, PortApp, 1-Stop and T&G Global, a specific solution was developed for phytosanitary certificates – which guarantee the safety of fruit and vegetables. .
China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) is amending its advance cargo information requirements for imports and exports from June 1.
2018 IFCBA World Conference in Manila, Philippines
The 2018 IFCBA World Conference will take place from Monday, May 28, starting with our Board of Directors meeting, through Thursday, May 31 in Manila, Philippines. Join us as we explore the conference theme, “Redefining Global Trade Practices: A Conference for Customs Brokers and their Trade Partners”. Please note that while the conference will formally end with a closing event on the evening of Wednesday, May 30 there will be optional, add-on day excursions planned for May 31.
IFCBA representatives participated in last week's meetings of the WCO E-Commerce Sub-Groups.
These groups held face-to-face meetings at the WCO headquarters in Brussels from 23 to 25 January 2018, bringing together more than 125 delegates from Customs administrations, other government agencies, international organizations, e-vendors/platforms, express service providers, postal operators, freight forwarders, customs brokers and academia to discuss and develop a ‘Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce’.
The IFCBA recognizes and actively supports the important leadership role of the World Customs Organization (WCO). At this time, the ongoing work of the WCO’s eCommerce Working Group is top of mind and a highly relevant example of the WCO’s theme this year’ “A secure business environment for economic development”.
Today we all acknowledge the critical roles of the WCO and our national Customs administrations in both global and national economic development.
