It is probably not an exaggeration to say that the results of the Malaysian General elections in May of this year took nearly everyone by surprise... But with a Trump-Kim meeting happening, four time champions Italy not making the FIFA World Cup, and Loki actually dying in an Avengers movie, is there anything that really surprises anyone anymore?
Topics: Asia
On March 20, the 13th National People's Congress of China has formally reached an agreement on the institutional reform plan of the Chinese governmental agencies submitted by the State Council. According to the restructuring plan, many governmental agencies related to import and export operations will be integrated or simplified, and the related parties’ working scope shall be adjusted as well.
Tradewin has summarized the developments as relates to import/export as follows:
The responsibilities and personnel of China and Inspection Quarantine (CIQ) shall be integrated into China Customs.
Topics: Asia, Export Consulting, Import Consulting
With modern age online shopping, our favorite items might just be a click away. When I was living in Shanghai, logistics had become so advanced that the typical lead time from purchasing an item to having it delivered at the door should not take more than 1 or 2 days.
As a consumer, do we ever think about how it is possible for products to be delivered so quickly?
As a customs and trade consultant, I have had the privilege to work with many retailers. We analyze the flow of goods and transactions to optimize supply chain and trade compliance.
Topics: Asia, Export Consulting, Import Consulting
Thailand is well known as a beautiful country filled with friendly people - the ‘Land of Smiles’. Given this well-deserved reputation, it may come as a surprise that Thailand is also well known in Asia trade compliance circles for very tough customs authorities.
To celebrate the opening of Tradewin Thailand, we wanted to highlight the top 3 reasons for import clearance delays.
Topics: Asia, HS Classification
Korea is introducing a new Importer Self-Assessment (ISA) program allowing companies the opportunity to file an annual ISA report in lieu of undergoing a Customs Assessment. It also provides the extra benefit of allowing VAT recovery on additional duties payable, which is an obstacle under the current system.
The reality of the ISA program is that it is practically impossible for customs to verify the legality of all import declarations due to the limited manpower of the auditors. Given this circumstance, customs audits were primarily focused on the collection of additional duties. This increased the number of objections and appeals filed against Customs, proving to be a burden for both businesses and tax collection.
