Take Vietnam's customs law, passed in December 2001, which allows customs offices to hold suspected counterfeit goods at the border, and thus stop them being exported.

ECONOMIST: New moves to protect foreign companies

The average speed of rail freight on this route, because of hold-ups at frontiers, customs inspections and the like, is barely 9mph.

ECONOMIST: A better way to fly

In Anchorage, Alaska, a group was planning to converge on city hall to hold a carol-singing protest in defence of Christmas customs they believe to be under threat, such as the habit of wishing someone "Merry Christmas" instead of "Happy Holidays".

BBC: War on Christmas: Is the festival under attack?