WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
Read More
Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexico's new Customs Law, set to take effect in 2026, strengthens regulations and promotes digitalization. It impacts areas such as declarations, customs clearance, and risk monitoring. This new law is expected to increase compliance costs for businesses and affect various stakeholders. The updated regulations aim to enhance security and efficiency in customs procedures, but also necessitate adjustments and investments from companies involved in trade with Mexico to ensure adherence to the new requirements.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System in Africa, provides comprehensive support to Madagascar Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. This includes capacity building workshops, technical assistance, experience sharing, and laboratory construction. The initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation in Madagascar, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and increase trade certainty, ultimately injecting new vitality into the country's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

This guide aims to help import and export companies understand the customs valuation intelligence exchange mechanism. By clarifying the importing country's customs self-assessment checklist, the golden rules of intelligence exchange, and upgraded measures, it helps businesses mitigate risks, accelerate customs clearance processes, and enhance international trade competitiveness. It provides practical guidance on leveraging intelligence exchange to ensure accurate valuations and avoid potential penalties, ultimately leading to more efficient and compliant trade operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga, aiming to enhance customs modernization and facilitate trade. The WCO expert team engaged with various departments within Tonga Customs and external stakeholders to assess the existing system, provide recommendations for improvement, and share international best practices. This initiative is expected to help Tonga establish an efficient, transparent, and compliant PCA system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation and economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
China Customs Adopts Tech to Streamline Trade

China Customs Adopts Tech to Streamline Trade

Chinese Customs has achieved remarkable results in trade facilitation through technological innovation, building an e-government system, optimizing customs clearance procedures, and strengthening international cooperation. Through informatization, process reengineering, and international collaboration, Chinese Customs is contributing to building a more efficient, secure, and intelligent global trade system. Its efforts focus on leveraging technology to streamline processes, enhance security, and foster collaboration with international partners to promote smoother and more efficient cross-border trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Guide Mastering Formal Customs Declarations

Global Trade Guide Mastering Formal Customs Declarations

This article delves into the crucial role of formal customs declaration in cross-border trade, explaining its definition, functions, and various types. Understanding formal customs declaration enables businesses to ensure compliance in import and export operations, reduce legal risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and provide better protection for customers. This ultimately leads to greater success in the global market. It emphasizes the importance of adhering to regulations for smooth and efficient international trade processes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA) are deepening cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and compliance through information sharing, training collaboration, and technological innovation. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance global competitiveness. By fostering a smoother and more efficient trade environment, this partnership will help businesses seize trade opportunities and build a shared future.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

The WCO, in collaboration with the OSCE, is assisting the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in launching a new round of Time Release Study (TRS). This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote economic development within the country. By analyzing the time taken for goods to be released, the study will identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the customs process, ultimately leading to enhanced trade facilitation and increased efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More