Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial importance of cooperation between customs and phytosanitary authorities, especially within the context of trade facilitation, at the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) meeting. The article elaborates on the necessity of this collaboration, WCO's initiatives, global case studies, and future prospects. It emphasizes policy coordination, technology promotion, and capacity building as key elements for successful cooperation in safeguarding plant health while facilitating international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Switzerland Adopts Revised Kyoto Pact to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Switzerland Adopts Revised Kyoto Pact to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Switzerland's ratification of the Revised Kyoto Convention in 2004 demonstrates its commitment to international cooperation and trade facilitation. This action aims to simplify customs procedures, harmonize international systems, and promote global trade development. It serves as a model for other nations, contributing to a more open and efficient global trading system. The adoption reflects Switzerland's proactive role in shaping a modern and streamlined international trade environment, fostering economic growth and collaboration worldwide.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New HS 2028 Codes Target Global Plastic Waste Trafficking

New HS 2028 Codes Target Global Plastic Waste Trafficking

HS 2028 revises customs codes to more accurately identify and classify plastic waste, especially hazardous waste, thereby strengthening the implementation of the Basel Convention. This new coding system aims to improve customs regulatory efficiency, standardize corporate compliance, and ultimately curb the illegal transboundary movement of plastic waste, protecting the global environment. The revised codes facilitate better tracking and control of plastic waste shipments, ensuring environmentally sound management and preventing illegal dumping in developing countries.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
Read More
Shipping Industry Grapples With Container Overweight Risks Costs

Shipping Industry Grapples With Container Overweight Risks Costs

Container overweight is a common risk in international trade. This paper analyzes container weight limits, overweight risks, and mitigation strategies from a data analysis perspective, and interprets the requirements of the SOLAS Convention. By accurately assessing cargo weight, optimizing loading plans, and strengthening communication and collaboration, companies can effectively avoid overweight risks, reduce logistics costs, and ensure transportation safety. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to regulations for compliant and safe container shipping.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Overweight Container Compliance Costs Rise Amid Safety Concerns

Overweight Container Compliance Costs Rise Amid Safety Concerns

Container overweight is a common risk in international trade. This paper analyzes the structural, operational, shipping, and regulatory risks associated with overweight containers, and provides strategies such as pre-booking assessment, selecting appropriate container types, and negotiating overweight solutions. It also details the impact of the SOLAS Convention on the supply chain, emphasizing the responsibilities of shippers, carriers, and terminal operators. The aim is to help companies effectively manage overweight risks and ensure safe and compliant cargo transportation.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

A joint statement by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) aims to coordinate and facilitate cross-border rail transport during the pandemic. It encourages the temporary acceptance of electronic documents to simplify customs procedures. Based on the Revised Kyoto Convention, this initiative seeks to ensure the continuity and facilitation of international rail transport and promote digital transformation within the rail transport industry.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the Netherlands Customs, focusing on information sharing, GNC, data quality, the Multilateral Mutual Assistance Convention, and mutual recognition, discussing global customs cooperation. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' contribution to WCO technical assistance and looks forward to continued collaboration to build an open, efficient, and secure new global trade landscape. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and innovative solutions for addressing evolving challenges in international trade and customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Customs Officers Get Guide to Key Environmental Treaties

Customs Officers Get Guide to Key Environmental Treaties

This handbook provides customs officers with a practical guide to key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) such as the Basel Convention and CITES. It aims to assist frontline personnel in quickly identifying violations and taking appropriate action. The handbook emphasizes its use in conjunction with the 'Green Customs Initiative MEA Guide'. It helps customs officials understand their role in enforcing environmental regulations and preventing illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods, thereby contributing to global environmental protection and sustainable development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Mexicos Trade Via Economic Operator Program

WCO Enhances Mexicos Trade Via Economic Operator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Deputy Secretary General visited Mexico to attend the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Forum, discussing the role of the AEO program in global trade facilitation and competitiveness enhancement. Both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on the WCO's strategic plan, the Kyoto Convention, and Mexico's customs modernization initiatives. They also conducted site visits to border ports and data centers. This visit aims to strengthen cooperation and support Mexico in improving its trade competitiveness.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project, is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their control over plastic waste via virtual diagnostic missions. The project aims to strengthen Customs' ability to handle legal plastic waste imports, reduce the risk of illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. The WCO will provide customized implementation plans and host regional workshops to foster collaboration and address the challenges of plastic waste management.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More