WCO Releases Guide on Harmonized System Trade Compliance

WCO Releases Guide on Harmonized System Trade Compliance

The Compendium of Classification Opinions compiles authoritative rulings from the World Customs Organization Harmonized System Committee regarding complex commodity classifications. It holds the same weight as the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, but focuses more on specific goods. This resource helps companies accurately classify products, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. It is an essential tool for corporate compliance departments and trade professionals.

11/03/2025 HS Code Query
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New HS Code Rules Affect Importers and Exporters of Key Food Products

New HS Code Rules Affect Importers and Exporters of Key Food Products

The Harmonized System Committee of the World Customs Organization has revised the correlation table of commodities under subheadings 1605.54 and 1605.59 in the 2012 and 2017 editions of the Harmonized System. Enterprises involved in the import and export of relevant aquatic invertebrate products should pay attention to and adjust their commodity code declarations to ensure trade compliance and avoid losses caused by incorrect coding.

01/07/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Issues Guidance for Consistent HS Commodity Classification

WCO Issues Guidance for Consistent HS Commodity Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommendations promote the implementation of Harmonized System (HS) resolutions, facilitating global trade and compliance. These recommendations, often discussed within the HS Committee, aim to provide clarity and consistency in customs classification. By adhering to WCO guidelines and HS resolutions, countries can streamline import and export processes, reduce trade barriers, and ensure accurate tariff application. This ultimately contributes to a more efficient and transparent international trading environment.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Stakeholder Talks

Namibia Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Stakeholder Talks

WCO held a workshop in Namibia to support its implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhance its National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) capabilities. The workshop emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and leveraging international best practices to promote trade facilitation. It aimed to provide Namibia with the necessary tools and knowledge to streamline its trade processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), provided remote technical assistance to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. Through theoretical reviews, practical exercises, and case studies, the project significantly improved the auditing skills of Uzbek customs officers and provided recommendations for developing specific customs procedures. This initiative supports Uzbekistan's efforts to improve its trade facilitation level.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

The WCO is assisting Philippine Customs in building a trade facilitation team to improve trade efficiency and support the work of the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the Philippines in the global market. By strengthening the capacity of Philippine Customs, the WCO is contributing to the country's efforts to implement trade facilitation measures and promote economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

With support from the Swedish-funded WACAM project, Guinea, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank, has strengthened communication among stakeholders in trade facilitation. Through training initiatives and the establishment of a port advisory committee in Conakry, the aim is to improve customs efficiency and promote collaboration among all parties. This effort seeks to enhance the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and foster Guinea's international trade development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

A high-level working group meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explored customs capacity building in the context of the global economic situation. The meeting reviewed project progress and planned the functions of the new committee, aiming to contribute to the development of customs worldwide. Discussions focused on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations to facilitate trade and ensure security, aligning with the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in adapting to evolving global challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan has introduced pre-ruling guidelines and an electronic declaration platform to address challenges faced by businesses in commodity classification and origin pre-determination. By adopting international best practices, the initiative aims to simplify the pre-ruling process, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. This creates a more transparent and efficient trading environment for businesses. The new guidelines and platform are expected to enhance customs compliance and significantly facilitate trade within Azerbaijan.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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