EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme Steering Committee recently convened to review the 2025 project objectives. These objectives include assisting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in finalizing its rules of origin and harmonizing the rules of origin regimes across African countries. The program aims to foster intra-African trade growth and promote regional economic integration. The project seeks to streamline trade processes and reduce barriers within the continent, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous African economy.

Chinas Firsttier Cities Tackle Lastmile Delivery Challenges

Chinas Firsttier Cities Tackle Lastmile Delivery Challenges

First-tier cities face a severe shortage of last-mile delivery depots, impacting delivery efficiency and courier safety. A CPPCC National Committee member suggests urban planning should incorporate last-mile service facilities. While policies offer guidance, practical implementation remains challenging. The industry needs to improve land utilization efficiency, and communities can leverage idle spaces to jointly solve the last-mile dilemma. This collaborative approach is crucial to overcoming the challenges of securing adequate space for efficient last-mile delivery operations in densely populated urban areas.

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 23rd session of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee marked a crucial second phase in the RKC review. The meeting approved the WGRKC's final report and discussed the business case for the RKC review, laying the groundwork for subsequent revisions. The RKC's revision will streamline customs procedures, enhance transparency, and promote global trade facilitation, significantly impacting businesses. This update aims to modernize customs practices and adapt to evolving global trade patterns, ultimately reducing costs and delays for international trade.

African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a study visit for customs experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries, aiming to enhance their application of the Harmonized System (HS) and promote regional trade development. The activities included participation in the HS Committee (HSC) meeting, meetings with representatives of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and planned capacity-building workshops to strengthen tariff classification and customs cooperation. The visit focused on improving skills and fostering collaboration to facilitate trade and ensure accurate classification practices within the region.

IATA Expands Sustainability Program for Greener Aviation

IATA Expands Sustainability Program for Greener Aviation

IATA's IEnvA environmental assessment program reached a significant milestone, with the 27th Environmental Oversight Committee meeting focusing on training, standard updates, and project expansion. The aim is to enhance airlines' environmental performance and unlock new opportunities for sustainable development. By simplifying registration and integrating assessment projects, IATA helps companies build a more comprehensive sustainability system, jointly painting a green blueprint for the aviation industry. This initiative promotes environmental best practices and encourages airlines to improve their environmental footprint through a structured and recognized framework.

World Customs Organization Focuses on Trade Facilitation Reform

World Customs Organization Focuses on Trade Facilitation Reform

The World Customs Organization Technical Committee meeting focused on cutting-edge topics such as trade facilitation, data analytics, and blockchain. The aim was to optimize international trade processes, enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities, and provide strategic guidance for the future development of customs. Discussions centered on leveraging data and technology to streamline procedures, improve security, and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders. The meeting served as a platform for sharing best practices and exploring innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges in global trade.

Armenia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit System

Armenia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided Post Clearance Audit (PCA) support to the State Revenue Committee (SRC) of Armenia, aiming to assist the country's customs administration in implementing a trader-centric audit model and enhancing trade facilitation. The mission covered PCA concepts, objective frameworks, systems audits, audit cycles, and risk management. This support helps Armenian Customs launch its first trader-centric audit pilot project. The initiative is expected to improve compliance and streamline trade processes, ultimately contributing to Armenia's economic growth and international competitiveness.

Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Customs, with WCO support, held a HS Code workshop to improve tariff classification accuracy and consistency, promoting trade efficiency. The workshop covered the application of HS Code General Interpretative Rules, interpretation of Committee Decisions, adaptation to revisions, and the advance ruling system. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials and corporate compliance management, laying the foundation for the modernization of Kazakhstan Customs and the globalization of enterprises. The training is expected to improve trade facilitation and reduce discrepancies in customs declarations.

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.