WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a training manual on preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. This manual aims to enhance the expertise and skills of frontline customs officers, strengthening their role in protecting cultural heritage. The tool's publication contributes to improved global cultural heritage protection and fosters international cooperation among customs administrations. It provides practical guidance and resources to help customs officers identify, detect, and seize illegally traded cultural artifacts, ultimately combating the devastating impact of cultural heritage crime.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

The Colombian Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a workshop to enhance its digital transformation capabilities and build a future customs model. The workshop emphasized data-driven decision-making as a key component of this transformation. The initiative aims to modernize customs processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade. By leveraging digital technologies and data analytics, Colombian Customs seeks to streamline operations and enhance its ability to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcobacked Nicaragua AEO Program Enhances Trade Efficiency

Wcobacked Nicaragua AEO Program Enhances Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Nicaragua Customs in implementing an AEO pilot program aimed at improving customs clearance efficiency and reducing trade costs. Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the project focuses on participant selection, application process optimization, and enhanced external cooperation. AEO certification will provide companies with faster clearance times, lower inspection rates, and higher credibility, helping Nicaragua create a more attractive investment environment. The program is expected to boost trade and economic growth by streamlining customs procedures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Uzbekistan Customs actively introduced the Advance Passenger Information System by hosting a national API/PNR workshop. This aims to improve passenger control processes and build an automated risk management system. The initiative emphasizes data sharing and inter-agency cooperation to achieve precise supervision, improve customs clearance efficiency, and ensure national security. The implementation of API/PNR is expected to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of customs controls through a data-driven approach.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Virtual Working Group (VWG) on Gender Equality and Diversity convened to explore how to enhance collaboration with the private sector to promote gender-inclusive trade facilitation, better addressing the needs of women traders and marginalized groups. The WCO is building a more gender-equal customs environment through initiatives like online learning modules and the 'Women in Customs' campaign. These efforts aim to ensure that customs procedures and policies are equitable and supportive of all stakeholders, regardless of gender.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Regulations Streamline Global Art Trade Compliance

New Regulations Streamline Global Art Trade Compliance

The "Interim Provisions on the Administration of Import and Export of Artworks" aims to regulate artwork import and export, clarifying declaration procedures, license application, and customs clearance & inspection processes. Agencies offer license application assistance and customs clearance & inspection services, helping companies achieve compliant and efficient customs clearance, and promoting the standardized development of the artwork market.

08/21/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ningbo Port New Regulations Guidelines for Enhancing Container Customs Declaration and Inspection Timeliness

Ningbo Port New Regulations Guidelines for Enhancing Container Customs Declaration and Inspection Timeliness

New regulations from Ningbo Customs enhance the timeliness of container customs clearance and inspection. Failure to declare within 24 hours will result in information deletion. It is crucial to plan arrival and customs declaration times to avoid delays. System changes affect inspection efficiency, and early declaration can help prevent inspection delays, making accuracy in document review particularly important.

07/24/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Understanding Shanghai Port Shipping Export Container Operations

Understanding Shanghai Port Shipping Export Container Operations

This article explores the operational practices of full container shipping at Shanghai Port, including customs clearance procedures, electronic packing list information, and cargo consolidation arrangements. Customs clearance at Shanghai Port typically occurs after receiving the pre-assigned shipping list, with the electronic packing list facilitating the customs process once the loaded container arrives at the port.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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