Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

The WCO is assisting Lesotho in establishing a customs advance ruling system to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency. Discussions between the two parties covered legal amendments, software upgrades, and the development of an action plan to promote economic development. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, provide greater certainty for traders, and ultimately contribute to Lesotho's economic growth by fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahamas Strengthens Customs Tariffs to Increase Revenue

Bahamas Strengthens Customs Tariffs to Increase Revenue

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop in the Bahamas on the Harmonized System (HS) to enhance the Bahamas Customs' capacity in tariff classification. The workshop covered the theory and practice of HS coding, emphasizing the application of the General Rules for Interpretation and focusing on issues such as the classification of parts. Through talent development and the Mercator Program, it aims to facilitate trade in the Bahamas. The workshop also explored the relationship between HS code optimization and tax revenue growth from a data analysis perspective.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WTO and WCO Forge Partnership to Modernize Global Trade

WTO and WCO Forge Partnership to Modernize Global Trade

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) met with the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Geneva to deepen cooperation in traditional trade areas and address pandemic-related challenges. Discussions focused on facilitating cross-border vaccine transport and ensuring global supply chain security. This meeting signals a new era of more efficient and secure global trade. Both organizations aim to streamline procedures and enhance collaboration to support economic recovery and build resilience against future disruptions. The focus is on practical solutions to improve trade flows and promote international cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Via Wcobacked AEO Program

Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Via Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Bahamas Customs Department in implementing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade efficiency and security. Through training, regulatory development, and pilot projects, the Bahamas is actively building its AEO framework. AEO certification not only provides customs clearance benefits for businesses but also promotes global trade development. Chinese enterprises should also actively participate in the AEO system to enhance their international competitiveness.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Port Quality Awards Elevate Trade Standards

Global Port Quality Awards Elevate Trade Standards

The Quest for Quality Awards, recognizing port excellence, has significantly upgraded its port selection criteria. The new assessment system focuses on five core dimensions: ease of doing business, value, ocean network, intermodal network, and equipment & operations. This aims to provide a more comprehensive and objective measure of service quality at U.S. ports, offering valuable insights for shippers. The updated criteria are designed to better reflect the multifaceted aspects of port performance and provide a more accurate gauge of overall quality.

01/20/2026 Port Encyclopedia
Read More
Global Trade System ATA Carnet to Go Digital by 2027

Global Trade System ATA Carnet to Go Digital by 2027

The ATA/Istanbul Convention Administrative Committee meeting focused on the digital transformation of the ATA Carnet system, aiming for full global digital customs clearance by 2027. The meeting established a global transition timeline for e-ATA and emphasized the importance of customs readiness guidelines and global training. The goal is to enhance customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and ensure trade security, ultimately fostering a new future for global trade. This initiative promises streamlined processes and improved security measures, contributing to a more efficient and secure international trade environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Eswatini Enhances Customs AEO Program to Boost Economy

Eswatini Enhances Customs AEO Program to Boost Economy

Eswatini Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade security and efficiency, fostering economic growth. With the support of the WCO, through workshops, technical assistance, and inter-agency cooperation, Eswatini Customs is committed to creating a more efficient and accessible trade environment. This initiative aims to attract investment and integrate the country further into the global economy. The upgraded AEO program is a key component of their modernization efforts, streamlining processes and improving compliance.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Philippine Customs with Data Training Program

WCO Enhances Philippine Customs with Data Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Leadership and Management Development Workshop for the Bureau of Customs of the Philippines. This workshop aimed to enhance the leadership and management skills of senior officials and optimize the leadership culture within the customs administration. Through diverse teaching methodologies, the workshop helped participants understand themselves, manage themselves, understand others, and positively influence others, ultimately achieving personal and organizational improvement.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippines Launches Study to Streamline Cargo Boost Trade

Philippines Launches Study to Streamline Cargo Boost Trade

The Philippines has launched a National Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks in trade processes through data-driven analysis. The goal is to implement targeted reforms to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness. This project is a collaboration between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), with support from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The final report is expected to be released by the end of 2025. The TRS aims to streamline goods release and contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More