EU and Taiwan Advance Trade Talks As Switzerland Exits

EU and Taiwan Advance Trade Talks As Switzerland Exits

The EU and the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu (Taiwan) jointly proposed revisions to pre-shipment inspection (PSI) rules to facilitate trade. Switzerland's withdrawal from the co-sponsorship highlights differing interests. The proposal focuses on harmonizing inspection standards, ensuring process transparency, reasonable fees, and effective dispute resolution. Trade facilitation faces both challenges and opportunities, requiring international cooperation and technological innovation. This collaborative effort seeks to streamline international trade processes and reduce potential barriers.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU and Taiwan Propose Trade Streamlining by Ending Preshipment Checks

EU and Taiwan Propose Trade Streamlining by Ending Preshipment Checks

Joint proposals by the EU and Taiwan, among others, advocate for the elimination of mandatory Pre-Shipment Inspection (PSI) to foster trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs and enhance competitiveness through measures such as technical assistance. By removing PSI, the proposal seeks to streamline trade processes, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers through lower transaction costs and improved efficiency. The focus is on modernizing customs procedures and leveraging technology to achieve smoother and more predictable trade flows.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Conference Focuses on Digital Customs Modernization

WCO Conference Focuses on Digital Customs Modernization

The 2026 WCO Technology Conference will focus on digitalization innovations in customs, exploring key topics such as Single Windows and digital ecosystems. The conference aims to facilitate the transformation of customs administrations worldwide. Discussions will cover the latest technological advancements and their application in streamlining processes, enhancing security, and promoting trade facilitation. By bringing together experts and practitioners, the conference seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective customs operations globally.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conducted a mission to Liberia to enhance the country's customs capacity and facilitation in responding to epidemics and natural disasters. By assessing needs, strengthening cooperation, and developing standard operating procedures, the mission laid the groundwork for improving Liberia's humanitarian relief system. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the customs framework.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Ethiopias Tax Revenue with Improved Audit System

WCO Enhances Ethiopias Tax Revenue with Improved Audit System

The WCO is assisting Ethiopian Customs in upgrading its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. This includes updating the PCA manual, optimizing audit procedures, and introducing risk assessment methodologies. These improvements aim to enhance tax revenue collection efficiency. The project focuses on strengthening Ethiopian Customs' ability to effectively conduct post-clearance audits, thereby contributing to improved trade facilitation and overall customs administration performance. The WCO's support is crucial for building a more modern and efficient customs system in Ethiopia.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Customs Boosts Strategy with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Customs Boosts Strategy with WCO SECO Backing

WCO and SECO held a workshop at DIAN in Colombia to enhance its strategic planning and project management capabilities. This initiative aims to accelerate DIAN's transformation and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping DIAN officials with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement modernization projects and align them with strategic goals. By strengthening these core competencies, DIAN can improve its efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness in supporting Colombia's economic growth through streamlined customs procedures.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Trade Project Ends Strengthens Regional Ties

East Africa Trade Project Ends Strengthens Regional Ties

With the support of WCO and JICA, five East African countries successfully completed a trade facilitation and border control capacity development project. Focusing on One-Stop Border Post operations and customs capacity building, the project significantly improved trade efficiency and border control levels in the East African region. The WCO Secretary General praised East Africa's experience, encouraging its sharing with other African regions. He also emphasized the continued support for customs capacity building in Africa and Pacific Island countries.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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North Macedonia Boosts Customs with WCO Tariff Training

North Macedonia Boosts Customs with WCO Tariff Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a national workshop on tariff classification in the Republic of North Macedonia. The workshop aimed to enhance the country's customs capacity in classifying goods such as dairy products, food supplements, and high-tech equipment. Sponsored by the German Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts provided theoretical and practical guidance, introducing relevant WCO tools and resources. This initiative supports the modernization of customs administration in North Macedonia, ensuring accurate tariff classification and efficient trade facilitation.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and IDB Partner to Enhance Latin American Trade

WCO and IDB Partner to Enhance Latin American Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) participated in a policy dialogue with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), sharing trade facilitation experiences to support trade development in Latin America. Key initiatives highlighted included the Single Window, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and the Mercator Program. The WCO emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting global trade. The dialogue aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Latin American region and beyond.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by establishing working groups, providing technical assistance, and developing guidance tools. These efforts help members improve customs management and facilitate global trade. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya emphasized that the WCO will continue to support the TFA implementation, jointly moving towards a more efficient and transparent trade future. The WCO's commitment aims to streamline processes and reduce trade barriers for its members.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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