Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids DR Congo Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

WCO Aids DR Congo Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is providing technical assistance to the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) of the Democratic Republic of Congo to enhance its customs valuation capacity and reclaim outsourced functions. Through diagnostic assessments, recommended improvements, and capacity building initiatives, the WCO is helping the DRC build an efficient and transparent customs valuation system. This aims to promote trade facilitation and contribute to economic development by strengthening the country's ability to accurately value goods and collect revenue.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Estonia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Estonia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization announced that Estonia has officially acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention. This signifies Estonia's alignment of its customs management with international standards. By simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures, and applying risk management, this move aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and optimize the investment environment, contributing to global trade facilitation. Estonia's adoption of the Revised Kyoto Convention demonstrates its commitment to streamlined and efficient trade practices, further integrating it into the global trading system.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) meeting approved several instruments for submission to the Policy Commission (PC) and Council. The meeting focused on topics such as data strategy, trade facilitation, and e-commerce, aiming to improve customs efficiency and promote international trade development. Representatives from the United Kingdom and Indonesia were elected as the new chair and vice-chair, respectively. The approved instruments are expected to further streamline customs procedures and enhance global trade cooperation within the WCO framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

IAPH and WCO co-organized a workshop to accelerate digital transformation, enhance trade facilitation, and improve supply chain security by strengthening customs-port cooperation. They will develop international guidelines to promote data sharing, process optimization, and capacity building, jointly building an efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade ecosystem. The collaboration aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency within the maritime trade sector. This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Digital Tools Boost Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Digital Tools Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is building an efficient, transparent, and interconnected global trade ecosystem through a range of digital tools. WCO tools, the online bookstore, the Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), and the online learning platform play key roles in standardizing information, knowledge acquisition, combating smuggling, and enhancing skills, respectively. These initiatives collectively promote global trade facilitation and security, contributing to a more seamless and secure international trade environment. The WCO's digital efforts aim to modernize customs procedures and improve cross-border collaboration.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malaysias WTO Rule Change Proposal Divides Members

Malaysias WTO Rule Change Proposal Divides Members

Malaysia has proposed revisions to its advance ruling regulations, permitting member states to reject applications based on hypothetical scenarios. This aims to enhance customs efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and reduce improper conduct. This paper analyzes the proposal's background, core content, and potential impact. It also suggests improvements to the advance ruling system, emphasizing the need for a clear definition of "hypothetical," establishing an appeal mechanism, and strengthening international cooperation to promote healthy global trade development. This will contribute towards better trade facilitation.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Korea Proposes Faster Customs to Boost Global Trade

South Korea Proposes Faster Customs to Boost Global Trade

South Korea has submitted a proposal aimed at optimizing global cargo release times and enhancing trade facilitation. The core elements include regularly publishing cargo release times, continuously reducing these times, providing special and differential treatment, and promptly notifying parties of any delays and their reasons. This initiative is expected to improve trade efficiency, enhance transparency, promote fair trade, and ultimately deliver tangible benefits to businesses. The proposal seeks to streamline processes and create a more predictable and efficient international trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey has submitted a proposal to the WTO aimed at regulating transit trade penalty measures and preventing abuse that hinders trade flows. The proposal suggests applying penalty constraints applicable to import and export trade, with modifications, to transit trade. This aims to ensure fair and transparent penalty principles, promote trade facilitation, enhance efficiency, guarantee fairness, and ultimately promote economic development and global supply chain stability. The proposal seeks to prevent disproportionate penalties that disrupt transit routes and negatively impact landlocked developing countries.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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