Asiapacific Nations Unite on Ecommerce Rules During Pandemic

Asiapacific Nations Unite on Ecommerce Rules During Pandemic

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Asia-Pacific members, focusing on the effective implementation of the E-Commerce Framework of Standards (E-Commerce FoS) to address challenges arising from the pandemic-accelerated growth of e-commerce. The meeting covered topics such as advance electronic data, data exchange, tax collection, cooperation & coordination, and technology applications. The aim was to promote trade facilitation, ensure effective customs control and revenue collection, and foster the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

Global Customs Agencies Prioritize Workforce Resilience

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a webinar focusing on enhancing customs resilience through human capital development. Key areas discussed included organizational culture, working models, skills enhancement, and digital transformation. The webinar provided strategic guidance and practical experiences for customs administrators worldwide, aiming to improve human resource management practices within customs administrations globally. It emphasized the importance of investing in people to build stronger, more adaptable customs organizations capable of navigating evolving challenges and contributing to global trade security and facilitation.

WCO Advances Customs Modernization with Updated ECP Plan

WCO Advances Customs Modernization with Updated ECP Plan

The WCO's revised Phase IV of the ECP Action Plan aims to advance global customs modernization and promote trade facilitation and security. This is achieved through initiatives like compiling transit trade best practices, revising data model guidelines, focusing on Small Island Economies, researching Special Customs Zones, reviewing the Kyoto Convention, exploring rail customs procedures, developing PLACI guiding principles, aligning AEO with ICAO programs, and updating the disruptive technology report. These efforts collectively contribute to a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

Americas Caribbean Boost Trade Security with AEO Training

Americas Caribbean Boost Trade Security with AEO Training

The WCO conducted an AEO validation training workshop in Peru for the Americas and Caribbean region. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of regional AEO programs, ultimately promoting trade security and facilitation. By improving AEO validation processes, the WCO seeks to strengthen mutual recognition agreements and foster greater collaboration between customs administrations. The training will equip participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct thorough and consistent AEO validations, contributing to a safer and more efficient global trading environment.

WCO Enhances Cargo Targeting to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Enhances Cargo Targeting to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Cargo Targeting System (CTS) has undergone a significant upgrade, featuring enhancements in user interface, air cargo targeting capabilities, global deployment, and security. The WCO CTS, through risk assessment, helps customs administrations improve efficiency, ensure trade security, and promote trade facilitation, while adhering to international standards. Successfully implemented in numerous countries, the CTS will continue to strengthen technological innovation, data sharing, and global coverage. This upgrade aims to further optimize customs procedures and enhance overall supply chain security.

Philippines Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Program

Philippines Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides capacity building support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance its AEO program. This aims to improve the BOC's ability to validate AEO security standards and promote trade facilitation. Through expert training and field exercises, BOC officials' skills are enhanced, laying the foundation for a more secure and efficient trading environment. The WCO will provide further in-depth training and support to facilitate the development of the Philippine AEO program in the future.

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

WCO Trains Pakistan Customs to Boost Trade Via Audit Efficiency

WCO Trains Pakistan Customs to Boost Trade Via Audit Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted an advanced Post Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Pakistan, aiming to enhance the PCA capabilities of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This initiative fosters cooperation between customs and businesses, ultimately promoting trade facilitation. The training, based on the WCO's newly developed Advanced PCA Training Package, emphasized practical techniques and was supported by various funding sources. It's a crucial step in strengthening Pakistan's customs administration and contributing to a more efficient and compliant trade environment.

WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council convened, highlighting the crucial role of customs in the context of the global pandemic. Several resolutions were adopted, including approving the financial budget and revising the Harmonized System. These aim to strengthen global customs cooperation, leverage technological innovation, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development to address global trade challenges and ensure secure and smooth supply chains. The meeting emphasized the importance of international collaboration in navigating the complexities of the current global trade environment.

Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

A high-level virtual workshop on Post-Clearance Audit was successfully conducted for the Lesotho Revenue Authority under the joint framework of HMRC, WCO, and UNCTAD. The workshop aimed to support developing countries in effectively implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. It enhanced the professional skills of Lesotho Revenue Authority officials and fostered cooperation between customs and businesses, contributing to Lesotho's economic development. The training focused on modern PCA techniques and risk management strategies to optimize revenue collection and improve trade compliance.