Global Trade Experts Gather at WCO Academy in Brussels

Global Trade Experts Gather at WCO Academy in Brussels

The 3rd WCO Knowledge Academy successfully took place in Brussels, gathering 155 customs and trade professionals from 50 countries. The two-week intensive training covered traditional customs topics, trade facilitation, security frameworks, and featured a special “Women in Leadership” workshop. The WCO Secretary General personally presented certificates, recognizing the participants' achievements. The Knowledge Academy promoted international exchange and cooperation in the field of customs and trade, contributing to global trade development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked HS Code Reform

Iran Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked HS Code Reform

Iran, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), held a national workshop focusing on the application and optimization of the Harmonized System (HS) Code. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials, optimize classification methods, and promote trade development. This will lead to faster customs clearance, lower trade costs, and clearer trade regulations for businesses, helping Iran play a greater role in the global trade arena.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Beijing Air Export: Key Customs Documentation for General Trade

Beijing Air Export: Key Customs Documentation for General Trade

This article details the key considerations for air freight customs clearance in general trade in Beijing, including required documents, invoice considerations, and important points for filling out customs declaration forms. Understanding this information can help businesses ensure smooth customs clearance, reduce trade risks, and promote development in international trade.

07/28/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO UNCTAD Aid Ghanas Trade Reforms Under Mercator Program

WCO UNCTAD Aid Ghanas Trade Reforms Under Mercator Program

The WCO and UNCTAD are supporting Ghana in enhancing its trade facilitation capabilities to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, improve its trade environment, and promote economic development. Funding support is provided by the UK's HMRC. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and boost Ghana's competitiveness in the global market. By strengthening institutional capacity and promoting international cooperation, the project contributes to sustainable economic growth and regional integration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) in Brazil, encouraging Latin American countries to join. The WCO emphasizes the RKC's importance for trade facilitation and supply chain security. Joining the RKC can streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the predictability of international trade. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and security of trade flows within the region and globally by adopting international standards for customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Container Imports Drop Amid Trade Shifts Tariff Effects

US Container Imports Drop Amid Trade Shifts Tariff Effects

A Descartes report indicates a sharp drop in U.S. container imports in May, influenced by tariffs and U.S.-China trade policies. Imports from China experienced a significant decline, leading to supply chain reshaping. Businesses need to diversify their supply chains and optimize logistics networks to proactively respond to trade fluctuations and uncertainties arising from the evolving global trade landscape. The report highlights the need for adaptability and strategic planning in navigating the current trade environment.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Costa Rica in upgrading its customs system, with a focus on implementing an Advance Ruling System to enhance commodity classification and origin management, thereby facilitating trade. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and increase trade certainty by providing businesses with clearer expectations. This approach is a valuable model for other countries and businesses seeking to streamline their customs processes and improve trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Côte d'Ivoire is actively enhancing its customs classification skills in preparation for implementing an advance rulings system, aligning with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. With support from the EU and Germany, Côte d'Ivoire held a customs classification workshop aimed at developing expertise, improving trade facilitation, and contributing to global trade. The advance rulings system, a key mechanism, will enhance trade predictability, reduce costs, promote compliance, and facilitate Côte d'Ivoire's integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Switch Bills of Lading Gain Traction in Global Trade

Switch Bills of Lading Gain Traction in Global Trade

This article delves into the unique switch bill of lading (B/L) operation in international trade, explaining its definition, core components (triangular trade and two sets of B/Ls), key conditions, and potential risks. As a hidden trade bridge, switch B/L grants intermediaries greater operational flexibility, but risk control is essential. Understanding the switch B/L mechanism is crucial for all parties involved in international trade. It enables the concealment of the original shipper and consignee, facilitating trade through intermediaries and potentially optimizing logistics and financing. However, potential issues like fraud and discrepancy in goods must be carefully considered.

01/27/2026 Document Interpretation
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