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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WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

The WCO actively participates in WTO trade facilitation efforts, sharing pandemic response measures to help members promote cross-border trade. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to advance trade facilitation initiatives. It has been instrumental in providing guidance and best practices to its members, enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and maintain essential trade flows. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members in their efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade costs, ultimately fostering economic growth and development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS) aims to help customs administrations identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve trade facilitation by quantifying the time taken for goods to clear customs. This article uses the TRS workshop in Kyrgyzstan as an example to detail the implementation steps, benefits, and challenges of TRS. It also looks at future developments, emphasizing that TRS is a key tool for improving customs efficiency and promoting global trade. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their customs procedures and facilitate international commerce.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Funded by the Japanese government through the WCO COVID-19 Project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island countries' customs administrations to expedite the clearance of relief goods during natural disasters and other emergencies. The workshop fostered international cooperation, promoted regulatory updates and process optimization, and improved the professional skills of customs officers. This initiative aims to build a robust barrier for the region to cope with potential future natural disasters by strengthening customs' ability to respond effectively.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Enters Global Customs Consultation Phase

Revised Kyoto Convention Enters Global Customs Consultation Phase

The World Customs Organization convened the 29th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee. Key discussions focused on potential draft texts for specific annexes, covering crucial areas such as goods processing, postal traffic, relief consignments, express shipments, travelers, rules of origin, and free zones. The meeting emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review and called for active participation from all parties to collectively promote the modernization and harmonization of global customs rules. This collaborative effort aims to streamline international trade and improve efficiency.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Efficiency

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Saudi Arabian ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) in developing an intelligent evaluation system to improve customs performance and facilitate trade. By implementing the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), Saudi Customs aims to achieve more efficient and transparent operations, contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030. This collaboration marks a significant step in the global customs modernization process.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Morocco Boosts Customs AI with SECOWCO Backing

Morocco Boosts Customs AI with SECOWCO Backing

Morocco has launched the second phase of the SECO-WCO Trade Facilitation Programme, leveraging AI to enhance customs risk management and trade facilitation. The project aims to improve efficiency and security in cross-border trade through intelligent systems and data analysis. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is providing technical support to Morocco in implementing these advanced technologies and best practices. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce trade costs and improve the overall competitiveness of the Moroccan economy by streamlining customs procedures and minimizing delays.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to help members build comprehensive wellbeing programs and enhance employee and organizational resilience. The training covers six key themes: happiness, program design, resilience building, psychophysiological health, social wellbeing and balance, and stress management. The WCO will conduct pilot programs and establish a team of experts. Future development will include training materials targeted at other organizational levels.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Abu Dhabi Adopts Blockchain to Boost Trade Security Efficiency

Abu Dhabi Adopts Blockchain to Boost Trade Security Efficiency

WCO visited Abu Dhabi Customs to examine its blockchain application and learn about its digital transformation experience. The focus was on the TradeChain platform and explorations in cross-border e-commerce. The WCO suggested strengthening international cooperation in these areas. The visit highlighted the potential of blockchain to streamline customs processes and facilitate trade. Abu Dhabi Customs' advancements serve as a valuable case study for other customs administrations seeking to leverage technology for improved efficiency and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Seeks to Simplify African Trade with Uniform Rules

EUWCO Project Seeks to Simplify African Trade with Uniform Rules

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is expected to significantly contribute to the finalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin by 2025. It aims to promote the harmonization of key origin systems across Africa, build a community of practice for rules of origin, and facilitate African economic integration. The program's impact will be crucial for streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth within the continent by simplifying and standardizing rules related to product origin.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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