Supply Chains Adopt New SOP Metrics for Resilience

Supply Chains Adopt New SOP Metrics for Resilience

Facing delivery challenges, companies need to re-evaluate S&OP metrics, shifting focus from capacity to enhancing supply chain agility. By optimizing key indicators such as demand forecasting, shortening production cycles, and improving inventory turnover, and by strengthening cross-departmental collaboration, businesses can effectively respond to demand fluctuations and achieve sustainable growth. This involves a more responsive and flexible approach to planning and execution, allowing for quicker adaptation to market changes and improved customer service.

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released guidelines to assist customs officers in combating illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities. The guidelines place particular emphasis on the Basel Convention and aim to strengthen border controls to protect the environment. By focusing on key areas such as waste management and hazardous materials, the WCO seeks to enhance customs' role in preventing the illicit movement of environmentally damaging goods across international borders and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding environmental security and promoting sustainable trade practices.

World Customs Organization Outlines Global Trade Strategy

World Customs Organization Outlines Global Trade Strategy

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is shaping the future of global trade for 2022-2025 through strategic foresight. Leveraging regional workshops, the WCO gathers insights from its members to explore emerging trends, risks, and opportunities. The methodology and key elements of strategic foresight, contributions from the OECD and the EU, and the future global vision and actions are all contributing to shaping the future of customs. This proactive approach aims to equip customs administrations to navigate the evolving landscape of international commerce and ensure effective border management in a dynamic world.

WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

The WCO emphasized the crucial role of customs talent development in economic growth at a Paris seminar. Participants shared experiences and called for sustained investment in customs training and capacity building. The seminar highlighted how skilled customs officials contribute to efficient trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security, ultimately fostering economic development. The WCO urged member administrations to prioritize customs training programs to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to national economic prosperity. Continuous investment in human capital is key to modernizing customs administrations and achieving sustainable economic growth.

WCO Boosts Global Trade with Enhanced Facilitation Measures

WCO Boosts Global Trade with Enhanced Facilitation Measures

The 8th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was held in Brussels, focusing on the implementation of the TFA and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the WCO's crucial role in TFA implementation, discussed topics such as the establishment of National Trade Facilitation Committees and Coordinated Border Management, and promoted the TFA Implementation Guide. The meeting also elected the new chair and vice-chair, and looked forward to future work. The emphasis was on practical steps and collaborative efforts to streamline trade processes globally.

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs is implementing a five-year strategy in response to the World Customs Organization's Mercator Program. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations, promote economic development, and enhance international competitiveness. The strategic plan focuses on streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and aligning with global best practices. By embracing international standards and modern technologies, Antigua and Barbuda Customs seeks to facilitate trade, strengthen border security, and contribute to the nation's sustainable economic growth. This modernization effort is crucial for attracting investment and fostering a more competitive business environment.

Global Authorities Crack Down on Crossborder Tax Evasion

Global Authorities Crack Down on Crossborder Tax Evasion

This paper emphasizes the importance of customs-tax cooperation, analyzing intelligence sharing and joint enforcement mechanisms. The aim is to enhance fiscal revenue, safeguard the trade environment, and promote economic development. Effective collaboration between customs and tax authorities is crucial for combating illicit financial flows, preventing tax evasion, and ensuring fair trade practices. This collaborative approach strengthens border security, improves risk management, and ultimately contributes to a more stable and prosperous economy. The paper highlights the benefits of a coordinated strategy in addressing complex challenges in international trade and taxation.

WTO Stresses Trade Facilitation to Boost Global Commerce

WTO Stresses Trade Facilitation to Boost Global Commerce

During the 10th WTO Ministerial Conference, the World Customs Organization and the Kenya Revenue Authority co-hosted a side event focusing on trade facilitation. The event highlighted the importance of coordinated border management, Authorized Economic Operator programs, Time Release Studies, and National Trade Facilitation Committees. It aimed to promote the participation of SMEs and women in global value chains. Participants called for collaborative efforts to overcome challenges and continuously advance trade facilitation, ultimately fostering global trade prosperity. This includes simplifying procedures and harmonizing standards to reduce costs and delays for businesses.

WCO Stresses Supply Chain Resilience at ADBI Conference

WCO Stresses Supply Chain Resilience at ADBI Conference

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya delivered a keynote speech at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference, highlighting the multiple challenges facing global supply chains, including digitalization, data standardization, technological changes, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. He called for strengthened international cooperation to enhance the role of customs in supply chain resilience, jointly address these challenges, and promote the stability and sustainable development of global trade. This collaborative effort is crucial for navigating the complexities and ensuring a robust global trading system.

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Mozambique to enhance customs officers' awareness of the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative aims to strengthen border control of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The activity is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, which supports developing countries' customs administrations in improving their environmental capabilities to address global environmental challenges collectively. The program focuses on building capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of relevant environmental agreements.