The World Customs Organization (WCO), as a professional body in the global customs field, is committed to enhancing the efficiency and security of customs management while facilitating international trade. Through extensive international cooperation and technological innovation, WCO promotes the standardization and reform of customs affairs worldwide, becoming a crucial leader in customs management.
This article discusses the significance of Power of Attorney (POA) in customs brokerage and its role in imports to the United States and the Netherlands. It details the signing process of the POA, the required signatories, and its legal effectiveness in customs clearance. The aim is to assist businesses in managing customs affairs more efficiently in international trade.
Korea Customs Service (KCS) signed a cooperation agreement with the World Customs Organization (WCO). Through the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, KCS aims to provide high-level training to customs officials from other countries, sharing Korea's experiences and best practices in trade facilitation. KCS also pledged to increase its financial and human resource contributions to the WCO, assisting WCO members in implementing relevant standards and jointly promoting the advancement of global customs affairs. This collaboration underscores Korea's commitment to supporting international customs cooperation and development.
In response to recent reports about the suspension of Australian coal customs clearance at Dalian Port, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that national customs still accept coal imports. In recent years, China has conducted strict inspections on the quality and environmental safety of imported coal to protect legal rights and the environment. The related reports are false, and customs clearance operations continue to proceed normally.
The 4th WCO-Korea Customs & Business Administration Advanced Training Program successfully concluded at Seoul National University, with customs officials from 10 developing countries participating. The program aimed to provide a theoretical framework for international trade and business management, helping participants address customs challenges. Through a combination of theory and practice, the program enhanced participants' capabilities. The WCO also provided support for customs reform and modernization. All parties will continue to collaborate and contribute to the development of global customs affairs.
The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.
This article analyzes the customs classification of edged cutting tools and their blades. Based on the Import and Export Tariff, it provides a detailed classification of tools under tariff heading 82.11, including complete sets, fixed knives, and non-fixed knives. The definitions and examples of various cutting tools are clarified, helping businesses better understand and handle customs affairs in international trade.
A Serbian Customs delegation visited Uzbekistan to learn about its experiences in digitalization, human resources, and trade facilitation. The visit highlighted Uzbekistan's progress in these areas, supported by projects from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The Serbian delegation aimed to gain insights and best practices to inform their own customs reform efforts, focusing on leveraging technology and data to improve efficiency and streamline trade processes. The exchange fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two customs administrations.
In 2010, the WTO held a trade facilitation workshop in Niger to identify the country's needs and priorities through self-assessment. Experts from UNCTAD and WCO assisted in the workshop, enhancing Nigerien officials' awareness of international trade challenges and clarifying actions aligned with WTO principles. The workshop focused on customs issues, deepening participants' understanding of international trade and customs affairs, and contributing to Niger's integration into the global trading system.
