Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of marine conservation on UN World Oceans Day, urging global attention to plastic waste pollution. The WCO combats illegal plastic waste trade and protects marine ecosystems through strengthened enforcement cooperation, promotion of green trade facilitation, enhanced environmental enforcement capabilities for customs officers, and active participation in international collaborations. These efforts aim to build a blue ecological barrier and protect our oceans from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Turns to Ppps to Modernize Customs Enhance Trade

Central America Turns to Ppps to Modernize Customs Enhance Trade

The World Customs Organization participated in the 'Americas Partnership for Prosperity' wrap-up meeting, focusing on customs modernization projects in Central America. The meeting highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in trade facilitation and economic development, sharing best practices and discussing risk management and AEO programs. Newly participating countries also expressed their commitment to advancing customs modernization, signaling a new chapter in regional cooperation. The discussions underscored the importance of streamlined customs procedures for boosting regional trade and investment.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

Burkina Faso Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the WCO's WACAM project, conducted its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify clearance bottlenecks and improve efficiency. The WCO provided training and technical assistance to help Burkina Faso implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, improve the business environment, and promote trade development. The TRS, through data analysis, provides Customs with improvement measures to reduce trade costs and enhance international competitiveness.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the "Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Programme for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," supports Customs administrations and national environmental agencies in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The program develops risk indicators for goods and substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. This aims to combat the illegal cross-border movement and trade of hazardous waste, thus maintaining the sustainability of the global environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Zealand Aims to Streamline Trade with Clearer Customs Rules

New Zealand Aims to Streamline Trade with Clearer Customs Rules

New Zealand submitted a proposal to the WTO aimed at promoting objectivity and transparency in tariff classification, avoiding arbitrary classifications and hidden trade restrictions. The proposal emphasizes classification based on the Harmonized System (HS) and focuses on the capacity-building needs of developing countries, suggesting the establishment of a horizontal mechanism to address their specific issues. This proposal is of great significance for promoting fair trade and global economic development. It seeks to ensure consistent and predictable application of tariff classifications, fostering a more transparent and equitable global trading environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Tackles Trade Tech Gender Gaps Island Economies

Global Customs Body Tackles Trade Tech Gender Gaps Island Economies

The 221st/222nd meetings of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee focused on the development of Small Island Economies, Gender Equality, and the application of Technological Foresight. Discussions centered on customs procedures and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized support for Small Island Economies, highlighted the advancement of women in information technology, and explored the application of technologies like blockchain in customs. The outcomes provide valuable insights and recommendations for the Policy Commission.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Advocates Standard File Format for Trade Security

Global Customs Body Advocates Standard File Format for Trade Security

The WCO promotes the Unified File Format (UFF) to break down barriers in Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) data and build smart borders. It encourages testing of UFF 2.0 and planning for UFF 3.0, aiming to enhance the security and efficiency of global trade. This initiative facilitates seamless data exchange and interoperability, ultimately improving border control and risk management through standardized data formats and procedures. The UFF aims to streamline customs processes and foster greater collaboration among border agencies worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Oman Customs in implementing the SAFE Framework and AEO program. Through workshops, Oman Customs officials gained a deeper understanding of supply chain security, customs-business partnerships, and the AEO implementation process, leading to the development of action plans. This initiative aims to enhance Oman's trade security and facilitation, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. The implementation of SAFE and AEO will contribute to a more secure and efficient trade environment for Oman.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Forms New Customs Committee to Enhance Tema Port Trade

Ghana Forms New Customs Committee to Enhance Tema Port Trade

The Ghana Revenue Authority has established a Joint Customs Consultative Committee at Tema Port. This initiative aims to promote trade facilitation, reduce compliance costs for businesses, and enhance customs efficiency and transparency. The committee will serve as a platform for dialogue and collaboration between the GRA and stakeholders in the trading community. By addressing concerns and streamlining processes, the GRA seeks to create a more efficient and predictable trading environment, ultimately contributing to economic growth.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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