Iran Accelerates HS 2017 Translation to Facilitate Trade

Iran Accelerates HS 2017 Translation to Facilitate Trade

Iran Customs is translating the World Customs Organization's HS 2017 Explanatory Notes into Persian. This initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, improve customs clearance efficiency, and provide clearer commodity classification guidance for Iranian import and export businesses. The first two volumes have been released, and translation of the remaining chapters is underway. This effort will facilitate international trade, enhance Iran's trade participation, and revitalize economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Costa Rica Adopts Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Costa Rica Adopts Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Costa Rica has officially acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming the 140th contracting party. This signifies the country's commitment to simplifying customs procedures and promoting international trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization will continue to support Costa Rica in effectively implementing the Convention to benefit its customs administration, trade community, and society as a whole. This accession injects new momentum into global trade facilitation efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Moves to Fasttrack Kyoto Convention for Trade

Colombia Moves to Fasttrack Kyoto Convention for Trade

The Director of the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority has pledged to ratify the Revised Kyoto Convention in the coming months. This move aims to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance customs efficiency. By increasing transparency in the trade environment, the ratification is expected to boost Colombia's economic growth and international trade standing. The implementation of the Kyoto Convention will streamline processes and promote greater predictability for businesses engaged in international trade with Colombia.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Ethiopias Revenue Collection with Audit Upgrades

WCO Enhances Ethiopias Revenue Collection with Audit Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, supports the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) in enhancing its post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities. This includes updating the ERCA's PCA manual to align with WCO guidelines and international best practices. The initiative aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), thereby promoting trade facilitation and economic development in Ethiopia. This capacity building effort is crucial for efficient customs operations and streamlined trade processes.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania, with assistance from the World Customs Organization and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is upgrading its customs risk management framework. This aims to enhance customs efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and combat smuggling through more precise risk identification and response. The upgrade is a significant step towards improving the country's customs administration and contributing to national economic development and trade security. The improved framework will allow for better resource allocation and targeted interventions, ultimately streamlining trade processes and reducing illicit activities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Jamaica Customs Boosts Efficiency Via WCO UNCTAD Partnership

Jamaica Customs Boosts Efficiency Via WCO UNCTAD Partnership

The WCO and UNCTAD assisted the Jamaica Customs Agency in implementing ASYCUDA, enhancing data analysis and customs clearance efficiency, and promoting trade development. This initiative focused on modernizing customs procedures through improved data management and streamlined processes. The collaboration between international organizations and the Jamaica Customs Agency aims to facilitate smoother trade flows and contribute to economic growth. By leveraging ASYCUDA's capabilities, the agency can better analyze trade data, identify potential risks, and expedite the movement of goods across borders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tajikistan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

Tajikistan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided Goods Release Time Study (TRS) capacity building assistance to Tajikistan Customs, aiming to optimize customs procedures. TRS, a diagnostic tool, enhances customs efficiency, reduces trade costs, and promotes international trade facilitation through time measurement, bottleneck identification, and reform recommendations. The assistance included workshops, methodological guidance, and experience sharing, helping Tajikistan improve clearance efficiency and promote economic development. The goal is to streamline processes and contribute to a more efficient and competitive trade environment for Tajikistan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau, with support from the WCO and the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, successfully hosted a National Harmonized System (HS) Workshop. The aim was to enhance the tariff classification skills of customs officials, facilitating trade and promoting customs modernization. This event marks a significant step for Palau in integrating into global trade and achieving sustainable economic development. The workshop underscores the importance of accurate tariff classification for efficient customs procedures and compliance with international standards, ultimately benefiting Palau's economic growth and trade competitiveness.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) designated 2014 as the "Year of Communication," emphasizing enhanced information sharing within customs, across departments, with the trade community, and the public. This aims to improve customs cooperation efficiency and promote global trade facilitation and security. This article elaborates on specific aspects of improving communication efficiency and stresses the sustainability of communication mechanisms. By fostering better communication, customs administrations can streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance overall effectiveness in facilitating legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

The Colombian Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a workshop to enhance its digital transformation capabilities and build a future customs model. The workshop emphasized data-driven decision-making as a key component of this transformation. The initiative aims to modernize customs processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade. By leveraging digital technologies and data analytics, Colombian Customs seeks to streamline operations and enhance its ability to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More