WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste Customs, helping to develop a training strategy and plan for 2017-2019. This initiative aimed to comprehensively enhance the professional skills of customs officers, build a robust internal training center, promote customs modernization, and improve Timor-Leste's trade environment. The project is part of the WCO-Norway Customs Capacity Building Programme, which covers several developing countries and aims to improve their customs administration.

ATA Carnet Simplifies Global Trade and Cultural Exchanges

ATA Carnet Simplifies Global Trade and Cultural Exchanges

The ATA Carnet is an international customs document that allows goods to be temporarily imported without paying duties, simplifying and standardizing cross-border trade procedures. It is applicable in nearly 80 countries and covers a wide range of products, facilitating easier customs clearance for individuals participating in exhibitions, trade negotiations, and cultural events, ultimately saving time and costs.

Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan has introduced pre-ruling guidelines and an electronic declaration platform to address challenges faced by businesses in commodity classification and origin pre-determination. By adopting international best practices, the initiative aims to simplify the pre-ruling process, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. This creates a more transparent and efficient trading environment for businesses. The new guidelines and platform are expected to enhance customs compliance and significantly facilitate trade within Azerbaijan.

Colombia Boosts Customs Checks with WCO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Checks with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Colombia's Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (DIAN) in upgrading its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) system. This involved reviewing strategies, piloting procedures, and strengthening legal frameworks, significantly enhancing DIAN's compliance capabilities and enforcement powers. This initiative aims to reduce compliance risks for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, enhance trade facilitation, and boost corporate reputation. Ultimately, it fosters a more stable and predictable trade environment for Colombia's economic growth and its global trading partners.

West Africa Customs Names Sangho Director to Lead Modernization

West Africa Customs Names Sangho Director to Lead Modernization

Abdel Kader SANGHO has been appointed as the new Director for the West and Central Africa Customs region. This appointment aims to strengthen regional customs modernization, enhance risk management capabilities, and promote regional trade facilitation. The goal is to deepen international cooperation to address global trade challenges and foster regional economic prosperity and sustainable development. The meeting also confirmed the Regional Finance and Audit Committee, launched the annual budget, and announced the theme for International Customs Day 2021.

WCO Enhances Global Customs Response to COVID19 Supply Chains

WCO Enhances Global Customs Response to COVID19 Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) COVID-19 Project aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of national customs administrations and ensure the stability and security of global supply chains. Through capacity building, tool development, and international cooperation, the project has significantly improved customs' ability to respond to emergencies, laying the foundation for a safer and more stable future for global trade. It focuses on strengthening resilience and promoting collaboration to navigate disruptions and maintain essential trade flows.

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries' customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. From 2019-2020, the project conducted risk management capacity assessment and enhancement activities in Malawi. Through training and cooperation, it helped the Malawi Revenue Authority strengthen risk identification and response, and promoted regional collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. The project focused on improving customs officials' skills in detecting and intercepting illegal wildlife products.

WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

The new WCO regulations clarify the definition of "price actually paid or payable," assisting companies with compliance, facilitating trade, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs valuation. This clarification helps businesses understand and adhere to international valuation standards, streamlining import/export processes. By providing a more precise definition, the WCO aims to reduce valuation disputes and promote fair trade practices globally. Ultimately, this leads to more predictable and transparent customs procedures, benefiting both businesses and customs administrations.

WCO Backs Cameroon Customs in Audit System Modernization

WCO Backs Cameroon Customs in Audit System Modernization

The WCO is assisting Cameroon Customs in upgrading its post-clearance audit (PCA) system. This involves optimizing organization, processes, risk management, and technology. The initiative is data-driven, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and improve revenue collection. By leveraging data analysis, Cameroon Customs can better target high-risk areas and streamline legitimate trade flows. The modernization efforts are expected to lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved border security.