Albania Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention signifies its commitment to enhancing customs efficiency and integrating into global trade facilitation. As a cornerstone of modern customs procedures, the Convention promotes international trade by streamlining processes, applying information technology, implementing risk management, and strengthening cooperation. This has a profound impact on the global economy, fostering smoother and more efficient cross-border transactions. Its adoption reflects Albania's dedication to aligning with international standards and fostering a more competitive trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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HS Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Rules

HS Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Rules

The World Customs Organization released the outcomes of the 52nd session of the Harmonized System Committee, including commodity classification decisions and amendments to the Explanatory Notes. Businesses should pay attention to the new regulations and adjust their declaration strategies to avoid trade frictions. Customs authorities will strengthen supervision to maintain trade order. The HS code system is constantly updated, requiring timely learning and mastery. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for smooth international trade operations and compliance.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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Lesotho Boosts Customs Valuation Via WCO Training Program

Lesotho Boosts Customs Valuation Via WCO Training Program

The WCO conducted customs valuation training in Lesotho to enhance the country's capacity, promote trade facilitation, and support the implementation of WTO agreements, ultimately improving the trade environment. This initiative aimed to strengthen Lesotho's ability to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and reduced trade barriers. By building local expertise in customs valuation, the WCO's training contributes to a more transparent and efficient trading system, fostering economic growth and regional integration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

The World Customs Organization successfully held a Mercator Programme Advisor certification workshop for the Spanish-speaking Americas region. The aim was to cultivate a group of high-quality MPA experts and promote the coordinated implementation of trade facilitation measures globally. This initiative helps relevant countries optimize customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency, injecting strong momentum into regional trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the WCO's Mercator Programme, ultimately contributing to streamlined trade procedures and economic growth.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Businesses May Reclaim Millions in Unclaimed Tariff Refunds

US Businesses May Reclaim Millions in Unclaimed Tariff Refunds

Facing opportunities arising from the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) tariff policy adjustments, how can businesses seize duty drawback benefits? North American customs compliance expert Ben Bidwell reveals the impact of USTR tariff policy changes, the potential for duty drawback amounts, the direction of China-U.S. tariffs, and the long-term effects of tariffs. He advises companies to proactively respond, grasp opportunities, strengthen cooperation with customs brokers and trade experts, enhance compliance levels, and reduce trade risks. This proactive approach is crucial for navigating the evolving trade landscape and maximizing potential benefits.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Customs Skills with WCO HS Workshop

Moldova Boosts Customs Skills with WCO HS Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Service of Moldova jointly organized a national workshop on the Harmonized System (HS). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of Moldovan Customs in tariff classification. Covering HS coding rules, case studies, and international classification practices, the seminar sought to improve customs operational efficiency, facilitate international trade, and strengthen cooperation between Moldovan Customs and international organizations. The focus was on building expertise and ensuring accurate application of the HS for effective customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

The World Customs Organization held a national workshop in Ukraine on the HS Nomenclature and the role of Customs Laboratories. The workshop aimed to enhance Ukraine's customs commodity classification capabilities, emphasizing the importance of Customs Laboratories in this process. It also fostered international cooperation and exchange, injecting new impetus into the modernization of Ukrainian customs. The event highlighted the crucial role of accurate classification in trade facilitation and revenue collection, underscoring the need for well-equipped and skilled Customs Laboratories.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cte Divoire Boosts Tariff Control with WCO Customs Modernization

Cte Divoire Boosts Tariff Control with WCO Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to the Ivorian General Directorate of Customs (DGD) to strengthen its tariff classification and valuation control capabilities. During the mission, WCO experts engaged in in-depth discussions with Ivorian customs officials and conducted on-site visits to observe customs operations. The expert team provided targeted recommendations to help Ivorian Customs improve regulatory effectiveness and safeguard national economic development. The aim is to enhance customs procedures and ensure efficient trade facilitation within Côte d'Ivoire.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Partnership

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Partnership

Uzbekistan and Maldives collaborated to enhance post-clearance customs audit capabilities through a virtual workshop under the World Customs Organization framework. This initiative focused on capacity building and fostering customs cooperation between the two nations. The workshop aimed to improve audit processes and efficiency, contributing to better revenue collection and trade facilitation. This collaboration exemplifies the WCO's commitment to supporting its member countries in strengthening their customs administrations and promoting effective customs practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project's Mentor Training Programme (MTP) has been successfully implemented in Pacific Island Countries. By training local trainers, the program builds sustainable customs capacity and enhances the expertise of customs officers in the areas of Customs Valuation (CV) and the Harmonized System (HS). This initiative provides strong support for regional economic development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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