WCO Advances Digital Customs Transformation and Global Cooperation

WCO Advances Digital Customs Transformation and Global Cooperation

The WCO Technical Committee meeting focused on the future development of customs, exploring digital transformation, performance evaluation, and innovative cooperation models. The meeting emphasized the importance of strategic direction, technology application, and partnerships, aiming to enhance the role of customs in global trade facilitation and security. Discussions centered on leveraging digital tools to streamline processes, establishing effective performance metrics, and fostering collaboration to address emerging challenges. The ultimate goal is to create more efficient, secure, and transparent customs operations worldwide.

Asiapacific Nations Boost Customs Cooperation at WCO Meeting

Asiapacific Nations Boost Customs Cooperation at WCO Meeting

The 32nd WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting was held in Australia, focusing on regional cooperation, strategic planning, and WCO policy updates. The meeting highlighted the importance of data strategy, green customs, and technology application. The aim is to strengthen customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, address global challenges, and promote trade security and facilitation. Discussions centered around enhancing information sharing, capacity building, and the implementation of international standards to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations across the region.

Peru Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

Peru Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Peruvian Customs (SUNAT) to enhance trade facilitation. By studying the WCO TRS Guidelines, creating business processes, and developing action plans, SUNAT will be able to conduct TRS, identify bottlenecks, optimize procedures, and meet WTO TFA requirements. This will ultimately improve international competitiveness. The workshop focused on practical application of TRS methodology within the Peruvian context, enabling SUNAT to streamline customs processes and improve efficiency in goods clearance.

Disruptive Tech Transforms Global Trade and Customs

Disruptive Tech Transforms Global Trade and Customs

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization are actively promoting the application of disruptive technologies in customs globally. Through collaborative research, project implementation, and report publication, they aim to raise awareness among members about technology applications, promote trade facilitation, and enhance border security. Embracing technological change is crucial for customs to modernize and improve competitiveness. This includes exploring AI, blockchain, and IoT to streamline processes, improve risk management, and foster a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

WTO Moves to Standardize Global Customs Valuation Rules

The 1983 Customs Valuation Committee Decision clarified that the English term "undertaken" in the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out." This aims to standardize international trade terminology, enhance the accuracy and consistency of customs valuation, reduce the risk of trade disputes, and facilitate international trade. The French and Spanish versions of the term remain unchanged. This clarification ensures a more uniform application of the agreement across different language versions, promoting fairness and predictability in international trade transactions.

Bhutan Boosts Environmental Compliance with Border Reforms

Bhutan Boosts Environmental Compliance with Border Reforms

Bhutan Customs plays a crucial role in environmental compliance regulation, committed to environmental protection through multi-sector collaboration, legal frameworks, and cross-border cooperation. The application of Single Window Environment (SWE) and simplified customs procedures enhance regulatory efficiency. Facing challenges in knowledge, information sharing, and technology, Bhutan Customs will strengthen cooperation, participate in international projects, and utilize advance cargo information to achieve sustainable development. This includes improving data collection and analysis for better risk assessment and targeting of illegal environmental trade.

China Opens Nominations for 2025 AI Application Top 50 Awards

China Opens Nominations for 2025 AI Application Top 50 Awards

The "2025 China AI+ Application Top 50" excellent case collection activity has officially launched, aiming to select AI applications with practical value and demonstrative significance. It covers fields such as industry, finance, education, healthcare, and culture & tourism. Selected cases will receive media coverage, participation in industry conferences, and financing recommendations, jointly promoting the deep integration of AI and the real economy. This initiative seeks to highlight impactful AI implementations and encourage further innovation across various sectors.

Ethiopian Customs Officials Train in HS at WCO HQ

Ethiopian Customs Officials Train in HS at WCO HQ

Ethiopian customs experts visited the WCO headquarters to study and enhance their HS Code application skills. By participating in HS Committee meetings, exchanging ideas with international experts, and collaborating with the HS-Africa project, Ethiopian Customs achieved significant results in capacity building, international cooperation, and future development planning. This visit laid a solid foundation for better integration into the global trade system.

Namibia Adopts Zambias Model for Customs Modernization

Namibia Adopts Zambias Model for Customs Modernization

The Namibian Revenue Agency visited Zambia to learn about customs automation, aiming to improve trade facilitation and implement the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement by studying the application of the ASYCUDA World system. The Zambian Revenue Authority shared their experiences in electronic payments and valuation control. This initiative represents a key step for Namibia in building an efficient customs system and promoting economic development.

China Streamlines Temporary Trade Clearance with Security Deposits

China Streamlines Temporary Trade Clearance with Security Deposits

This document outlines the key points for preparing a confirmation application for bonded goods under temporary import/export regulations. It covers clarifying the purpose of the application, accurately completing the application form, and preparing the necessary supporting documents. A downloadable application form template is provided, along with recommendations for related customs clearance and inspection services. This aims to simplify the application process for businesses involved in temporary import/export activities requiring surety bonds.