Global Customs Body Boosts Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Global Customs Body Boosts Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) signed Memorandums of Understanding with several industry associations at the 7th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy. The aim is to combat counterfeit goods more effectively and protect consumer rights and brand reputation by strengthening information sharing, promoting the Public Members Interface (IPM), and providing training for customs officers. This international cooperation seeks to disrupt the flow of fake products across borders and ensure legitimate trade practices are upheld.

Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

The WCO is assisting Lesotho in establishing a customs advance ruling system to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency. Discussions between the two parties covered legal amendments, software upgrades, and the development of an action plan to promote economic development. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, provide greater certainty for traders, and ultimately contribute to Lesotho's economic growth by fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

The World Customs Organization has upgraded its Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin. This tool aims to assist national customs administrations in identifying and addressing weaknesses in tariff, valuation, and origin management. By improving management efficiency and reducing trade risks, it ultimately promotes global trade facilitation. The upgraded tool focuses on optimizing the diagnosis of rules of origin and enhancing user-friendliness. The improvements are expected to lead to better compliance and contribute to a more streamlined and predictable international trade environment.

Peru Upgrades Customs Lab to Safeguard Minerals Trade

Peru Upgrades Customs Lab to Safeguard Minerals Trade

A workshop held in Peru by the World Customs Organization aims to modernize the Peruvian Customs Laboratory. This initiative seeks to improve commodity classification accuracy, facilitate trade, and strengthen the protection of national mineral resources. Relocating and constructing a new laboratory, upgrading technology, and fostering international cooperation will drive efficiency improvements within Peruvian Customs. This modernization is expected to promote economic development and trade prosperity in Peru by ensuring proper classification and efficient processing of goods.

Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

With support from the World Customs Organization and the European Union, Djibouti is updating its national tariff system to align with the international standard Harmonized System (HS). This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase fiscal revenue, improve international competitiveness, and promote sustainable development, ultimately positioning Djibouti as a new trade hub in Africa. The modernization of the tariff system is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

WCO Enhances North Macedonia Customs with Tariff Training

WCO Enhances North Macedonia Customs with Tariff Training

With the support of the German Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a tariff classification workshop in North Macedonia. Focusing on dairy products, dietary supplements, and high-tech equipment, the workshop aimed to enhance the tariff classification skills of North Macedonian customs officers. This initiative seeks to facilitate international trade and promote customs modernization within the country.

Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly initiated by the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, has launched a specific assistance program for Bangladesh. This program aims to help Bangladesh Customs optimize goods release processes and improve trade efficiency. In-depth strategic dialogues were held on the issue of Time Release Study (TRS), and a comprehensive TRS work plan was developed to ensure the sustainability of goods release times and strengthen the autonomy of Bangladesh Customs.

Turkeys Customs Reforms Boost Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

Turkeys Customs Reforms Boost Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

Turkish Customs and businesses are strengthening cooperation to address the impact of the pandemic on global supply chains. Guided by the World Customs Organization and leveraging Turkey's strategic location, they are committed to modernizing customs reforms and facilitating trade. This includes deepening cooperation in information sharing and risk management to enhance supply chain resilience and promote economic recovery. The initiative aims to contribute to global trade development by fostering collaboration and efficiency within the Turkish customs system.

Liberia Pilot Project Enhances Trade with Datadriven Customs

Liberia Pilot Project Enhances Trade with Datadriven Customs

An evaluation of Liberia's tariff pilot program reveals that the data-driven ASYPM system significantly improved decision-making, transparency, and tax revenue efficiency. The program's success highlights the potential of data-driven approaches to enhance customs operations and improve revenue collection in developing countries. By leveraging data analytics and performance monitoring, the system facilitated better resource allocation and reduced opportunities for corruption, ultimately leading to a more effective and accountable customs administration.

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.