Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), aiming to enhance customs capabilities, optimize trade processes, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border trade development. The project will focus on organizational development and trade facilitation, leveraging WCO capacity-building tools to upgrade Uzbekistan's customs system, injecting new momentum into economic growth. This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more competitive and integrated trading environment for Uzbekistan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Trade Growth for Landlocked Nations

WCO Backs Trade Growth for Landlocked Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) reaffirms its commitment to the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA), assisting Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in overcoming geographical constraints and achieving trade facilitation and economic transformation through simplified customs procedures, capacity building, and international cooperation. WCO's specific actions include developing standards, implementing projects, issuing guidelines, and establishing a pool of experts. These efforts aim to build an efficient, transparent, and secure global trade environment, jointly promoting the sustainable development of LLDCs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japan Fund Enhances Fiji Customs Training

Japan Fund Enhances Fiji Customs Training

Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, Fiji hosted a sub-regional HS Harmonized System training course aimed at enhancing the commodity classification skills of customs officers from Pacific Island countries. The training emphasized practical application and communication. It recommended that countries continuously strengthen capacity building, improve classification infrastructure, introduce advance ruling systems, and enhance internal and cross-border communication to promote regional trade development. The course focused on improving skills to correctly classify goods under the HS system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Canada WCO Boost Aviation Security and Trade Efficiency

Canada WCO Boost Aviation Security and Trade Efficiency

In 2012, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) met with the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on aviation cargo security, risk management, and trade facilitation. Discussions covered outcomes from the ICAO aviation security conference, emerging risk responses, capacity building, and international cooperation. The CBSA's National Targeting Centre and Border Operations Centre were also examined. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, aiming to enhance security and streamline trade processes through strengthened customs partnerships and shared best practices.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Sofia Airport Emerges As Key Eurasian Logistics Hub

Sofia Airport Emerges As Key Eurasian Logistics Hub

Sofia Airport is emerging as a key logistics hub connecting Asia and Europe, leveraging its strategic location, route network, cargo capacity, customs clearance policies, and warehousing services. This analysis examines its transportation network, cargo facilities, customs efficiency, and commercial infrastructure to comprehensively showcase Sofia Airport's development potential and strategic value in cross-border logistics. It also projects its significant role in the future global supply chain, highlighting its growing importance as a vital link for international trade and commerce.

01/07/2026 Logistics
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Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Comoros to assist the country in evaluating the feasibility of implementing a Single Window. The assessment will provide Comoros with tailored recommendations and capacity-building support to strengthen effective coordination between customs and other border agencies, enhance trade facilitation reforms, and move towards a Single Window environment. This initiative ultimately aims to promote economic development in Comoros by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs and delays.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Launches AEO Program to Streamline Trade

Nicaragua Launches AEO Program to Streamline Trade

Nicaragua has launched an AEO pilot program, supported by the WCO, aimed at enhancing customs capacity, streamlining clearance procedures, reducing business operating costs, and boosting international trade competitiveness. The program includes AEO certification and Time Release Studies, designed to create an efficient and convenient customs environment and promote Nicaragua's economic development. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment by fostering a more predictable and reliable trade ecosystem.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a collaboration between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been extended until December 2023 due to its significant achievements. The program aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by simplifying trade procedures and improving customs administration through capacity building. This extension will consolidate gains, address challenges posed by the pandemic, and enhance sustainability, ultimately providing long-term development opportunities for beneficiary countries.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

WCO remotely assisted Colombian Customs in optimizing its strategic planning, enhancing operational efficiency and performance measurement. This involved introducing project-based management and emphasizing capacity building to ensure sustainability. The assistance aimed to improve the overall effectiveness of Colombian Customs and align its operations with international best practices. The support included guidance on developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing effective project management methodologies. The initiative was part of the broader GTFP project, focusing on trade facilitation and security.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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