Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

With support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), Nicaraguan Customs launched an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. This initiative aims to optimize customs procedures and enhance trade security and efficiency through capacity building and Time Release Study (TRS). The program seeks to streamline the flow of goods, reduce release times, and contribute to Nicaragua's economic development by fostering a more secure and efficient trading environment. Ultimately, the AEO program is expected to boost international trade and investment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties, with the Republic of Congo being the latest addition. This convention, recognized as the blueprint for modern customs by the international customs community, aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, thereby facilitating global trade. It emphasizes the application of information technology, risk management, enhanced cooperation with the trade community, and the establishment of accessible appeal systems. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the convention's provisions to build a more competitive global economy.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ATA Carnet Simplifies International Trade for Businesses

ATA Carnet Simplifies International Trade for Businesses

The ATA Carnet serves as a duty-free passport for international trade, allowing businesses to temporarily import goods into over 80 countries and regions without customs duties. By simplifying customs procedures, it helps companies reduce costs and enhance cross-border business efficiency, making it a vital tool for promoting international trade.

08/05/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released guidelines to assist customs officers in combating illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities. The guidelines place particular emphasis on the Basel Convention and aim to strengthen border controls to protect the environment. By focusing on key areas such as waste management and hazardous materials, the WCO seeks to enhance customs' role in preventing the illicit movement of environmentally damaging goods across international borders and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding environmental security and promoting sustainable trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Trade Control Enforcement in Albania Kosovo

WCO Boosts Trade Control Enforcement in Albania Kosovo

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its STCE and COPES projects, conducted online training for Albanian and Kosovar Customs, aiming to enhance their enforcement capabilities in strategic trade control and dual-use item management. The training covered strategic item definitions, evidence collection standards, and investigation techniques. It emphasized the application of data analysis in risk assessment and intelligence analysis to build a global strategic trade control system and maintain global security. The training is expected to improve the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit proliferation of sensitive goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Chief Praises Uzbekistans Growing Trade Prospects

WCO Chief Praises Uzbekistans Growing Trade Prospects

In 2010, the WCO Secretary-General visited Uzbekistan, meeting with the President to focus on regional customs cooperation and economic development. As a double-landlocked country, Uzbekistan faces unique challenges but remains committed to trade liberalization, emphasizing the importance of the private sector and education. The WCO pledged its support, highlighting the role of customs in facilitating trade. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to jointly promote regional economic development. The visit underscored the importance of customs cooperation in fostering economic growth in Central Asia.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adopts Disruptive Tech to Modernize Global Trade

WCO Adopts Disruptive Tech to Modernize Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) acknowledged the “Disruptive Technologies Research Report,” focusing on the application of seven key technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, in customs and border management. The report analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each technology. It also explores key success factors for innovative customs, data-driven decision-making, smart border construction, and sustainable development. This signals a profound transformation is on the horizon for global trade. The report highlights the potential of these technologies to streamline processes and enhance security.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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