WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference that global supply chains face multiple challenges including digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. Customs plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain resilience by strengthening risk management, simplifying customs clearance, fostering international cooperation, applying technology, and building personnel capacity. Enhanced cooperation among border agencies is essential to jointly maintain trade security and facilitation.

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to enhance its revenue administration capabilities. This activity, part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, covered topics like risk management and customs valuation. The workshop aims to assist Botswana in increasing tax revenue, combating smuggling, and promoting trade facilitation and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening BURS's ability to effectively conduct PCA and improve overall customs control.

Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention brings the number of contracting parties to 86, further promoting global trade facilitation. The Convention aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, applying information technology, implementing risk management, and strengthening international cooperation. This provides new impetus for global economic development. The revised Kyoto Convention is a key instrument for harmonizing and simplifying customs procedures worldwide, contributing to a more efficient and predictable international trade environment.

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

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.

Guyana Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade with WCO Aid

Guyana Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Guyana's customs modernization through the 'Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme,' focusing on strengthening the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system and implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. With support from the UK, the initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, enhance supply chain security, and boost Guyana's international trade competitiveness. The program emphasizes efficient and secure trade practices, contributing to economic growth and regional integration by fostering a more reliable and predictable trade environment.

US FBA Importers Face Complex Ocean Freight Customs Process

US FBA Importers Face Complex Ocean Freight Customs Process

This article provides an in-depth analysis of US FBA ocean freight customs clearance, covering normal transit times, detailed procedures, common causes of delays, and corresponding strategies. It emphasizes the importance of advance preparation and compliant declaration, offering practical tips to help sellers clear customs efficiently, avoid unnecessary losses, and succeed in the US market. The guide focuses on navigating the complexities of US customs to ensure smooth and timely delivery of goods to Amazon fulfillment centers.

East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project, 'Train-the-Trainers Programme', has made significant progress in East Africa, enhancing customs capacity by developing a pool of post-clearance audit experts and creating training materials. The project innovatively adopted a 'virtual working group' model during the pandemic to ensure its smooth continuation. Moving forward, the project will further improve training skills and build a sustainable mechanism for customs capacity enhancement in the region.

WCO Backs Cape Verde in Landmark Customs Efficiency Study

WCO Backs Cape Verde in Landmark Customs Efficiency Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supported the Cape Verde Customs Administration (CVCA) in conducting its first Time Release Study (TRS) to improve clearance efficiency and optimize trade processes. The workshop brought together stakeholders to develop an action plan, assisting Cape Verde in fulfilling the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement, improving the business environment, and promoting economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline customs procedures and reduce release times.

Tajikistan Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

Tajikistan Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Tajikistan Customs, aiming to help the country launch a new TRS cycle and improve customs clearance efficiency. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and special measures during the pandemic. It laid the foundation for Tajikistan's future TRS implementation, contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth. The TRS will help identify bottlenecks and improve procedures leading to faster release times and increased trade competitiveness.