African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African customs laboratory leaders visited the Asia-Pacific region to learn from best practices and enhance their capabilities. Through laboratory visits and experience sharing, the African representatives gained in-depth understanding of the operational models, technological applications, and management methods of regional customs laboratories in the Asia-Pacific. This activity promoted capacity building for African customs laboratories and laid the foundation for regional cooperation, contributing to African trade development and economic prosperity. The visit focused on practical knowledge transfer and establishing future collaborative efforts.

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Digitalization

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Digitalization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides crucial support for the modernization of Saudi Customs, facilitating a more efficient and intelligent trade ecosystem through IT diagnostics and WCO Data Model workshops. Saudi Customs is actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives, including the "Fasah" Single Window, "Nebras" system upgrades, and NII equipment integration. The WCO Data Model will assist Saudi Customs in achieving seamless connectivity with international trading partners, streamlining processes and enhancing data exchange for improved trade facilitation and security.

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the ACE Expert Portal to optimize global expert resource management and enhance capacity building efficiency. This platform empowers individual expert development, facilitates knowledge sharing, and supports member-driven development. Through centralized management and permission settings, the ACE Expert Portal helps the WCO build a talent-driven customs organization, contributing to global trade security and facilitation. It aims to streamline expert identification, deployment, and knowledge transfer, ultimately strengthening customs administrations worldwide.

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivian Customs, with WCO support, is upgrading its AEO program. This includes optimizing standards, expanding the program's scope, strengthening risk management and service provision, and promoting mutual recognition arrangements. The aim is to enhance trade facilitation, foster economic growth for businesses, and improve overall customs efficiency. The upgraded AEO program is expected to contribute significantly to Bolivia's trade competitiveness and its integration into the global trading system. The focus is on creating a more secure and predictable trade environment for authorized economic operators.

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly released the 'Study Report on Disruptive Technologies (2022),' focusing on the application of seven technologies, including blockchain, IoT, and AI, in the customs domain. The report analyzes technology trends, shares practical case studies, and provides strategic recommendations for customs' digital transformation. It aims to promote global trade facilitation and economic growth by leveraging these disruptive technologies to modernize customs procedures and enhance efficiency.

WCO Conference Global Customs Push for Green Trade Barriers

WCO Conference Global Customs Push for Green Trade Barriers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Green Customs Global Conference highlighted customs' crucial role in environmental protection. Through strategic upgrades, round table discussions, and technological innovations, the conference explored topics such as the circular economy, cross-border waste management, and the greening of the Harmonized System (HS). The aim was to promote green trade, enhance regulatory efficiency, strengthen international cooperation, and collectively address environmental challenges, building a global green barrier.

US Customs Duties Guide for Air Freight Parcels Released

US Customs Duties Guide for Air Freight Parcels Released

This article details three ways to handle US air freight parcels after being taxed: self-pickup and tax payment, entrusting the courier company for tax payment, and online tax payment. It also provides a case study of sports shoe duty calculation to help readers understand how duties are calculated. This information is intended to better prepare readers for potential tax issues encountered during cross-border shopping and make informed decisions when dealing with customs duties on imported goods.

MENA Customs Boost Data Analytics at WCO Doha Workshop

MENA Customs Boost Data Analytics at WCO Doha Workshop

The World Customs Organization held its first regional workshop on data analysis in Doha, Qatar. The aim was to enhance data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and explore its applications in customs management. The workshop shared best practices and laid the groundwork for developing data analysis strategies in the MENA region. This initiative seeks to improve customs efficiency, promote trade security, and foster economic development by leveraging data-driven insights.

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.