EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Establishes Customs Committee to Enhance Trade

Ghana Establishes Customs Committee to Enhance Trade

The Ghana Revenue Authority successfully launched a Joint Consultative Committee at Tema Port, aiming to optimize the trade environment and promote economic development through multi-stakeholder participation and collaborative governance. This initiative draws on international experience and implements the Trade Facilitation Agreement, strengthening capacity building. It offers valuable lessons for other countries and marks a significant step forward for Ghana in its trade facilitation journey. The committee is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately boosting Ghana's economic competitiveness.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Modernizes Customs with Harmonized Trade System

Moldova Modernizes Customs with Harmonized Trade System

To modernize trade, Moldovan Customs is optimizing its tariff classification system. In 2013, the World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance, holding HS workshops to enhance the HS knowledge and practical skills of Moldovan Customs officials. This initiative aims to build an efficient and transparent customs system, promote trade facilitation, and lay the foundation for integration into the global trading system. The goal is to improve customs procedures and ensure accurate classification, ultimately streamlining cross-border trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Enhance Pacific Islands Customs Capacity

WCO JICA Enhance Pacific Islands Customs Capacity

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Program for Master Trainers" (PMF) to help Pacific Island countries build localized teams of HS experts. The program progressively enhances the HS classification capabilities of participating countries through online workshops, expert support, and regional cooperation. The ultimate goal is to establish a regional platform for sharing expert resources, thereby promoting trade facilitation in the Pacific region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Efficiency

The State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), conducted a strategic planning workshop aimed at enhancing customs strategic planning and performance measurement capabilities to develop a comprehensive customs strategic plan. The workshop emphasized the importance of strategic maps and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to promote trade facilitation, enhance national competitiveness, increase tax revenues, and combat smuggling and violations, ultimately improving Uzbekistan's international image.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Advances Gender Equality Efforts

World Customs Organization Advances Gender Equality Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Virtual Working Group on Gender Equality and Diversity convened to discuss new initiatives promoting gender equality and diversity in customs. Discussions included reviewing the draft WCO Council Declaration on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs, preparing for the establishment of a “Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Network,” and conducting internal assessments. The WCO will continue to collaborate with its members to advance the relevant agenda.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released new Advisory Opinion 4.19 on customs valuation, addressing the complex valuation issues related to royalties and license fees under Article 8.1(c) of the Customs Valuation Agreement. This opinion clarifies the valuation principles for single royalties encompassing both patents and trademarks. It assists businesses in accurately calculating import costs, reducing valuation disputes, and promoting the healthy development of international trade. This guidance aims to provide clarity and consistency in the application of customs valuation rules related to intellectual property rights.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Joins World Customs Organization

Antigua and Barbuda Joins World Customs Organization

Antigua and Barbuda officially joined the World Customs Organization (WCO) as its 182nd member. This strengthens the WCO's presence in the Americas/Caribbean region and injects new vitality into global customs cooperation. The WCO is dedicated to improving customs management efficiency through setting standards, providing assistance, and promoting cooperation. Its core mission is to facilitate trade and enhance security worldwide. Antigua and Barbuda's membership will contribute to these efforts and benefit from the WCO's expertise in international trade and customs procedures.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in launching its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes, ultimately improving trade efficiency. Through the TRS and the development of a Single Window system, the Bahamas aims to significantly improve its business environment, enhance international competitiveness, and lay the groundwork for joining the World Trade Organization. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative is crucial for economic growth and integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

The World Customs Organization actively responds to World Environment Day, focusing on biodiversity protection. Through combating environmental crime, capacity building, and international cooperation, it is committed to building a sustainable future. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting ecosystems, combating illegal trade, and promoting sustainable development. It calls for global joint efforts to protect our planet. The organization advocates for strategies to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trafficking of endangered species, reinforcing customs' commitment to environmental security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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