WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the core topics discussed at the 2025 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technical Committee meetings. These topics include the WCO theme, AEO system, intelligent security equipment, free zones, TRS database system, e-commerce, performance evaluation, information technology, certificates of origin, smart customs, green customs, and vulnerable borders. The meetings aim to promote global customs cooperation, enhance trade efficiency and security, and address emerging challenges in the international trade landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Asia-Pacific customs administrations in upgrading their plastic waste management. Through virtual diagnostics, tailored implementation plans were developed for Indonesia and the Philippines. A regional workshop is planned to strengthen cooperation in addressing the challenge of 'foreign waste' and protecting the blue skies of the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities and ensure compliance with the Basel Convention, ultimately combating the illegal trade and improper disposal of plastic waste.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Zealand Customs Boosts Global Trade Security with AEO Program

New Zealand Customs Boosts Global Trade Security with AEO Program

This paper delves into New Zealand Customs' strategies and practices concerning Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and risk management. It specifically analyzes the operational mechanisms of its 'Secure Export Scheme' (SES) and the concrete steps involved in its risk management approach. By summarizing the New Zealand experience, this study offers valuable insights for other countries in building secure and efficient global trade supply chains. The analysis of SES and risk management techniques provides a practical understanding of how New Zealand Customs ensures trade security while facilitating legitimate trade.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ASAPRA Congress, highlighting the crucial role of customs brokers in supporting customs administration and exploring enhanced cooperation to improve trade facilitation and compliance. The WCO also met with Panama Customs and government agencies to strengthen reform and modernization efforts. These collaborations aim to build an efficient, secure, and seamless trade environment, injecting new impetus into the economic development of the Americas region. The focus is on leveraging partnerships to advance customs modernization and facilitate legitimate trade flows.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

The World Customs Organization's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) held its first in-person meeting after a three-year hiatus, focusing on updates to the E-commerce Package, the development of a global customs data exchange platform, and green customs initiatives. The meeting revised the E-commerce Package maintenance mechanism, approved pressure testing guidelines, and discussed data models and cooperation guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs' ability to address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation and security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

The 15th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties highlighted the crucial role of customs in combating cross-border environmental crime. The WCO contributes to the protection of endangered species by raising awareness among customs officers, providing enforcement tools, and strengthening international cooperation. Data analysis reveals a persistently high violation rate, necessitating enhanced data-driven enforcement and technological innovation to build a global environmental security defense. Further efforts are needed to improve detection and prevention measures, fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat illegal wildlife trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council supported the Secretariat, focusing on key areas like capacity building and trade facilitation. By adopting resolutions such as the HS 2022 Amendments, the WCO COVID-19 Action Plan, and the SAFE Framework 2021, the WCO aims to simplify customs procedures, strengthen international cooperation, and improve customs management. These efforts are designed to contribute to global economic recovery and safeguard trade development in the post-pandemic era by empowering customs administrations around the world.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces AI Course for Xray Analysis to Boost Trade Security

WCO Introduces AI Course for Xray Analysis to Boost Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a new online course, "Image Data Analysis," aimed at enhancing customs officers' ability to analyze X-ray images using AI technology. The course covers image processing, convolutional neural networks, and other relevant topics. Through practical exercises, participants will learn how to build AI models, contributing to a more efficient and secure customs environment. This program empowers customs officials with the skills to leverage AI for improved detection and risk management.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

A high-level working group meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explored customs capacity building in the context of the global economic situation. The meeting reviewed project progress and planned the functions of the new committee, aiming to contribute to the development of customs worldwide. Discussions focused on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations to facilitate trade and ensure security, aligning with the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in adapting to evolving global challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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