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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Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

Argentina Adopts WCO Data Model with Chinas Backing

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the WCO successfully held a Data Model Workshop in Argentina. The workshop aimed to assist Argentine Customs and related agencies in adopting the WCO Data Model, building a harmonized national data directory, and enhancing digitalization and trade facilitation capabilities. The workshop included technical analysis, practical exercises, and case studies, injecting new momentum into the digital transformation of Argentine Customs. The goal is to improve data standardization and streamline trade processes, contributing to overall economic growth.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Belarus Boosts Crossborder Green Trade Initiatives

Belarus Boosts Crossborder Green Trade Initiatives

Belarusian Customs is actively engaged in cross-border environmental cooperation. Through liaison officers, optimized procedures, and data coordination, they are striving to balance trade facilitation with environmental protection. This involves addressing challenges related to cross-border movement of goods and materials while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. The efforts aim to streamline customs processes, reduce delays, and promote sustainable trade practices. Looking forward, Belarusian Customs aims to further enhance its role in facilitating trade while safeguarding the environment, contributing to a more sustainable and prosperous future.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Certification Boosts Trade in Francophone Africa

WCO Certification Boosts Trade in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Technical and Operational Advisors (TOA) accreditation program, aims to cultivate customs experts proficient in commodity classification, rules of origin, and valuation. This initiative enhances customs capacity in French-speaking African countries, reduces trade costs and friction, and creates more market opportunities for businesses. By fostering expertise and efficiency, the program contributes to a future where trade facilitation is embraced, benefiting both governments and the private sector. The ultimate goal is to streamline processes and promote economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Trade Security

Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Trade Security

The 28th SAFE Working Group (SWG) meeting focused on upgrading and monitoring the implementation of the SAFE Framework. Discussions included the implementation monitoring questionnaire, the WCO Data Strategy, the Green Customs Initiative, and capacity building activities. The revised SWG work plan was approved. The meeting also deepened cooperation between customs and sectors such as aviation and ports, injecting new momentum into the future development of global trade. The discussions aimed to enhance efficiency and security in international trade through improved customs procedures and collaboration.

02/06/2026 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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