Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

This paper analyzes the current state of the Convention Concerning Customs Facilities for Touring, in particular document PG0134F1 released by the World Customs Organization. Focusing on Haiti's unique position as the sole contracting party, it explores the underlying reasons for its withdrawal from the ECS Convention. By combining data analysis, the study offers insights and lessons for the lifecycle management of international trade agreements. It provides a perspective on the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and adapting such agreements in a changing global landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

With Thailand and Sierra Leone joining, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, marking a significant step in global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency. It works in synergy with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, injecting new vitality into global economic development. The WCO encourages more members to join and collectively promote trade facilitation. This milestone underscores the growing global commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through simplified customs procedures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 15th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on broader accession and effective implementation of the Convention, discussing key principles, challenges, and potential solutions. The meeting highlighted the RKC's crucial role in supporting the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. A decision was made to establish a new virtual working group to review and update the Convention, ensuring its adaptation to modern customs management needs. This aims to promote trade facilitation and development globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 23rd session of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee marked a crucial second phase in the RKC review. The meeting approved the WGRKC's final report and discussed the business case for the RKC review, laying the groundwork for subsequent revisions. The RKC's revision will streamline customs procedures, enhance transparency, and promote global trade facilitation, significantly impacting businesses. This update aims to modernize customs practices and adapt to evolving global trade patterns, ultimately reducing costs and delays for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Revised Kyoto Convention Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

Revised Kyoto Convention Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

The Kyoto Declaration highlights the central role of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP) in global trade facilitation. The WCO is committed to enhancing global trade efficiency and competitiveness by simplifying customs procedures, strengthening international cooperation, and providing technical assistance. This aims to create a more convenient and secure trading environment for businesses. The WCO's efforts contribute significantly to streamlining international trade flows and fostering economic growth worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Armenia Joins Istanbul Convention to Boost Trade

Armenia Joins Istanbul Convention to Boost Trade

Armenia's accession to the Istanbul Convention aims to simplify international trade procedures, reduce costs, and expand access to overseas markets, ultimately fostering economic development. By adopting the ATA Carnet system, Armenia streamlines customs procedures for temporary imports, benefiting businesses involved in exhibitions, fairs, and professional equipment movement. This move is expected to enhance trade facilitation, making it easier and more efficient for Armenian companies to engage in global commerce and attract foreign investment. The convention's implementation promises to boost Armenia's competitiveness in the international arena.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guatemala Adopts WCO Standards to Enhance Trade with Swiss Aid

Guatemala Adopts WCO Standards to Enhance Trade with Swiss Aid

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a collaboration between the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, will provide technical assistance to Guatemalan Customs to facilitate its accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of Guatemalan Customs, reduce trade costs, enhance trade transparency, and ultimately boost its international competitiveness, fostering economic development. This support is crucial for Guatemala to streamline its customs procedures and align with international best practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Releases Blueprint for Secure Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Releases Blueprint for Secure Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes the safe and efficient circulation of goods and enhances international trade facilitation by establishing unified policies. Its core initiatives include the WCO SAFE Framework, the Revised Kyoto Convention, and data models, effectively coordinating collaboration between customs and other government agencies to create a favorable environment for legitimate trade.

08/06/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System Convention. Through capacity-building programs funded by the African Development Bank, Customs officers are enhancing their understanding and application of the latest HS. This initiative aims to simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and boost Comoros' international competitiveness. Support from COMESA experts will ensure the smooth integration of the HS into the customs system, laying the foundation for Comoros' integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More