WCO Unveils Strategy to Streamline Global Trade

WCO Unveils Strategy to Streamline Global Trade

The WCO's strategic plan aims to enhance global trade efficiency, focusing on technology, green customs, and governance. Businesses should understand and participate in WCO activities, applying its standards and tools. This includes leveraging WCO instruments for trade facilitation, such as the Revised Kyoto Convention and the SAFE Framework. By embracing WCO initiatives, companies can streamline their customs procedures, reduce costs, and improve their competitiveness in the global market. Active engagement with the WCO is crucial for staying informed about evolving customs practices and contributing to a more efficient and secure international trade environment.

06/11/2024 Customs Knowledge
Read More
El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

The 32nd Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee concluded successfully, with El Salvador joining, bringing the number of contracting parties to 135. The meeting finalized the review of updated guidelines for both general and specific annexes, covering key areas such as customs security, advance rulings, and coordinated border management. Moving forward, the RKC will continue to be updated, contributing to global trade facilitation. The updates aim to streamline customs procedures and enhance security measures for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Sierra Leone Djibouti Join HS Convention to Streamline Trade

Sierra Leone Djibouti Join HS Convention to Streamline Trade

In 2015, Sierra Leone and Djibouti acceded to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, becoming the 152nd and 153rd contracting parties. This is significant for both countries, facilitating trade, enhancing international competitiveness, and promoting economic development. The Convention covers over 98% of global trade in goods. Its standardized coding system simplifies trade procedures, enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and standardization of global trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Reviews Kyoto Convention to Address Global Trade Challenges

WCO Reviews Kyoto Convention to Address Global Trade Challenges

The 24th Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on advancing a comprehensive review of the RKC. The meeting assessed the alignment of proposals with the Convention and existing tools to address new global trade challenges such as the pandemic, information technology, e-commerce, and supply chain security. Emphasis was placed on inclusivity, welcoming Liberia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as new contracting parties. This collective effort contributes to global trade facilitation and security, ensuring the RKC remains relevant and effective in the modern trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
HS Convention at 25 Data Shapes Global Trades Future

HS Convention at 25 Data Shapes Global Trades Future

The World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Harmonized System Convention, highlighting the HS's central role and future development in international trade. As a universal language for global trade, the HS simplifies trade processes and enhances efficiency. The WCO is actively conducting strategic reviews to ensure the HS adapts to new trade patterns and technological advancements. It also encourages greater participation from developing countries in HS-related activities, fostering a more inclusive and responsive global trade environment. This ensures the HS remains relevant and effective in facilitating international commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Kyoto Convention Review Urges Business Input on Trade Facilitation

Kyoto Convention Review Urges Business Input on Trade Facilitation

The revised Kyoto Convention's comprehensive review is entering a crucial consultation phase. Businesses should actively participate to understand key issues like data, electronic declarations, perishable goods, AEO, security, and customs control. Engage through industry associations and the WCO to voice concerns, assess the impact, and adjust strategies. This is vital to prepare for the evolving landscape of global trade facilitation and ensure compliance with updated customs procedures under the Kyoto Convention. Understanding these changes is paramount for smooth and efficient international trade operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Burkina Faso Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) marks progress in global trade facilitation. As a modern customs blueprint, the RKC promotes global trade development by simplifying customs procedures, enhancing transparency, and applying information technology. Countries should actively join and effectively implement the RKC, strengthen international cooperation, address challenges collectively, and build an open and efficient global trading system. The RKC's focus on streamlined processes and technological advancements aims to reduce trade costs and boost economic growth for member nations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Central America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Central America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), aiming to simplify customs procedures, improve clearance efficiency, and reduce trade costs. Through regional workshops, countries completed self-assessments and developed implementation roadmaps, paving the way for eventual accession to the RKC. This initiative promotes regional trade integration and economic development by streamlining customs processes and fostering greater cooperation among participating nations. The focus is on reducing barriers to trade and enhancing the competitiveness of the region.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More