Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant challenge from the illegal trade of plastic waste. The Asia Pacific Plastic Waste (APPW) project, initiated by the World Customs Organization, aims to strengthen customs' response capabilities, mitigate the threat of illegal shipments, and promote the Basel Convention amendment. Through Coordinated Border Management (CBM) and international cooperation, the project seeks to effectively control and facilitate plastic waste trade, collectively building a future without 'plastic enclaves'.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial importance of cooperation between customs and phytosanitary authorities, especially within the context of trade facilitation, at the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) meeting. The article elaborates on the necessity of this collaboration, WCO's initiatives, global case studies, and future prospects. It emphasizes policy coordination, technology promotion, and capacity building as key elements for successful cooperation in safeguarding plant health while facilitating international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New HS 2028 Codes Target Global Plastic Waste Trafficking

New HS 2028 Codes Target Global Plastic Waste Trafficking

HS 2028 revises customs codes to more accurately identify and classify plastic waste, especially hazardous waste, thereby strengthening the implementation of the Basel Convention. This new coding system aims to improve customs regulatory efficiency, standardize corporate compliance, and ultimately curb the illegal transboundary movement of plastic waste, protecting the global environment. The revised codes facilitate better tracking and control of plastic waste shipments, ensuring environmentally sound management and preventing illegal dumping in developing countries.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

WCO, in collaboration with the Belgian Customs Academy, provides training to African customs officials to enhance their capabilities. Recently, officials visited the WCO headquarters to deepen cooperation, focusing on areas such as digital transformation. This partnership aims to strengthen customs administration in Africa and facilitate trade by building a skilled workforce and promoting modern practices. The collaboration underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting Africa's development through effective customs management and capacity building initiatives.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs Academy (BCS) have deepened their collaboration to provide enhanced training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. The training covers the WCO's latest tools and issues. This initiative aims to improve customs management capabilities in Africa, promote regional trade development, and serve as a model for global customs capacity building. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations and fostering a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

A joint statement by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) aims to coordinate and facilitate cross-border rail transport during the pandemic. It encourages the temporary acceptance of electronic documents to simplify customs procedures. Based on the Revised Kyoto Convention, this initiative seeks to ensure the continuity and facilitation of international rail transport and promote digital transformation within the rail transport industry.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Mexicos Trade Via Economic Operator Program

WCO Enhances Mexicos Trade Via Economic Operator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Deputy Secretary General visited Mexico to attend the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Forum, discussing the role of the AEO program in global trade facilitation and competitiveness enhancement. Both sides engaged in in-depth exchanges on the WCO's strategic plan, the Kyoto Convention, and Mexico's customs modernization initiatives. They also conducted site visits to border ports and data centers. This visit aims to strengthen cooperation and support Mexico in improving its trade competitiveness.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

The WCO and SECO's GTFP project assists Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), simplifying customs procedures, and promoting trade facilitation and economic growth. The project aims to streamline border processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the predictability and transparency of customs operations. By adopting the RKC standards, these countries can improve their competitiveness in the global market and attract foreign investment. This initiative contributes to regional integration and sustainable development by fostering a more efficient and effective trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Central Asia Road Transport for Trade Growth

WCO Enhances Central Asia Road Transport for Trade Growth

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized the role of road transport in improving border 'soft infrastructure' at the International Road Transport Conference. He commended Central Asian countries for joining the revised Kyoto Convention. He called for strengthened public-private partnerships to enhance transport connectivity and contribute to the prosperity and development of the Central Asian region. This collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures and facilitate trade, ultimately boosting economic growth and regional integration through efficient and reliable road transport networks.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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