WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the Netherlands Customs, focusing on information sharing, GNC, data quality, the Multilateral Mutual Assistance Convention, and mutual recognition, discussing global customs cooperation. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' contribution to WCO technical assistance and looks forward to continued collaboration to build an open, efficient, and secure new global trade landscape. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and innovative solutions for addressing evolving challenges in international trade and customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Modernization Support

Bahrain Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Modernization Support

With WCO support, Bahrain Customs enhanced its post-clearance audit capabilities through workshops and learned about pre-arrival processing systems to meet WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement requirements. This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, improve efficiency, and inject new vitality into Bahrain's economic development. The WCO's continued support will help Bahrain Customs modernize and serve as a model for other developing countries. The training focused on risk management and data analysis techniques to improve audit effectiveness and targeting.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Clearance Guide for Ocean Freight Exporters

US Customs Clearance Guide for Ocean Freight Exporters

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the international ocean freight export customs clearance process to the USA from a data analyst's perspective. It covers document preparation, customs policies, clearance procedures, common issues, costs, and timelines. Furthermore, it offers strategies to improve efficiency, aiming to help foreign trade enterprises avoid risks, optimize the clearance process, and achieve efficient exports. The analysis focuses on practical insights for navigating the complexities of US customs regulations and streamlining the export process.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tech Innovations Transform Global Border Management

WCO Tech Innovations Transform Global Border Management

This WCO report analyzes the application of disruptive technologies like blockchain and AI in customs, exploring their potential, challenges, and implementation strategies. It discusses how these technologies can revolutionize customs processes, enhance efficiency, and improve security. The report also addresses the hurdles to adoption, such as data privacy concerns and the need for skilled personnel. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and provides recommendations for leveraging disruptive technologies to modernize customs administration and strengthen border security globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Centers Adapt to Remote Learning Hurdles

Asiapacific Customs Centers Adapt to Remote Learning Hurdles

The Asia Pacific Customs Training Center (APCTC) conference explored remote training during the pandemic. Experiences were shared from China (VR), Fiji (online platforms), Hong Kong (interactive methods), and India (MOOCs). The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the importance of data analysis in remote training programs. The conference highlighted innovative approaches and the crucial role of technology in maintaining customs capacity building efforts throughout the Asia Pacific region despite travel restrictions and other challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Customs Launches AI Tool to Streamline Trade

Azerbaijan Customs Launches AI Tool to Streamline Trade

Azerbaijan Customs has independently developed the AI-HS tool, which significantly improves the efficiency and accuracy of customs operations. This is achieved through high-precision HS code prediction, multilingual support, ChatGPT integration, tariff rate calculation, and risk management integration. The tool contributes positively to trade facilitation and regulatory compliance. Its success is being emulated by other countries, with potential for global application. It leverages data-driven insights to streamline processes and enhance decision-making within customs procedures.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Paraguay Customs Adopts WCO Plan to Improve Efficiency

Paraguay Customs Adopts WCO Plan to Improve Efficiency

The WCO assisted Paraguay Customs in developing a five-year strategic plan and building a management reporting system. This initiative aims to improve decision-making efficiency and enhance customs modernization. The strategic plan provides a roadmap for future development, while the management reporting system enables data-driven insights and performance monitoring. Ultimately, this collaboration with the WCO supports Paraguay Customs in achieving its strategic goals and enhancing its overall effectiveness in trade facilitation and border security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference that global supply chains face multiple challenges including digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. Customs plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain resilience by strengthening risk management, simplifying customs clearance, fostering international cooperation, applying technology, and building personnel capacity. Enhanced cooperation among border agencies is essential to jointly maintain trade security and facilitation.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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