WCO and Businesses Collaborate to Reform Global Trade

WCO and Businesses Collaborate to Reform Global Trade

The WCO dialogue with the private sector focused on trade facilitation, sustainability, and business continuity. It highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in empowering women, promoting green supply chains, enhancing compliance efficiency, and building resilient trade. The meeting fostered collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to strengthen trade facilitation, promote sustainable practices, and ensure business continuity in an evolving global landscape. Key areas of discussion included leveraging technology and fostering inclusive trade policies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Overhauls Tax Agency for Improved Efficiency

Botswana Overhauls Tax Agency for Improved Efficiency

The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), in collaboration with the WCO, implemented a competency-based human resource management program. This initiative aimed to enhance organizational performance, improve employee engagement, and strengthen border management. The program focused on identifying and developing the necessary skills and knowledge for BURS staff to effectively carry out their duties, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective tax administration system in Botswana. The partnership with WCO provided valuable expertise and support in the design and implementation of the competency model.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Launches Trade Single Window with WCO Support

Zimbabwe Launches Trade Single Window with WCO Support

The WCO supports Zimbabwe's Electronic Single Window project, aiming to improve government collaboration. Experts shared experiences, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and data harmonization to streamline Zimbabwe's trade processes. The initiative seeks to reduce trade barriers, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency. By implementing a single platform for all trade-related documentation and procedures, Zimbabwe aims to boost its competitiveness in the global market and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency Via Time Release Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency Via Time Release Study

GTFP assists Bangladesh's NBR in enhancing its Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The project aims to optimize processes, promote trade facilitation, and boost competitiveness. By streamlining procedures and reducing delays, the initiative seeks to attract investment and contribute to sustainable development in Bangladesh. The TRS improvement will provide valuable data for identifying bottlenecks in the import/export process, enabling targeted interventions and ultimately leading to a more efficient and competitive trade environment.

01/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Electrical Makers Push for USMCA Enforcement Boost

US Electrical Makers Push for USMCA Enforcement Boost

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) urges the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to expedite the review and update of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). NEMA emphasizes the need for strengthened enforcement and increased predictability in trade rules to safeguard the competitiveness of the American electrical manufacturing industry and protect consumer interests. They believe a robust USMCA is crucial for maintaining a level playing field and ensuring fair trade practices within the North American region, ultimately benefiting both manufacturers and consumers.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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USMCA Enforcement Push Aims to Boost Trade Predictability

USMCA Enforcement Push Aims to Boost Trade Predictability

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) urged a swift review and update of the USMCA at a USTR hearing. NEMA emphasized the importance of strengthened enforcement and enhanced predictability in trade policy. They believe a stable and predictable trade environment encourages investment, fosters technological advancement, and drives job growth. NEMA also called for stronger intellectual property protection, the establishment of efficient dispute resolution mechanisms, and regular assessments of USMCA implementation effectiveness. These measures are crucial for maximizing the agreement's benefits and ensuring a level playing field for American manufacturers.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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USMCA Trade Deal Needs Stronger Enforcement NEMA Says

USMCA Trade Deal Needs Stronger Enforcement NEMA Says

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is urging the United States Trade Representative (USTR) to promptly review and update the USMCA agreement. NEMA emphasizes the importance of strengthening enforcement and enhancing the predictability of the agreement to ensure a level playing field for the U.S. electrical manufacturing sector. They believe that robust enforcement will foster investment and job creation within the industry. NEMA's call underscores the need for a modernized USMCA that effectively addresses trade barriers and promotes fair competition.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Businesses Adapt to Trade Policy Shifts Tariff Challenges

Businesses Adapt to Trade Policy Shifts Tariff Challenges

Foley & Lardner partner Greg Husisian discusses key trade and tariff issues, advising companies to strengthen compliance and diversify their supply chains to navigate the complex international trade environment. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to evolving tariff policies and proactively mitigating risks related to trade fraud. Businesses should prioritize robust compliance programs and explore alternative sourcing options to minimize disruption and maintain competitiveness in the global market. Staying informed and agile is crucial for success in the face of increasing international trade complexity.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Boosts Botswana Tax Authoritys Modernization Efforts

WCO Program Boosts Botswana Tax Authoritys Modernization Efforts

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop in Botswana to enhance the management capabilities of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), promote tax modernization, and contribute to economic development. The workshop focused on strengthening leadership skills within the BURS to effectively implement modern tax administration practices. This initiative aims to improve revenue collection and ultimately support Botswana's economic growth. Funding for the workshop was provided by Finland, highlighting international cooperation in supporting tax reform and capacity building in developing countries.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Data Model 370 Boosts Ecommerce Security Efficiency

WCO Data Model 370 Boosts Ecommerce Security Efficiency

The WCO Data Model Conference highlighted the crucial role of data in cross-border e-commerce. The release of version 3.7.0 focused on data standardization and information sharing to enhance trade security and efficiency. This update aims to streamline processes and improve collaboration among stakeholders involved in international trade by providing a common framework for data exchange. The WCO Data Model serves as a vital tool for facilitating seamless and secure cross-border transactions in the digital age.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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