WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

The World Customs Organization's midterm report affirms the HS's central role and recommends improvements to its usability and functionality to address evolving trade patterns. The report encourages active participation from all parties in the assessment process. The focus is on ensuring the Harmonized System remains a relevant and effective tool for international trade classification and customs procedures in a rapidly changing global landscape. This will involve streamlining processes and adapting to new technologies to enhance its overall effectiveness and accessibility.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO UN Call for Unimpeded Trade for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

WCO UN Call for Unimpeded Trade for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

The World Customs Organization and the United Nations urge ensuring smooth trade for landlocked developing countries during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of freedom of transit and international cooperation. By simplifying customs procedures, investing in infrastructure, and diversifying trade partners, we can collectively address the impact of the pandemic on landlocked countries' trade and build a more resilient global supply chain. This collaborative effort aims to mitigate disruptions and foster sustainable economic growth for these vulnerable nations during and after the crisis.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops and technical assistance, the WCO helped Gambia identify bottlenecks in cargo clearance, optimize customs procedures, and align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The ultimate goal is to improve the business environment and promote sustainable economic development in Gambia. The TRS aims to streamline processes and reduce the time and cost associated with importing and exporting goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO and ICAO Enhance Air Cargo Security to Support Global Trade

WCO and ICAO Enhance Air Cargo Security to Support Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly released new regulations to strengthen air cargo security and facilitate trade. Through the 'Joint Guiding Principles on Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information' and the 'Joint Guidance on the Coordination of Customs Authorized Economic Operator and Aviation Security Regulated Agent/Known Consignor Programmes', the initiative aims to improve risk assessment and program coordination. This collaborative effort seeks to build a safer and more efficient global air cargo supply chain.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Singapore Sea Freight Firms Focus on Cutting Transit Times

Singapore Sea Freight Firms Focus on Cutting Transit Times

This article delves into the key factors affecting the transit time of Singapore sea freight lines, including route distance, vessel type, port efficiency, customs clearance speed, and weather conditions, providing reference transit times for various destinations. It also shares practical acceleration strategies, such as optimizing loading and unloading operations and simplifying customs clearance procedures, to help you improve logistics efficiency and gain a market advantage. Understanding these factors and implementing these strategies can significantly reduce shipping times and improve overall supply chain performance.

01/23/2026 Logistics
Read More
Global Trade Workshop Explores Facilitation Strategies

Global Trade Workshop Explores Facilitation Strategies

GTFP hosted a virtual workshop to enhance beneficiary countries' strategic planning capabilities for trade facilitation and facilitate experience sharing. WCO experts provided guidance, assisting customs administrations in improving their planning and evaluation processes. The workshop aimed to strengthen national strategies and promote effective implementation of trade facilitation measures. Participants gained valuable insights into best practices and innovative approaches to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers. The event underscored the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing in achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Chinaeurope Ecommerce Boosts Crossborder Logistics Efficiency

Chinaeurope Ecommerce Boosts Crossborder Logistics Efficiency

This article details the process, advantages, and precautions of consolidating and shipping daily necessities to Europe, aiming to provide professional guidance for cross-border logistics users. Consolidation services effectively reduce costs, improve delivery times, and simplify user operations by integrating packages and optimizing transportation. Choosing a reputable company, understanding customs clearance policies, and standardizing declarations are crucial for ensuring smooth customs clearance. This guide offers practical insights for navigating the complexities of shipping daily goods to European destinations efficiently and safely.

01/26/2026 Logistics
Read More
Asiapacific Nations Strengthen IP Border Enforcement

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen IP Border Enforcement

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intellectual Property Border Enforcement was successfully held in Shanghai, bringing together customs representatives and experts from 26 countries. The workshop focused on the harms of intellectual property infringement, the application of the TRIPS Agreement, the use of the IPM system, the identification of genuine and counterfeit goods, and risk assessment. Through experience sharing and practical exercises, the event enhanced the intellectual property protection capabilities of customs officers, promoted international cooperation, and fostered innovation and prosperity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
UK Retailers Expand Direct Shipping to China

UK Retailers Expand Direct Shipping to China

This article details the pros and cons of the two main shipping methods from the UK to China (direct mail and forwarding), including freight composition, customs clearance procedures, and tariff policies. It also addresses frequently asked questions during the overseas shopping process, aiming to help enthusiasts shop across borders more conveniently and efficiently. The guide provides practical information for navigating the complexities of international shipping and customs, ensuring a smoother and more informed shopping experience for those importing goods from the UK.

01/29/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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