Bahamas Customs Adopts Wcobacked Preruling System to Boost Trade

Bahamas Customs Adopts Wcobacked Preruling System to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Bahamas in establishing a commodity classification advance ruling system to enhance trade facilitation. Through national workshops and technical assistance, the WCO assists the Bahamas Customs in its modernization efforts, establishing a pre-ruling system to resolve trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and promote economic development. While challenges exist in establishing the advance ruling system, the WCO's support and cooperation will help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative aims to create a more predictable and efficient trade environment for businesses operating in the Bahamas.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UN World Customs Org Boost Collaboration for Global Recovery

UN World Customs Org Boost Collaboration for Global Recovery

The UN Secretary-General met with the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization, agreeing to strengthen cooperation in addressing global challenges and promoting global economic recovery. Key areas of collaboration include vaccine distribution, combating cross-border crime, facilitating trade, and supporting Sustainable Development Goals. Both parties will enhance information sharing, technological innovation, and capacity building, working towards a safer, more prosperous, and sustainable world. This partnership aims to leverage customs expertise in areas crucial for global stability and economic growth.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Indonesian Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a regional training center and a regional customs laboratory in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of regional customs personnel and improve commodity inspection capabilities. It will also help combat counterfeit goods, promote trade facilitation, and strengthen regional cooperation to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. This collaboration is expected to inject new vitality into the healthy development of global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

With WCO support, the Nigeria Customs Service upgraded its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system, strengthening risk management, optimizing trader segmentation, and supporting the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency and promote economic prosperity. Emphasizing data-driven customs management, the project offers valuable lessons for other developing countries looking to modernize their customs operations and improve trade facilitation measures. The focus on risk-based approaches and data analysis is key to achieving tangible improvements in customs performance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Digital ATA Carnet to Streamline Trade

Global Customs Adopt Digital ATA Carnet to Streamline Trade

A global training program, co-organized by the World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce, aims to promote the digital transformation of the ATA Carnet system and enhance customs' responsiveness. The training includes system demonstrations, conceptual explanations, and transition planning, assisting customs administrations in preparing for the digital procedures starting in 2026. The ultimate goal is to achieve full digitalization by the end of 2027. This initiative seeks to streamline international trade processes and improve efficiency through digital solutions.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Guidelines to Simplify Global Rail Customs Procedures

WCO Releases Guidelines to Simplify Global Rail Customs Procedures

The WCO Railway Guidelines, published by the World Customs Organization (WCO), aim to promote the standardization, simplification, and intelligence of customs procedures for rail transport. This report provides an in-depth interpretation of the guidelines, analyzes their impact and challenges, and proposes optimization strategies, including strengthening international cooperation, promoting technological innovation, and improving laws and regulations. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and safety of global rail transport and facilitate trade development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Members of the Central American Customs Council recently held an online seminar to enhance their capacity to handle relief supplies during natural disasters and other emergencies. The meeting reviewed current regulations, proposed strategic recommendations, and emphasized process digitalization and capacity building. They plan to develop a roadmap at the December meeting to build a more efficient regional disaster response system. The focus is on streamlining customs procedures to ensure rapid delivery of essential aid during crises, fostering greater cooperation and preparedness among member states.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

01/22/2026 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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