Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Supply Chain Security

Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Supply Chain Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Conference reviewed the implementation of the SAFE Framework and planned for future development. The conference focused on data strategies, green customs, capacity building, and border coordination. The aim is to build a secure and efficient global trade system. Discussions centered on enhancing supply chain security, promoting trade facilitation, and leveraging data to improve customs operations. The conference emphasized the importance of international collaboration and innovation in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in global trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Disputes Over RD Valuation in Trade

Global Customs Disputes Over RD Valuation in Trade

This article delves into the multilingual definition of “Research and Development” expenses within the World Customs Organization's Valuation Agreement, specifically examining discrepancies between the English, French, and Spanish versions. It incorporates Argentina's unique perspective and provides practical guidance for businesses to accurately declare R&D expenses, avoid valuation disputes, and ensure smooth customs clearance. The analysis highlights the importance of understanding nuances in different language versions of the agreement to mitigate risks associated with customs valuation and international trade compliance.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance customs efficiency in developing countries. This partnership focuses on capacity building, technical assistance, information sharing, and policy dialogue. The goal is to promote trade facilitation and regional integration, jointly address global trade challenges, and build a more efficient and interconnected global trade landscape. The cooperation aims to improve customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and support sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully held the 3rd Working Group Activity of the Advanced Rules of Origin Trainers Project for the East and Southern Africa region in Zambia. This project aims to cultivate qualified customs trainers, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through systematic training and curriculum development, the project will provide a solid foundation of skilled personnel for regional trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) meeting approved several instruments for submission to the Policy Commission (PC) and Council. The meeting focused on topics such as data strategy, trade facilitation, and e-commerce, aiming to improve customs efficiency and promote international trade development. Representatives from the United Kingdom and Indonesia were elected as the new chair and vice-chair, respectively. The approved instruments are expected to further streamline customs procedures and enhance global trade cooperation within the WCO framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bhutan Boosts Environmental Compliance with Border Reforms

Bhutan Boosts Environmental Compliance with Border Reforms

Bhutan Customs plays a crucial role in environmental compliance regulation, committed to environmental protection through multi-sector collaboration, legal frameworks, and cross-border cooperation. The application of Single Window Environment (SWE) and simplified customs procedures enhance regulatory efficiency. Facing challenges in knowledge, information sharing, and technology, Bhutan Customs will strengthen cooperation, participate in international projects, and utilize advance cargo information to achieve sustainable development. This includes improving data collection and analysis for better risk assessment and targeting of illegal environmental trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the WCO, is actively promoting the establishment of an advance ruling mechanism to improve trade efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance trade transparency. Through capacity-building workshops, customs officers have gained a deeper understanding of the Harmonized System and advance ruling regulations. The implementation of the advance ruling mechanism will have a positive impact on the trade development of Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

The WCO, in partnership with Sida, launched the "Project to Promote Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization" aimed at enhancing customs capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project optimizes the cross-border trade environment, fostering economic growth and poverty reduction. It focuses on strategic capacity building, operational efficiency improvements, promotion of trade facilitation measures, strengthened regional cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately contributing to increased trade flows and economic prosperity in the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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