Dominican Republic Streamlines Customs for Humanitarian Aid

Dominican Republic Streamlines Customs for Humanitarian Aid

With support from the Japanese government and the World Customs Organization, the Dominican Republic Customs has developed a rapid clearance action plan for humanitarian aid. Through workshops, the initiative brings together various stakeholders to optimize the legal framework, streamline customs procedures, and enhance emergency response capabilities. The aim is to ensure the swift delivery of relief supplies in emergency situations, providing timely and effective assistance to affected populations. This initiative strengthens the Dominican Republic's ability to respond effectively to disasters and provide crucial support to those in need.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Fiji Enhances Trade with Streamlined Customs Process

Fiji Enhances Trade with Streamlined Customs Process

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a workshop in Fiji to support Fiji Customs in implementing the Time Release Study (TRS), aligning with the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Through training and collaboration, Fiji aims to optimize cargo clearance processes, promote trade facilitation, and improve the business environment. The TRS will help identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the customs clearance process, ultimately leading to faster and more efficient trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

A WCO report analyzes the customs clearance challenges of low-value goods in cross-border e-commerce, focusing on facilitation and risk management. It proposes optimization solutions such as intelligentization and international cooperation to improve efficiency and security. The report highlights the growing importance of addressing these challenges to ensure smooth trade flows and effective revenue collection in the rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce landscape. It emphasizes the need for modernized customs procedures and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan hosted a WCO Harmonized System (HS) national workshop aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of tariff classification through international cooperation and capacity building, thereby promoting trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered HS fundamentals, specific commodity classification, and pre-ruling guidance. It also explored future development directions such as intelligent classification, big data analysis, and risk management, assisting Turkmenistan in building a more efficient and intelligent tariff system. The goal is to enhance customs procedures and contribute to smoother international trade flows.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Mercator Program Advances Palestinian Customs Modernization

Wcos Mercator Program Advances Palestinian Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) positively assessed Palestine's Mercator Program, acknowledging its effectiveness in trade facilitation. The report highlighted the importance of strategic planning, public-private partnerships, and electronic connectivity, laying the groundwork for future tailored support. International cooperation contributes to Palestine's customs modernization, offering a valuable model for other developing countries. The assessment underscores the program's success and provides insights for further improvements and replication in similar contexts, emphasizing the role of collaborative efforts in achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Tariff System

Namibia Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Tariff System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the European Union, is assisting the Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) in enhancing its commodity classification capabilities through the 'HS Project Africa'. This initiative employs systematic training and case studies to develop a team of experts proficient in the Harmonized System (HS). The project aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade disputes, increase revenue collection, and ultimately contribute to Namibia's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Program

Philippines Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides capacity building support to the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance its AEO program. This aims to improve the BOC's ability to validate AEO security standards and promote trade facilitation. Through expert training and field exercises, BOC officials' skills are enhanced, laying the foundation for a more secure and efficient trading environment. The WCO will provide further in-depth training and support to facilitate the development of the Philippine AEO program in the future.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Plan Trade Recovery Reforms

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Plan Trade Recovery Reforms

The WCO Asia Pacific Heads of Customs Conference was held in Seoul, focusing on upgrading strategies, building smart customs, and strengthening international cooperation. Thailand was elected as the next Vice-Chair. South Korea will establish a training center to further support capacity building in the region. The conference highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security within the Asia Pacific region and beyond, aiming to create a more efficient and interconnected global trade environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Journal Highlights Global Trade Shifts

World Customs Journal Highlights Global Trade Shifts

The International Network of Customs Universities (INCU) released the eighth edition of the *World Customs Journal*, focusing on topics such as customs-business partnerships, performance measurement, customs and taxation, and the impact of climate change on international trade. This journal gathers research findings from global experts and scholars, providing valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers, and leading the future direction of customs transformation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Rules Tighten Hurting Crossborder Ecommerce

US Customs Rules Tighten Hurting Crossborder Ecommerce

The US's cancellation of the T86 customs clearance model and imposition of tariffs pose an existential threat to cross-border e-commerce direct mail sellers. The article highlights key strategies for overcoming these challenges, including transitioning to compliant customs clearance, restructuring supply chains, and strategically deploying overseas warehouses. It urges sellers to proactively adapt and embrace change to capitalize on emerging opportunities in this evolving landscape.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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