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
Read More
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
Read More
Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries' customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. From 2019-2020, the project conducted risk management capacity assessment and enhancement activities in Malawi. Through training and cooperation, it helped the Malawi Revenue Authority strengthen risk identification and response, and promoted regional collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. The project focused on improving customs officials' skills in detecting and intercepting illegal wildlife products.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Environment Programme, actively participates in optimizing the Regulatory Compliance Environment Network (ENFORCE) initiative, aiming to strengthen Customs' role in combating the illegal transboundary movement of waste. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in connecting with national Customs administrations, providing training, and coordinating operations to enhance Customs enforcement capabilities and collectively build a global environmental security network. This will contribute to a more secure and sustainable environment by preventing the illegal dumping and trafficking of hazardous waste.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesian and Philippine Customs to assist in implementing the Basel Convention's plastic waste amendments. The project covers strategy, legal frameworks, procedures, enforcement, policy, and capacity building. It will provide detailed implementation plans and regional workshops to strengthen customs controls on plastic waste trade in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance the collective response to the challenges posed by plastic waste and improve customs' ability to effectively manage its transboundary movement.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Albania Enhances Polymer Testing with Wcobacked Customs Lab Upgrade

Albania Enhances Polymer Testing with Wcobacked Customs Lab Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Albanian Customs Laboratory in enhancing its polymer analysis capabilities. A workshop focused on key techniques such as Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). In-depth analysis of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) coding of the European Union was also covered. The initiative aims to improve the ability of customs officers to classify and analyze polymers and elastomers, ultimately promoting trade facilitation. This will lead to more accurate tariff classification and better enforcement of customs regulations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Boosts Trade Risk Management with WCO Support

Malawi Boosts Trade Risk Management with WCO Support

The WCO assessed Malawi Customs' risk management practices to enhance trade facilitation and align with WTO agreements. The assessment identified gaps and provided recommendations for improvement. This aimed to strengthen Malawi's customs procedures, reduce delays, and promote efficient trade flows. The focus was on optimizing risk assessment processes to ensure effective enforcement while minimizing disruption to legitimate trade. Ultimately, the goal was to support Malawi's economic development through improved customs administration and enhanced trade competitiveness.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched its Intellectual Property Health and Safety (IPHS) Programme, with the first online training successfully held in Namibia. This initiative aims to enhance customs' ability to combat counterfeiting and piracy, particularly focusing on illicit medical goods during the pandemic. The WCO emphasizes customs' responsibility and provides tools to address these challenges. Funded by Japan Customs, the program seeks to strengthen international cooperation through information sharing, joint enforcement operations, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns, ultimately safeguarding global trade security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a CITES-Framework Action Plan training in Gabon, aimed at enhancing the capacity of African customs officers to combat illegal wildlife trade. Hosted by the Gabonese Customs Administration, the training involved representatives from multiple countries, focusing on discussing challenges and sharing experiences. The U.S. Department of State funded the training. The WCO-INAMA project is dedicated to protecting Africa's biodiversity through training and cooperation. This initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling wildlife crime and strengthening customs enforcement efforts.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Body Unites Against IP Crime

Global Customs Body Unites Against IP Crime

The World Customs Organization (WCO) strengthens global cooperation in combating counterfeit goods by signing Memoranda of Understanding with various industry associations. The collaboration focuses on promoting IPM tools, enhancing information exchange, and training customs officers. This aims to improve global intellectual property protection capabilities, build a bridge between customs and rights holders, and jointly address the increasingly complex challenges posed by counterfeit goods. The partnerships seek to streamline enforcement efforts and create a more secure global trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More