WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Tackle Illegal Waste Trade

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Tackle Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE) initiative to combat illegal waste trade. As a formal member of ENFORCE, the WCO is committed to enhancing the capacity of customs officers to address the threat of illegal waste through strengthened customs enforcement, capacity building, and international cooperation. This collaborative effort aims to build a global environmental security line, protecting both the environment and human health from the detrimental effects of illicit waste trafficking.

Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Environment Programme, in collaboration with customs administrations from 11 countries, is enhancing capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) through online diagnostic assessments. Focusing on key areas such as training, enforcement, legislation, cooperation, intelligence, and risk management, the program tailors solutions and gathers international experts to build a global anti-smuggling defense line and safeguard ecological security. The initiative aims to improve customs' effectiveness in detecting and preventing the trafficking of endangered species and related products.

USMCA Enforcement Urged to Bolster North American Power Supply

USMCA Enforcement Urged to Bolster North American Power Supply

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) is urging stronger enforcement of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to address surging electricity demand and increased global competition. NEMA emphasizes USMCA's crucial role in securing North American electricity supply chains and promoting U.S. manufacturing. They are urging the USTR to swiftly complete the review and update of USMCA, eliminating trade barriers and combating fraudulent practices. Strengthening USMCA is vital for ensuring a level playing field and fostering economic growth within the region's electrical manufacturing sector.

USMCA Review NEMA Calls for Stricter Enforcement Policy Clarity

USMCA Review NEMA Calls for Stricter Enforcement Policy Clarity

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) urged a swift review and update of the USMCA during a USTR hearing. NEMA aims to strengthen enforcement, enhance policy predictability, and foster a level playing field for the electrical manufacturing industry. The association believes these improvements will contribute to economic prosperity across North America. NEMA emphasized the importance of addressing emerging trade challenges and ensuring the agreement remains relevant and effective in supporting the competitiveness of the electrical manufacturing sector.

Ecommerce Sellers Face Rising IP Enforcement Over Sneakers Games

Ecommerce Sellers Face Rising IP Enforcement Over Sneakers Games

Recently, brands like Sneaker Shields and Assassin's Creed have initiated large-scale rights protection actions, resulting in the freezing of hundreds of cross-border e-commerce stores. This article provides a detailed analysis of these infringement cases, covering brand information, rights protection dynamics, types of infringement, and corresponding recommendations. It aims to remind sellers to strengthen their awareness of intellectual property, avoid trademark and copyright infringement, and achieve compliant operation. By understanding the risks and implementing preventative measures, sellers can protect their businesses and ensure long-term success in the competitive cross-border market.

WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

The WCO assessed the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the CITES Convention. The assessment revealed shortcomings, leading to the development of an improvement plan. This plan aims to combat the illegal trade in wild flora and fauna by strengthening customs enforcement and ensuring compliance with CITES regulations. The initiative seeks to enhance the URA's effectiveness in detecting, preventing, and suppressing wildlife trafficking, contributing to broader wildlife conservation efforts.

Tokyo Conference Strengthens Global Wildlife Protection

Tokyo Conference Strengthens Global Wildlife Protection

The 2014 Tokyo World Wildlife Conference focused on combating illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing the role of customs, evidence-based decision-making, and data empowerment. The conference promoted international collaboration, particularly between Africa and Asia, aiming to enhance global wildlife protection efforts and build a future of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It highlighted the importance of strengthened customs enforcement and the use of data to inform effective conservation strategies.

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Mozambique to enhance customs officers' awareness of the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative aims to strengthen border control of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The activity is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, which supports developing countries' customs administrations in improving their environmental capabilities to address global environmental challenges collectively. The program focuses on building capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of relevant environmental agreements.

WCO Backs African Customs Agencies to Strengthen Green Trade

WCO Backs African Customs Agencies to Strengthen Green Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Secretariat, conducted workshops in Kenya and Tanzania. These workshops aimed to enhance the knowledge and enforcement capabilities of the two countries' customs departments regarding the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to promote sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa and strengthen the role of customs in environmental protection. The workshops focused on identifying and intercepting illegal shipments of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances.

Kyrgyz Uzbek Customs Officers Train in Moscow to Combat Smuggling

Kyrgyz Uzbek Customs Officers Train in Moscow to Combat Smuggling

RILO CIS conducted a training in Moscow for customs officers from Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on the use of CEN/CENcomm. This training aimed to enhance their capabilities in combating smuggling and fostering regional cooperation. The program focused on practical application and knowledge sharing to improve the effectiveness of customs enforcement efforts in the region. By providing officers with the necessary tools and expertise, RILO CIS contributes to a more secure and efficient trade environment.