Cuba Strengthens Trade Facilitation in WTO Compliance Push

Cuba Strengthens Trade Facilitation in WTO Compliance Push

Cuban Customs is actively embracing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. It has significantly improved customs clearance efficiency through various measures, including risk management, information technology application, cooperation and mutual benefit, and personnel training, earning high praise from the business community. Their experience demonstrates that proactive planning and action are key to achieving trade facilitation, providing valuable lessons for other customs departments. This proactive approach highlights the benefits of early adoption and strategic implementation of trade facilitation measures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

With the support of SECO-WCO GTFP, Colombian Customs hosted a trade facilitation forum. The forum focused on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, shared experiences from Abu Dhabi's customs reform, and explored the impact of disruptive technologies on the future of customs. The goal was to support DIAN's customs transformation, creating an efficient, transparent, and modern customs system. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trade development in Colombia by streamlining processes and embracing innovation within the customs framework.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
UK WCO Extend Trade Facilitation for Developing Nations

UK WCO Extend Trade Facilitation for Developing Nations

UK Customs and the World Customs Organization have extended their trade facilitation cooperation project, investing £1.6 million to support Commonwealth developing countries in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to enhance customs capabilities, promote inter-agency cooperation, and establish sustainable mechanisms. The project will help developing countries integrate into the global trading system, fostering economic growth. The extended partnership will focus on building long-term capacity and ensuring the benefits of trade facilitation are realized by participating nations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs with Preruling System

WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs with Preruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in developing an advance ruling system to enhance customs valuation efficiency and trade facilitation. Through workshops and capacity building, the WCO assists Kyrgyz Customs in building an efficient, transparent, and reliable advance ruling system. This aims to reduce trade risks for businesses, optimize supply chain management, and improve customs control effectiveness, ultimately promoting global trade facilitation. The system is expected to provide clarity and predictability, leading to smoother customs procedures and reduced delays.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), provided remote technical assistance to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. Through theoretical reviews, practical exercises, and case studies, the project significantly improved the auditing skills of Uzbek customs officers and provided recommendations for developing specific customs procedures. This initiative supports Uzbekistan's efforts to improve its trade facilitation level.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Eswatini Customs Reforms HR to Boost Trade Efficiency

Eswatini Customs Reforms HR to Boost Trade Efficiency

Eswatini is committed to addressing trade facilitation challenges by adopting a competency-based human resource management model. The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a talent development diagnostic of Eswatini Customs and provided recommendations for improvement. Eswatini Customs has pledged to implement competency-based management to enhance employee skills and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation. This initiative aims to improve the quality and effectiveness of customs operations through strategic human resource development.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, highlighting customs' crucial role in promoting economic competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO showcased relevant tools and measures, emphasizing the importance of customs-business cooperation. During the event, the WCO also strengthened collaboration with Spanish Customs and the Catalan private sector, aiming to build a more efficient and transparent customs system and promote global trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Albania Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention marks another step forward in global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency. Albania's membership will promote customs modernization, trade facilitation, and international cooperation. Data analysis plays a crucial role in the convention's implementation, helping countries improve customs efficiency and promote global trade development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Malawi Customs' risk management processes to support Malawi's customs modernization reforms under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The assessment identified shortcomings in Malawi Customs' risk management practices and provided recommendations for improvement. The WCO will continue to collaborate with Malawi to advance its trade facilitation agenda. The assessment highlights the need for enhanced risk profiling, improved data analysis, and strengthened cooperation between customs and other agencies to effectively manage risks and facilitate legitimate trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More