WCO Issues Global Guidelines for Uniform Customs Valuation

WCO Issues Global Guidelines for Uniform Customs Valuation

This document provides a unified interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, offering an authoritative reference for customs valuation practices. Compiled by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it aims to facilitate international trade by promoting consistent application of valuation rules and reducing potential trade frictions. The document serves as a valuable resource for customs officials, traders, and anyone involved in cross-border transactions, ensuring a smoother and more transparent valuation process.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

This guide aims to help import and export companies understand the customs valuation intelligence exchange mechanism. By clarifying the importing country's customs self-assessment checklist, the golden rules of intelligence exchange, and upgraded measures, it helps businesses mitigate risks, accelerate customs clearance processes, and enhance international trade competitiveness. It provides practical guidance on leveraging intelligence exchange to ensure accurate valuations and avoid potential penalties, ultimately leading to more efficient and compliant trade operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

A seminar on customs modernization and border management cooperation in Central America was held in Chile, emphasizing the crucial role of public-private partnerships in promoting trade facilitation and economic development. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and expressed confidence in future collaboration. The World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. New member countries also expressed a strong desire to continue advancing relevant cooperation. The event underscored the commitment to modernizing customs procedures and enhancing regional trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

The WCO is assisting Lesotho in establishing a customs advance ruling system to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency. Discussions between the two parties covered legal amendments, software upgrades, and the development of an action plan to promote economic development. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, provide greater certainty for traders, and ultimately contribute to Lesotho's economic growth by fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs actively embraces international standards and enhances tariff classification capabilities by hosting WCO Harmonized System workshops, thus improving the business environment. Through digital transformation and international cooperation, Kazakhstan Customs is committed to building an efficient and compliant customs system, promoting trade facilitation, attracting investment, and driving economic development. This contributes to the prosperity of global trade. The focus is on aligning with international best practices to streamline processes and foster a more attractive investment climate.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

The World Customs Organization has upgraded its Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin. This tool aims to assist national customs administrations in identifying and addressing weaknesses in tariff, valuation, and origin management. By improving management efficiency and reducing trade risks, it ultimately promotes global trade facilitation. The upgraded tool focuses on optimizing the diagnosis of rules of origin and enhancing user-friendliness. The improvements are expected to lead to better compliance and contribute to a more streamlined and predictable international trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Upgrades Customs Lab to Safeguard Minerals Trade

Peru Upgrades Customs Lab to Safeguard Minerals Trade

A workshop held in Peru by the World Customs Organization aims to modernize the Peruvian Customs Laboratory. This initiative seeks to improve commodity classification accuracy, facilitate trade, and strengthen the protection of national mineral resources. Relocating and constructing a new laboratory, upgrading technology, and fostering international cooperation will drive efficiency improvements within Peruvian Customs. This modernization is expected to promote economic development and trade prosperity in Peru by ensuring proper classification and efficient processing of goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

Djibouti Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Enhance African Trade

With support from the World Customs Organization and the European Union, Djibouti is updating its national tariff system to align with the international standard Harmonized System (HS). This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase fiscal revenue, improve international competitiveness, and promote sustainable development, ultimately positioning Djibouti as a new trade hub in Africa. The modernization of the tariff system is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, contributing to economic growth and regional integration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly initiated by the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, has launched a specific assistance program for Bangladesh. This program aims to help Bangladesh Customs optimize goods release processes and improve trade efficiency. In-depth strategic dialogues were held on the issue of Time Release Study (TRS), and a comprehensive TRS work plan was developed to ensure the sustainability of goods release times and strengthen the autonomy of Bangladesh Customs.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Unite to Strengthen Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Customs Unite to Strengthen Supply Chains

The Meeting of Directors General of Customs of the Americas and the Caribbean focused on the theme of "Recovery, Innovation, and Resilience." Discussions centered on regional priorities and best practices, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in trade facilitation, border security, and sustainable supply chains. Participants shared experiences in innovative technology applications, customs modernization, and personnel skills enhancement. The meeting aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, promote economic recovery, and foster development within the region. The focus was on building stronger, more resilient economies through enhanced customs collaboration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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