WCO Updates Customs Lab Guide to Strengthen Regional Trade

WCO Updates Customs Lab Guide to Strengthen Regional Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Customs Laboratory Guide,' emphasizing the role of Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs). A new Appendix V provides contact information and establishment procedures for RCLs, aiming to enhance member laboratory capabilities and promote regional cooperation in addressing global trade challenges. The updated guide, now available, offers guidance on standardized operations, capacity building, resource optimization, risk management, and cooperation promotion. It seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs laboratories worldwide through strengthened regional networks and adherence to WCO best practices.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

At the request of the Mongolian Customs General Administration, a World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team conducted a diagnostic review of its valuation system and provided recommendations for improvement. The aim is to assist Mongolian Customs in building a more efficient and transparent valuation system by strengthening internal cooperation, developing talent, and keeping abreast of international best practices. This will enhance revenue collection, optimize the business environment, and promote trade development in Mongolia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop for the West and Central Africa region, aiming to enhance the data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the region. The workshop introduced the WCO's Big Data Strategy, shared member experiences, and updated participants on the latest developments in WCO capacity building. Participants highly appreciated the event and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation to jointly promote the regional digital transformation of customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) in Brazil, encouraging Latin American countries to join. The WCO emphasizes the RKC's importance for trade facilitation and supply chain security. Joining the RKC can streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the predictability of international trade. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and security of trade flows within the region and globally by adopting international standards for customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Crackdown on Counterfeit Electronics Intensifies

Global Crackdown on Counterfeit Electronics Intensifies

The World Customs Organization coordinated "Operation Short Circuit," involving 43 member customs agencies, to combat counterfeit and substandard electronic goods. The operation resulted in the seizure of a significant amount of dangerous products and the uncovering of criminal networks. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting consumers, combating organized crime, and safeguarding legitimate trade. The article also analyzes the dangers of counterfeit electronics and provides preventative measures for consumers.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Customs Adopts Wcobacked Elearning for Training

Zimbabwe Customs Adopts Wcobacked Elearning for Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, is supporting the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) in adopting a blended e-learning training approach. This initiative aims to enhance customs capacity and facilitate trade. The program involves establishing an e-learning platform, training instructors, and reviewing the training system. Expected to launch by the end of the year and be extended to other courses, this marks a significant step in customs capacity building for Zimbabwe.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership to Streamline Trade

Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership to Streamline Trade

Bolivia Customs, through participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, successfully conducted an executive training workshop on leadership and management development. This significantly enhanced the cohesion, trust, and negotiation skills of the senior management team. This initiative lays a solid foundation for addressing future challenges and provides valuable experience for other national customs administrations. The program's focus on leadership development is crucial for effective trade facilitation and building a strong, adaptable customs organization.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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