Customs Officers Get Guide to Key Environmental Treaties

Customs Officers Get Guide to Key Environmental Treaties

This handbook provides customs officers with a practical guide to key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) such as the Basel Convention and CITES. It aims to assist frontline personnel in quickly identifying violations and taking appropriate action. The handbook emphasizes its use in conjunction with the 'Green Customs Initiative MEA Guide'. It helps customs officials understand their role in enforcing environmental regulations and preventing illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods, thereby contributing to global environmental protection and sustainable development.

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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Global Customs Body Boosts Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Global Customs Body Boosts Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) signed Memorandums of Understanding with several industry associations at the 7th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy. The aim is to combat counterfeit goods more effectively and protect consumer rights and brand reputation by strengthening information sharing, promoting the Public Members Interface (IPM), and providing training for customs officers. This international cooperation seeks to disrupt the flow of fake products across borders and ensure legitimate trade practices are upheld.

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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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System Convention. Through capacity-building programs funded by the African Development Bank, Customs officers are enhancing their understanding and application of the latest HS. This initiative aims to simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and boost Comoros' international competitiveness. Support from COMESA experts will ensure the smooth integration of the HS into the customs system, laying the foundation for Comoros' integration into the global trading system.

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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Namibia Boosts Customs Skills to Improve Tax Revenue

Namibia Boosts Customs Skills to Improve Tax Revenue

With the support of the EU-WCO Harmonized System Programme for Africa, the Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) organized a national commodity classification workshop. This initiative aims to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, address issues such as incorrect classification and false declarations, and close tax loopholes. By combining online learning with offline workshops, the program strengthens both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, building a comprehensive support system. This contributes to customs modernization, ultimately promoting economic prosperity in Namibia.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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