Exporters Urged to Align Bills of Lading with Customs Declarations

Exporters Urged to Align Bills of Lading with Customs Declarations

This paper explores the inconsistency between the Bill of Lading (B/L) description and the Customs Declaration description in foreign trade exports. It points out that the B/L description can be appropriately generalized, but attention should be paid to the specific requirements of the shipping company and the destination port. The paper suggests thorough communication in advance to avoid customs clearance issues. Proper alignment between the B/L and customs documents is crucial for smooth export processes and preventing delays or penalties.

08/22/2025 Document Interpretation
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WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Turkmenistan to promote the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and raise awareness of the importance of simplified and harmonized customs procedures. By providing detailed interpretations of the RKC articles, self-assessment tools, and considering Turkmenistan's specific context, the WCO is helping the country lay the groundwork for future accession to the RKC. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and promote economic development in Turkmenistan by streamlining its customs processes and aligning them with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Tunisia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

With Tunisia's accession, the Revised Kyoto Convention now has 112 contracting parties, signaling accelerated global trade facilitation. This convention, a blueprint for modern customs, aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying procedures, optimizing risk management, and utilizing information technology. It promotes global trade growth and complements the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, jointly building an open and prosperous trade system. The convention's focus on streamlined processes and technological advancements is crucial for enhancing customs efficiency worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Online Course for Customs Change Management

WCO Launches Online Course for Customs Change Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an online Change Management course to equip customs professionals with the skills to navigate the evolving international trade landscape. The course covers change management concepts, stakeholder engagement, tools and processes, and resistance management, emphasizing a blend of theory and practice. It is available on the CLiKC! platform and is accessible free of charge to WCO members. The course aims to improve customs administrations' ability to adapt to new challenges and implement effective trade facilitation measures.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Boost Efficiency Through Talent Management Strategies

Customs Agencies Boost Efficiency Through Talent Management Strategies

This guide aims to assist customs departments in establishing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance organizational effectiveness. It elaborates on the importance of human resource management, provides a roadmap for developing practical tools, and outlines methods for integrating competency orientation into various processes. Divided into three parts, the guide seeks to enable customs departments to build an exceptional team capable of addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. The ultimate goal is to foster a high-performing workforce within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Honduras Customs in enhancing its cross-border e-commerce management capabilities. Through workshops and the WCO Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards, the initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, strengthen risk management, promote tax compliance, and create a more favorable environment for SMEs to participate in international trade. A work plan will be developed to build a framework of security, control, and facilitation, ultimately promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce in Honduras.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Digital Customs Transformation and Global Cooperation

WCO Advances Digital Customs Transformation and Global Cooperation

The WCO Technical Committee meeting focused on the future development of customs, exploring digital transformation, performance evaluation, and innovative cooperation models. The meeting emphasized the importance of strategic direction, technology application, and partnerships, aiming to enhance the role of customs in global trade facilitation and security. Discussions centered on leveraging digital tools to streamline processes, establishing effective performance metrics, and fostering collaboration to address emerging challenges. The ultimate goal is to create more efficient, secure, and transparent customs operations worldwide.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenia in developing a Mercator Implementation Plan. This plan aims to comprehensively improve customs clearance efficiency and trade facilitation in Armenia by optimizing key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and the single window system. The initiative is expected to inject new vitality into Armenia's economic development by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs. The focus is on modernizing customs procedures to align with international best practices and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Customs Enhances Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Sri Lanka Customs Enhances Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in Sri Lanka to enhance the Sri Lankan Customs' PCA capabilities, optimize the trade environment, and increase revenue collection. Through expert guidance and practical exercises, the workshop aimed to help Sri Lankan Customs develop more efficient PCA processes, improve clearance efficiency, enhance corporate compliance awareness, and promote trade development. It focused on building a robust and effective PCA system to ensure accurate revenue collection and streamlined trade procedures.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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