WCO Highlights Customs Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness

WCO Highlights Customs Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness

The WCO's COVID-19 project aims to enhance customs' capacity to respond to emergencies and ensure supply chain security. Key aspects include international cooperation and technological innovation. The project focuses on strengthening customs' preparedness, facilitating the flow of essential goods, and mitigating disruptions to global trade. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovative technologies, the WCO seeks to build more resilient and secure supply chains in the face of future crises. This initiative underscores the importance of customs in safeguarding global trade and protecting public health during times of uncertainty.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt Generative AI Amid Data Challenges

Customs Agencies Adopt Generative AI Amid Data Challenges

This paper explores the application of Generative AI (GenAI) in the customs domain from a data analyst's perspective. It analyzes the technical principles, limitations, and potential applications of GenAI, emphasizing the importance of building high-quality training corpora. It also proposes strategies to address the challenges brought about by GenAI implementation. The aim is to provide a reference for customs departments in formulating informed GenAI strategies. The paper highlights the need for careful consideration of data quality and ethical implications for successful GenAI deployment within customs operations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Survey Aims to Fasttrack Tech Adoption

Global Customs Survey Aims to Fasttrack Tech Adoption

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global survey to assess the application of disruptive technologies in customs, identify capacity-building needs, and promote the exchange of experiences. The survey results will update the 'WCO/WTO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies,' providing guidance for customs' digital transformation. The WCO encourages member administrations to actively participate and collectively shape the future of customs. This initiative aims to understand the impact of emerging technologies and help customs administrations leverage them effectively for improved efficiency and security.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

The 63rd meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team was successfully held, focusing on the progress of WCO Data Model V4, data maintenance request processing, and supporting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) new dataset. The meeting utilized the WCO Data Model application for the first time, improving data maintenance efficiency. The launch of WCO Data Model V4 will further enhance the standardization of customs data exchange and promote global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Teams Push Digital Rail Transport Overhaul

Global Customs Teams Push Digital Rail Transport Overhaul

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first Global Railway Symposium, focusing on the digital transformation of rail transport and exploring customs data collaboration and intelligent supervision. The symposium brought together global experts to address challenges in rail transport, promote the application of standardized datasets, and foster international cooperation. The aim was to enhance efficiency, security, and trade facilitation, ultimately developing guidelines for customs procedures in global rail transport. The event highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall performance.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Crack Down on Global Wildlife Trafficking

Customs Agencies Crack Down on Global Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively responds to World Environment Day, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation. Customs play a crucial role in sustainable development by combating environmental crimes such as illegal wildlife trade, timber trade, hazardous waste shipments, and IUU fishing. The WCO supports its member customs in addressing environmental challenges through capacity building, intelligence networks, and international cooperation, contributing to the protection of our planet.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Streamlines Customs Rulings to Boost Trade

Latin America Streamlines Customs Rulings to Boost Trade

Nineteen Latin American countries gathered to discuss the optimization and implementation of the Customs Advance Ruling (AR) mechanism. The seminar aimed to foster regional cooperation, share best practices, and refine relevant policies and regulations to build a more efficient, transparent, and predictable trade environment. This initiative helps businesses reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and optimize cost control, ultimately promoting economic development and global trade prosperity in the Latin American region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs System Upgrade

Moldova Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs System Upgrade

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Moldovan Customs held a workshop on strategic planning and performance evaluation to enhance strategic alignment, governance, and accountability. Participants utilized tools like PESTLE and SWOT analysis to develop strategic objectives and KPIs. The WCO will continue to provide support, assisting Moldovan Customs in becoming a new engine for efficient trade. The workshop aimed to improve customs operations through better planning and performance measurement, ultimately contributing to increased trade facilitation and economic growth in Moldova.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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ADB WCO Enhance Asian Trade Via Customs Reforms

ADB WCO Enhance Asian Trade Via Customs Reforms

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance trade facilitation in Asia. This partnership focuses on adopting WCO standards, promoting customs modernization, and fostering regional cooperation. The aim is to build an efficient, transparent, and secure trading environment, ultimately contributing to regional economic prosperity. The collaboration will involve joint efforts to implement best practices and streamline customs procedures across the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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