WCO Aids Guatemala in Boosting Trade for Economic Growth

WCO Aids Guatemala in Boosting Trade for Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides technical assistance to Guatemala's Tax Administration (SAT) to effectively implement trade facilitation measures. Following an assessment, a WCO expert team offered recommendations for improvement, covering areas such as information transparency, procedural simplification, risk management, inter-agency cooperation, and private sector involvement. The WCO committed to providing follow-up support to help Guatemala enhance trade efficiency and promote economic growth. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and boost Guatemala's participation in global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Africaasia Customs Boost Wildlife Trafficking Fight Via INAMA

Africaasia Customs Boost Wildlife Trafficking Fight Via INAMA

The INAMA project supports nine countries in Africa and Asia to enhance their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) by deploying expert missions. The project focuses on training frameworks, legal instruments, risk management, and action plans. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Customs Cooperation Fund, this initiative aims to effectively curb IWT crimes and protect global biodiversity through international cooperation. It strengthens customs enforcement and promotes sustainable solutions to address the complex challenges posed by wildlife trafficking.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

With the accession of the Republic of the Congo, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties. This convention serves as a blueprint for 21st-century customs modernization, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and reduce costs by simplifying customs procedures, optimizing the use of information technology, and effectively implementing risk management. The RKC helps businesses thrive in the global market. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the RKC, fostering a brighter future for global trade facilitation.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through a workshop, technical assistance, and an action plan. This aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The initiative focuses on strengthening the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)'s customs risk management, improving control effectiveness, and promoting trade facilitation. Ultimately, this contributes to the country's sustainable economic development by optimizing revenue collection and streamlining trade processes.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

Armenia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

The WCO assessed Armenia's customs risk management and post-clearance audit (PCA) systems to enhance trade facilitation and compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The assessment aimed to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for strengthening these critical functions. Armenia expressed its gratitude for the WCO's support and looks forward to continued collaboration in further developing its customs practices and procedures. The focus is on aligning with international standards and best practices to promote efficient and secure trade flows.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ebay Sellers Face Hurdles in China Shoe Trade Logistics Taxes

Ebay Sellers Face Hurdles in China Shoe Trade Logistics Taxes

This article provides eBay footwear sellers with a comprehensive guide to cross-border logistics and compliance. It focuses on analyzing Chinese customs policies, mainstream logistics routes, cost structures, and risk management measures. By answering frequently asked questions, it helps sellers avoid risks and improve delivery efficiency, thereby achieving success in a competitive market. The guide aims to equip sellers with the knowledge needed to navigate the complexities of international shipping and ensure smooth customs clearance for their eBay footwear business.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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Bolivia Boosts Customs Efficiency Via Trade Facilitation Project

Bolivia Boosts Customs Efficiency Via Trade Facilitation Project

Under the WCO's global trade facilitation program, a Mercator follow-up mission assessed Bolivian Customs' progress in trade facilitation and provided recommendations for improvement. The evaluation focused on key areas like risk management and advance rulings, engaging actively with stakeholders. Expert advice will help Bolivian Customs refine measures, improve service delivery, and contribute more to economic development. The assessment aimed to identify areas where further progress is needed to streamline procedures and reduce trade costs, ultimately boosting Bolivia's competitiveness in the global market.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The WCO's INAMA project, funded by GIZ, effectively enhanced the Malawi Revenue Authority's risk management capabilities in combating illegal wildlife trade. This was achieved through diagnostic assessments, practical training, risk profile development, and capacity building. The project emphasizes long-term sustainability alongside short-term impact, providing valuable experience and a model for other countries seeking to strengthen their customs enforcement efforts against wildlife trafficking. Its holistic approach ensures lasting improvements in identifying and mitigating risks related to this illicit trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

The latest meeting of the WCO Technical Committee focused on customs facilitation, emphasizing data standardization, risk management, SME support, cross-border e-commerce facilitation, and AEO mutual recognition. Businesses should strengthen compliance management, embrace digital transformation, and enhance international cooperation to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. The meeting highlighted the importance of streamlined processes and innovative solutions to promote efficient and secure international trade flows, ultimately contributing to global economic growth and development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UK Border Force WCO Boost Global Trade Security

UK Border Force WCO Boost Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UK Border Force (UKBF), is upgrading the WCO Cargo Targeting System (WCO CTS) to enhance risk identification and response capabilities for customs administrations worldwide. This collaboration will leverage combined expertise to create more robust data processing and risk assessment functionalities. The upgraded system will support the WCO SAFE Framework, contributing to a more secure and efficient global trade system. The focus is on improving pre-arrival cargo inspection and bolstering overall trade security through advanced risk assessment techniques.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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