Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Customs, with WCO support, held a HS Code workshop to improve tariff classification accuracy and consistency, promoting trade efficiency. The workshop covered the application of HS Code General Interpretative Rules, interpretation of Committee Decisions, adaptation to revisions, and the advance ruling system. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials and corporate compliance management, laying the foundation for the modernization of Kazakhstan Customs and the globalization of enterprises. The training is expected to improve trade facilitation and reduce discrepancies in customs declarations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Initiates Customs Study to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Sudan Initiates Customs Study to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Sudan Customs, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, launched a National Time Release Study (TRS) in 2015 to improve customs clearance efficiency and optimize the trade environment. Through workshops, representatives analyzed Sudan's current customs clearance processes and developed a roadmap for action. The implementation of the TRS is expected to identify bottlenecks, streamline procedures, reduce operational costs for businesses, and enhance trade competitiveness, injecting new vitality into Sudan's economic development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Modernization Boosts WTO Bid Regional Trade

Bahamas Customs Modernization Boosts WTO Bid Regional Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a two-year customs capacity building program to support the Bahamas' accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Funded by the Inter-American Development Bank, the program covers three key areas: organizational development, human resources, and governance. It aims to enhance the efficiency, transparency, and compliance of Bahamas Customs, bringing it up to international standards and positioning it as a model for the Caribbean region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade with WCO Efficiency Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade with WCO Efficiency Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Vanuatu Customs in implementing a Time Release Study (TRS) aimed at identifying and addressing bottlenecks in goods release, thereby enhancing customs efficiency. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to streamline processes, optimize management, and ultimately promote trade facilitation, improve the business environment, and achieve sustainable economic development. The study will help pinpoint specific areas for improvement, leading to more efficient customs procedures and reduced delays for traders. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to assisting member states in modernizing their customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs invited the World Customs Organization (WCO) for a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic to enhance trade facilitation. WCO experts conducted an in-depth assessment of Qatar Customs' departments and offered recommendations for improvement. PCA, recognized as an efficient control method, is crucial for trade facilitation, revenue protection, and risk management. This initiative by Qatar Customs will promote corporate compliance, improve trade efficiency, and contribute to global trade facilitation efforts. The focus on PCA highlights Qatar's commitment to modernizing customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first symposium focusing on “Green Customs,” exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in supporting environmentally sustainable trade. The meeting brought together representatives to propose more feasible “green” solutions for the 2027 and subsequent HS versions. It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and innovation in promoting sustainable development within global trade practices. The symposium aimed to identify concrete steps for integrating environmental considerations into the HS nomenclature.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Customs Inspections for Foreign Trade Firms

Guide to Customs Inspections for Foreign Trade Firms

This article provides an in-depth analysis of various aspects of customs inspections, including the targets, entities, content, procedures, and response strategies. Through case studies, it emphasizes the importance of foreign trade companies actively cooperating with customs inspections and highlights that compliant operation is crucial for the sustainable and healthy development of enterprises. The aim is to help foreign trade companies understand customs inspections, avoid risks, and achieve sustainable development. This understanding promotes smoother trade operations and reduces potential penalties.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Japan Sign Customs Pact to Boost Trade

Iran Japan Sign Customs Pact to Boost Trade

Iran and Japan signed an agreement on mutual assistance and cooperation in customs matters. This aims to strengthen cooperation between the two countries' customs administrations in areas such as information exchange, document assistance, and technical cooperation. The goal is to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, optimize the business environment, and promote bilateral trade and economic relations. The agreement, modeled after the World Customs Organization's Model Agreement, establishes a solid legal foundation for Iran-Japan customs cooperation, signaling a new era in bilateral trade.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have agreed to a no-cost extension of one year for the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). Launched in 2018, the GTFP has benefited numerous countries by significantly improving customs management and trade facilitation through capacity building, institutional reforms, cooperation promotion, and technological innovation. This has injected new momentum into global trade development.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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