WCO Issues XML Guidelines to Enhance Crossborder Data Exchange

WCO Issues XML Guidelines to Enhance Crossborder Data Exchange

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released XML Messaging Guidelines to provide a unified standard for global customs data exchange, promoting the digital transformation of cross-border trade. These guidelines define XML message formats, emphasize interoperability, and are based on the WCO Data Model. This aims to reduce development costs, improve data quality, and accelerate trade processes, ultimately delivering practical value to global trade participants.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Japan Launch Global Customs Training Program

WCO and Japan Launch Global Customs Training Program

The WCO-Japan Career Development Programme (CDP) is considered a prestigious training ground for customs professionals globally, aiming to enhance the expertise of customs officials from various countries and foster international cooperation. The program combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, providing participants with comprehensive career development opportunities. It contributes to global trade facilitation and security by equipping customs officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex international trade environments. The CDP plays a vital role in building capacity within customs administrations worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbian Delegation Studies Uzbekistans Customs Reforms

Serbian Delegation Studies Uzbekistans Customs Reforms

A Serbian Customs delegation visited Uzbekistan to learn about its experiences in digitalization, human resources, and trade facilitation. The visit highlighted Uzbekistan's progress in these areas, supported by projects from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO). The Serbian delegation aimed to gain insights and best practices to inform their own customs reform efforts, focusing on leveraging technology and data to improve efficiency and streamline trade processes. The exchange fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing between the two customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

The Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, with SECO-WCO support, held a leadership and management development workshop for senior managers. The aim was to enhance the skills of customs managers, promote the modernization of the customs system, facilitate trade, increase tax revenue, and improve international competitiveness. The WCO's Leadership and Management Development Programme makes a significant contribution to the development of customs systems worldwide. The workshop emphasized strategic thinking and effective implementation of customs reforms, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with International Support

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with International Support

Uzbekistan Customs is actively building a post-clearance audit system within the World Customs Organization framework, drawing on international experience to enhance regulatory efficiency and improve the business environment. Through virtual study exchanges with German Customs, they are learning advanced methods and technologies. With recommendations from WCO experts, Uzbekistan Customs has made significant strides in building its post-clearance audit capabilities, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation in Central Asia. This progress contributes to a more efficient and transparent trade environment in the region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Groups Boost Collaboration at Annual Meeting

Global Customs Groups Boost Collaboration at Annual Meeting

The Customs Representatives Association's online annual meeting celebrated its reconstruction. The Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization congratulated the association and emphasized the importance of cooperation. The meeting adopted measures to optimize the organization, improve services, and expand international cooperation. These efforts aim to strengthen the association's role in facilitating international trade and promoting effective customs practices worldwide. The focus was on building a more robust and responsive organization to meet the evolving challenges of the global trade landscape and foster stronger partnerships among customs administrations.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducts Technical Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshops to develop Time Release Study (TRS) experts, assisting members in optimizing customs procedures. Through rigorous assessment and training, accredited TOAs will participate in technical assistance missions, enhancing global customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative aims to build capacity within member administrations to conduct and utilize TRS effectively, leading to improved border management and reduced trade costs. The TOA program is a key component of the WCO's efforts to modernize customs operations worldwide.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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