Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Simplify Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Simplify Global Trade

The revised Kyoto Convention by the World Customs Organization is undergoing comprehensive revision to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, promoting international trade facilitation. The 29th Management Committee meeting discussed 50 potential draft texts related to specific annexes, covering key areas such as goods handling, postal traffic, and relief consignments. Businesses should closely monitor the revision progress, assess potential impacts, and actively participate in providing feedback to adapt to the new trade environment. This will ensure compliance and optimize trade operations under the updated regulations.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the World Customs Organization (WCO) undertook a support mission to Cambodia. The mission aimed to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and assist in developing a five-year strategic plan. Through gap analysis and strategic planning, the WCO will help Cambodia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic development. The support focuses on identifying areas needing improvement and providing guidance for a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Adopts Mexican Expertise to Modernize Customs Risk Management

Colombia Adopts Mexican Expertise to Modernize Customs Risk Management

In May 2021, Mexico shared its customs risk management expertise with Colombia, aiming to help Colombia improve clearance efficiency and achieve more effective trade regulation. This customs cooperation initiative facilitated knowledge transfer and best practices, enabling Colombia to strengthen its risk assessment capabilities. By leveraging Mexico's experience, Colombia can enhance its ability to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with cross-border trade, ultimately leading to streamlined processes and improved security. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in fostering secure and efficient global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Smart Security Devices Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Smart Security Devices Boost Global Trade Efficiency

A World Customs Organization (WCO) report reveals the profound impact of Smart Security Devices (SSDs) on international trade. SSDs reshape trade by enhancing cargo control, streamlining customs clearance, and ensuring supply chain security. The report emphasizes interoperability, standardization, and international cooperation as crucial for maximizing the potential of SSDs. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of different SSD types, providing guidance for building a safer and more efficient global trade system. This analysis highlights the transformative role of technology in securing and facilitating international commerce.

01/26/2026 Logistics
Read More
WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

The Switzerland-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Bolivian Customs in enhancing its risk management capabilities. Through workshops, progress is reviewed, recommendations are provided, and continuous technical assistance, capacity building, and experience sharing are offered. The aim is to assist Bolivian Customs in establishing a scientific, efficient, and sustainable risk management system. This system will help safeguard national economic security and promote legitimate trade development. The project focuses on building a robust framework for identifying and mitigating potential risks in cross-border trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Postpandemic Smuggling

WCO Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Postpandemic Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the business community to address the challenges posed by smuggling and counterfeit trade in the post-pandemic era. By strengthening customs-business partnerships, leveraging data analytics and technological innovation, the aim is to build a more secure and efficient global trade system. This collaboration seeks to protect consumer rights, maintain fair market competition, and ultimately achieve sustainable supply chain development. The joint efforts are crucial for mitigating risks and fostering a resilient and trustworthy international trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

African students from the University of Münster visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) to gain insights into customs capacity building. Through expert lectures and participation in meetings, the students gained a more direct understanding of the current development status of African customs and the WCO's support measures. The WCO will continue to strengthen cooperation with African customs to help its modernization and transformation. This visit highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation across the African continent.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the addition of Spanish and Arabic versions to its PICARD Professional Standards, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of customs officers worldwide and facilitate international trade. The WCO expressed gratitude to the University of Costa Rica and the Saudi Customs for their translation support. The WCO will continue to promote the standards to support global customs capacity building initiatives. This expansion ensures wider accessibility and implementation of best practices in customs administration across diverse linguistic regions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
World Customs Organization Pushes Data Standardization

World Customs Organization Pushes Data Standardization

The 3rd Working Group on Data and Statistics (WGDS) meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) focused on customs data standardization, security, and collaboration. Through standardizing enforcement statistics, promoting best practices in data sharing, strengthening cybersecurity protection, and unifying data terminology, the meeting aimed to build a data-driven customs framework. This framework is designed to facilitate and secure global trade by improving data quality and interoperability among customs administrations worldwide. The ultimate goal is enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More