WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Jordan Faces Trade Hurdles Gains Under WTO Pact

Jordan Faces Trade Hurdles Gains Under WTO Pact

Jordan, under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, is leveraging the WCO Mercator Programme to advance customs pre-arrival rulings, border management, and other trade facilitation measures. Full implementation of the TFA is crucial for the Jordanian economy. The Mercator Programme supports Jordan in modernizing its customs procedures and aligning them with international standards, ultimately aiming to reduce trade costs and improve efficiency. This will enhance Jordan's competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Releases New Ecommerce Crossborder Trade Rules

WCO Releases New Ecommerce Crossborder Trade Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) E-Commerce Package provides a guiding framework for customs administrations in managing cross-border e-commerce, with the core being the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce. It covers trade facilitation, security, revenue collection, and consumer protection. The WCO urges countries to implement the package in phases based on their national circumstances and provides support to promote secure, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Harmonized System Crucial for Global Trade Efficiency

Harmonized System Crucial for Global Trade Efficiency

The Harmonized System (HS) is a crucial tool in international trade that enhances trade efficiency through standardized product classification. Developed by the World Customs Organization, it encompasses over 5,000 product categories, providing a framework for standardized data analysis and customs management. The HS ensures a universal language for global trade, effectively supporting the standardization of customs procedures and trade statistics across countries.

08/07/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Risk Management Aid

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Risk Management Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a risk management workshop for Serbian Customs. The aim was to enhance their risk management capabilities, establish a robust risk management system, and improve their risk registry. This initiative will help Serbian Customs improve inspection efficiency, increase transparency, and ultimately facilitate trade, contributing to the country's economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bonded Zones Fuel Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Growth

Bonded Zones Fuel Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Growth

This article explores the multiple advantages of cross-border e-commerce companies operating in bonded zones, including 'inland but outside customs' policies, exhibition functionalities, convenient logistics systems, and customs policies. By analyzing these benefits, it emphasizes the significance of bonded zones for cross-border e-commerce enterprises and highlights the necessity of selecting the appropriate bonded zone. With favorable policies in place, the future potential for cross-border e-commerce in bonded zones is immense.

07/29/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More