Wcos Green HS Initiative Promotes Sustainable Global Trade

Wcos Green HS Initiative Promotes Sustainable Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the 'Green HS' initiative, aiming to support global sustainable trade by revising the Harmonized System (HS) code. The inaugural workshop focused on agricultural biodiversity and food security, bringing together stakeholders to gather proposals for the 2027 and subsequent HS revisions. This initiative seeks to transform the HS into a powerful tool for promoting sustainable trade practices worldwide. The goal is to ensure that HS codes accurately reflect and facilitate environmentally friendly and socially responsible trade activities.

HS Codes Boost Green Transition in Textile Industry

HS Codes Boost Green Transition in Textile Industry

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar exploring how the Harmonized System (HS) can support the green transition of the textile industry. Participants emphasized the importance of value chain transparency, industry sustainability strategies, circular economy standardization, and technological innovation. Discussions focused on the role of the HS in identifying environmentally friendly textiles, aiming to foster a greener global trade system. The seminar highlighted the potential of HS codes to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a more environmentally responsible textile sector worldwide.

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs School (BCS) are deepening their collaboration to provide tailored training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. This includes visits to the WCO headquarters and upgraded BCS courses, aiming to enhance their professional capabilities. This initiative intends to better serve African economic development and provide a model for global customs cooperation. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations in Africa and fostering a more efficient and effective global trade environment.

Ghana Modernizes Customs with WCO Assistance

Ghana Modernizes Customs with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supports the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) in enhancing stakeholder engagement to foster a more transparent and efficient tax environment. Through training and pilot consultative committee meetings, the GRA strengthens its connections with businesses and the public, collaboratively addressing issues and improving service quality. This process culminates in an action plan to drive customs modernization. The initiative aims to build trust and cooperation, leading to a more effective and responsive customs administration in Ghana.

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, five West African countries have launched an electronic transit information project. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of regional trade and facilitate economic integration within the region. By streamlining customs procedures and enhancing data exchange, the project seeks to reduce transit times and lower trade costs, ultimately boosting economic growth and strengthening regional partnerships. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of these nations to fostering a more integrated and prosperous West African trade environment.

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Belize Customs and Excise Department (CED) in its human resources reform and modernization efforts. Through workshops, CED senior management analyzed existing strategies and business plans, developing a human resources strategy, development plan, and training calendar. These initiatives aim to enhance CED's human resources management capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of global trade and promote economic development in Belize. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and fostering efficient trade practices.

Malawi Customs Boosts Wildlife Protection with WCO Tech Upgrade

Malawi Customs Boosts Wildlife Protection with WCO Tech Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through training and process optimization, the initiative strengthens risk management and contributes to the protection of biodiversity. This collaboration aims to improve the MRA's ability to identify and intercept shipments of illegal wildlife products, ultimately supporting global efforts to conserve endangered species and combat transnational crime. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable enforcement mechanisms within the MRA.

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.