WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in establishing an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation. Through expert team support, remote guidance, and on-site validation, the WCO assists ZRA in optimizing its AEO program. The WCO also looks forward to future collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and promote regional economic development. This initiative aims to align ZRA's practices with global standards and boost its efficiency in facilitating international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Boosts African Free Trade with Rules Harmonization

EUWCO Project Boosts African Free Trade with Rules Harmonization

The EU-WTO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will significantly contribute to finalizing the AfCFTA's Rules of Origin by 2025. This initiative aims to harmonize key origin systems across Africa, fostering a unified approach to trade regulations. By promoting a community of practice focused on origin-related issues, the project supports the broader goal of African economic integration. Ultimately, streamlining and standardizing Rules of Origin will reduce trade barriers and facilitate smoother trade flows within the AfCFTA, boosting economic growth and development across the continent.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

World Customs Organization Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

The World Customs Organization advocates for strengthened international cooperation to enhance customs enforcement and combat counterfeit goods, thereby safeguarding trade order. Facing challenges related to capacity, legal frameworks, and infringement, a multi-faceted collaborative approach is essential to improve the protection system. This includes sharing best practices, harmonizing regulations, and building capacity within customs administrations to effectively identify and seize counterfeit goods. Ultimately, robust customs cooperation is vital for protecting intellectual property rights and fostering fair international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "East African Post Clearance Audit Instructor Training Program" (MTP). This initiative aims to cultivate a high-quality regional instructor pool, enhance the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities of East African customs administrations, and facilitate trade. Through systematic training, curriculum development, and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve PCA skills, promote trade facilitation, strengthen regional cooperation, and achieve sustainable development in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

A WCO Mercator Programme diagnostic of Eswatini Customs' PCA aimed to enhance risk management and trade compliance. The assessment recommended improvements to balance control and facilitation, ultimately promoting economic development. The findings highlighted areas for optimization in PCA processes, focusing on data analysis and risk profiling to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will contribute to a more streamlined and secure trade environment, fostering economic growth and regional integration for Eswatini.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Angolas Customs Reforms Boost Trade Efficiency

Angolas Customs Reforms Boost Trade Efficiency

Angola implements Binding Tariff Information (BTI) to enhance trade facilitation, predictability, and customs efficiency, attracting foreign investment and promoting economic development. This advance ruling system provides traders with certainty regarding the classification of goods before importation, streamlining customs procedures and reducing delays. By offering clarity and transparency, the BTI system fosters a more conducive environment for international trade and investment in Angola, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and diversification.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

The WCO is assisting Lesotho in establishing a customs advance ruling system to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency. Discussions between the two parties covered legal amendments, software upgrades, and the development of an action plan to promote economic development. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, provide greater certainty for traders, and ultimately contribute to Lesotho's economic growth by fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Africachina Trade Grows with Customs Collaboration

Africachina Trade Grows with Customs Collaboration

The WCO's Trade Facilitation Programme supports knowledge exchange between the South African Revenue Service and the Nigeria Customs Service, focusing on post-clearance audit (PCA), Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and risk management. Nigeria Customs aims to leverage South Africa's best practices to upgrade its AEO program, PCA processes, and risk management strategies. This initiative seeks to improve trade compliance, reduce costs for businesses, and ultimately contribute to economic growth in Nigeria.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New China-Mongolia-Russia Freight Corridor Boosts Fresh Fruit Trade

New China-Mongolia-Russia Freight Corridor Boosts Fresh Fruit Trade

The new international freight corridor between China, Mongolia, and Russia has officially opened, leveraging Guangxi's geographical advantage to connect ASEAN with Russia. During the inaugural trial run, refrigerated trucks commenced trade from Nanning to Ulan-Ude, facilitating the northward transport of southern produce and promoting new economic development in the region. This initiative injects vitality into the fruit trade between Guangxi and ASEAN, fostering the establishment of a new economic corridor.

07/28/2025 Logistics
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WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Trade

WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Trade

The WCO's 'Global Green Customs Conference' brought together experts in trade, customs, and environment to discuss border environmental protection. The conference focused on topics such as the circular economy, waste trade, timber trade, and HS code classification, emphasizing the crucial role and responsibility of customs in promoting green trade, combating illegal trade, and building a sustainable future. The conference aimed to strengthen international cooperation, raise public awareness, and collectively address global environmental challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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