WCO and SACU Enhance Trade with IT Connectivity Pact

WCO and SACU Enhance Trade with IT Connectivity Pact

The WCO and SACU are collaborating to promote customs IT interconnectivity and data exchange in Southern Africa. The aim is to enhance customs control efficiency, reduce trade costs, and promote regional economic development by establishing unified standards and strengthening information sharing. The meeting focused on practical information exchange modules under the WCO GNC framework and the application of UNCTAD's cloud solutions in cross-border trade. This lays the foundation for a more efficient and secure international trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaraguas AEO Program Boosts Trade Efficiency Reduces Costs

Nicaraguas AEO Program Boosts Trade Efficiency Reduces Costs

Nicaragua is actively promoting the AEO program to improve customs clearance efficiency and reduce trade costs. Supported by the WCO-Norad project and aligned with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the program certifies businesses to enjoy benefits like prioritized inspection and simplified documentation. Participation in the AEO program can lower operating costs, improve efficiency, and enhance credibility, allowing companies to stand out in the market. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes and foster economic growth within Nicaragua.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Conference in Shenzhen Advances Secure Inclusive Trade

WCO Conference in Shenzhen Advances Secure Inclusive Trade

The WCO Conference in Shenzhen focused on AEO promoting inclusive and sustainable trade. It emphasized AEO's role in economic security, empowering SMEs, and driving technological advancements. The 'Shenzhen Action Plan' will guide future work, aiming to enhance global trade facilitation and security through AEO programs. The conference highlighted the importance of international cooperation in implementing and expanding AEO initiatives to foster a more resilient and secure global supply chain, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved in international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namra Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Namibias Trade

Namra Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Namibias Trade

The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) is fully implementing the AEO program to enhance supply chain security, streamline trade processes, and improve business competitiveness. Through pilot verification training and continuous optimization, NamRA is committed to working with businesses to build an efficient and convenient trade environment, promoting national economic prosperity. The AEO program aims to simplify customs procedures for trusted traders, reducing clearance times and costs. This initiative is expected to boost Namibia's trade performance and attract foreign investment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Zimbabwes Trade Facilitation with Better Project Management

WCO Enhances Zimbabwes Trade Facilitation with Better Project Management

WCO training helps Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) enhance its project management capabilities to better implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. ZIMRA places great importance on project governance and looks forward to continued cooperation with the WCO. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, contributing to smoother trade flows and economic growth in Zimbabwe. By strengthening project management skills, ZIMRA can effectively manage and implement various trade facilitation initiatives, ultimately benefiting businesses and the overall economy.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Guyanas Trade Facilitation Capabilities

WCO Enhances Guyanas Trade Facilitation Capabilities

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports trade facilitation in Guyana, providing technical assistance programs covering Time Release Studies, Coordinated Border Management, data harmonization, and Single Window development. Through collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority and related agencies, the WCO aims to enhance trade efficiency, optimize customs clearance processes, and inject new vitality into Guyana's economic development. The support focuses on streamlining procedures and improving overall border management to foster a more competitive and efficient trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cuba Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

Cuba Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its SAFE Framework and AEO program, supports Cuba in enhancing its trade security. A seminar held in Havana in 2015 marked a significant step for Cuba in embracing international standards and improving trade competitiveness. International cooperation is crucial for building a secure and efficient trading environment. This initiative aims to facilitate legitimate trade while strengthening border controls and combating illicit activities, contributing to Cuba's economic growth and integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 100 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 100 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Kyoto Convention simplifies customs procedures. Thailand and Sierra Leone recently joined, bringing the total number of contracting parties to 101. The convention aims to reduce trade costs and promote economic development by streamlining customs processes and harmonizing standards. This facilitates cross-border trade, making it faster, more predictable, and less expensive for businesses. The increasing number of signatories reflects a global commitment to trade facilitation and the recognition of the Kyoto Convention's importance in achieving this goal.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention brings the number of contracting parties to 86, further promoting global trade facilitation. The Convention aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, applying information technology, implementing risk management, and strengthening international cooperation. This provides new impetus for global economic development. The revised Kyoto Convention is a key instrument for harmonizing and simplifying customs procedures worldwide, contributing to a more efficient and predictable international trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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