WCO Launches Global Customs Disaster Response Initiative

WCO Launches Global Customs Disaster Response Initiative

The WCO's (World Customs Organization) COVID-19 Project held its first Asia-Pacific regional seminar, focusing on disaster management and supply chain continuity. Customs representatives from various countries gathered to share experiences and discuss cooperation, aiming to enhance customs' ability to respond to pandemics and similar emergencies and ensure global supply chain stability. The WCO is actively developing guidelines and promoting digital transformation within customs to build a more resilient global supply chain. The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the challenges posed by global crises.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Outlines Postpandemic Global Trade Strategy

WCO Outlines Postpandemic Global Trade Strategy

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council Sessions focused on the recovery, transformation, and resilience of global trade in the post-pandemic era. Several resolutions were adopted, covering e-commerce, passenger flow management, cross-border vaccine transportation, and gender equality. The WCO is actively adapting to address challenges and embrace opportunities, aiming to build a more efficient, secure, and sustainable global trading system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Guide Aids Customs in Pandemic Trade Continuity

WCO Guide Aids Customs in Pandemic Trade Continuity

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 'Communication Guidelines in Times of Crisis' to assist member customs administrations in addressing communication challenges posed by the pandemic and maintaining the stability of global supply chains. The guidelines cover communication objectives, audiences, channels, and strategies, emphasizing timeliness, accuracy, and transparency. The WCO encourages members to share best practices to collectively combat the pandemic and build a safer and more efficient global trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced its 2021 theme as "Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience," highlighting the crucial role of customs in the sustainable recovery of global supply chains. Through digital transformation, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced personnel capabilities, customs administrations can better address future challenges and ensure the smooth and secure flow of global trade. This includes adapting to new technologies and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and adaptable supply chains in the face of disruptions.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Enhances Vaccine Distribution with Data Tools

Global Customs Body Enhances Vaccine Distribution with Data Tools

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has passed a resolution to expedite the cross-border flow of COVID-19 vaccines. From a data analyst's perspective, this highlights the importance of data-driven supply chain optimization. This includes demand forecasting, transportation optimization, inventory management, risk monitoring, and performance evaluation. The goal is to improve the efficiency, security, and equity of the vaccine supply chain, ultimately contributing to a global immunization barrier. Data analysis plays a critical role in ensuring vaccines reach their destinations quickly and safely.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Smart Customs Project is fostering global customs cooperation and innovation through an agilely developed community portal. This portal serves as a project information hub, a secure collaboration space, and a platform for exchanging experiences. It gathers technical application guidelines and research findings to help customs administrations address challenges and promote trade facilitation. The active participation of national contact points is crucial for the project's success. The portal aims to be a central point for accessing resources and engaging with the Smart Customs initiative.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a French-speaking “Training of Trainers” workshop to enhance gender equality capacity among its members, aiming to establish a pool of recognized experts in the field. The workshop focused on WCO gender equality tools, such as the GEOAT, and blended learning packages, emphasizing the importance of diagnostics, frameworks, and monitoring & evaluation. The WCO looks forward to collaborating with the newly trained experts to promote gender equality within customs systems globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 15th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on broader accession and effective implementation of the Convention, discussing key principles, challenges, and potential solutions. The meeting highlighted the RKC's crucial role in supporting the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. A decision was made to establish a new virtual working group to review and update the Convention, ensuring its adaptation to modern customs management needs. This aims to promote trade facilitation and development globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the United States, engaging in in-depth discussions with U.S. Customs and the State Department on topics including the progress of the “Single Window” project, cultural heritage protection, and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of customs in the tax system and explored new approaches to combatting cultural heritage trafficking through collaboration with museums. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient global trade system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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