WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its Customs Laboratory Guide, adding Annex V, which provides information on Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs) and the procedures and requirements for establishing them. This initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity building, assisting members in upgrading their laboratories and becoming regional benchmarks. The guide, available in English and French on the WCO Members' website, serves as a crucial resource for customs laboratory advancement. It promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing within regions to enhance analytical capabilities and facilitate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Unite to Strengthen Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Customs Unite to Strengthen Supply Chains

The Meeting of Directors General of Customs of the Americas and the Caribbean focused on the theme of "Recovery, Innovation, and Resilience." Discussions centered on regional priorities and best practices, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in trade facilitation, border security, and sustainable supply chains. Participants shared experiences in innovative technology applications, customs modernization, and personnel skills enhancement. The meeting aimed to strengthen regional cooperation, promote economic recovery, and foster development within the region. The focus was on building stronger, more resilient economies through enhanced customs collaboration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in international efforts to protect the ozone layer by strengthening border controls, combating illegal trade, and enhancing customs capacity. These measures effectively enforce multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation, risk management, and technological applications to safeguard human health and the global environment. The WCO's commitment to environmental security ensures a safer and healthier planet for future generations by preventing the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances and promoting sustainable practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Datadriven Tech for Green Transition

Global Customs Adopt Datadriven Tech for Green Transition

The World Customs Organization report focuses on the impact of data analysis, environmental challenges, and emerging technologies on border management, emphasizing trade facilitation, process transformation, and international cooperation. It highlights the need for customs administrations to leverage data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The report also addresses the growing importance of sustainable trade practices and the role of customs in promoting environmental protection. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering a secure and efficient global trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance plant health protection while facilitating trade, addressing the challenges of plant pest and disease spread in global trade. The collaboration will focus on areas such as electronic phytosanitary certificates, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, information exchange, and advocacy. The goal is to build a global community for plant health security, ensuring safer and more efficient international trade while safeguarding plant resources from harmful pests and diseases.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

The World Customs Organization actively responds to World Environment Day, focusing on biodiversity protection. Through combating environmental crime, capacity building, and international cooperation, it is committed to building a sustainable future. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting ecosystems, combating illegal trade, and promoting sustainable development. It calls for global joint efforts to protect our planet. The organization advocates for strategies to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trafficking of endangered species, reinforcing customs' commitment to environmental security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Inama Project, conducts customs capacity building training in Asia to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and protect endangered species. The project contributes to building a strong defense against IWT by enhancing the skills of customs officers, strengthening international cooperation, raising public awareness, and promoting policy improvements. Businesses should also actively participate in protecting biodiversity. The training aims to improve detection and prevention of IWT, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable species and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of this illicit activity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Ecommerce Declaration Signals New Growth Era

Global Ecommerce Declaration Signals New Growth Era

The inaugural Global Cross-border E-commerce Conference was held in Beijing, bringing together global experts to discuss the trends and challenges of cross-border e-commerce development. The conference adopted the 'Beijing Declaration,' providing guidance for future development. It emphasized international cooperation, standardization, and SME empowerment, aiming to build a secure, convenient, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce ecosystem and promote sustainable global trade growth. The declaration highlights the importance of collaboration in addressing regulatory hurdles and fostering consumer trust in the digital marketplace.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Chinamyanmar Land Routes Boost Trade Transform Logistics

Chinamyanmar Land Routes Boost Trade Transform Logistics

China-Myanmar land transportation is undergoing a transformation, with cross-border multimodal transport accelerating trade and reshaping the logistics landscape. The Ruili-Muse border crossing serves as a key hub, offering flexible transport options. The New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor significantly reduces transit times and costs. Professional logistics companies provide comprehensive services to support business growth. The future of China-Myanmar land transportation is promising, injecting new vitality into bilateral economic and trade cooperation. This development streamlines supply chains and fosters stronger regional connectivity.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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G7 Experts Outline Postquantum Crypto Roadmap for Finance Sector

G7 Experts Outline Postquantum Crypto Roadmap for Finance Sector

The G7 Cyber Expert Group has released a roadmap to coordinate the financial sector's transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), addressing security threats posed by quantum computing. The roadmap proposes phased action recommendations, including risk assessment, strategy development, testing and validation, and information sharing. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to build a quantum-safe financial future. This initiative aims to proactively mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure the resilience of financial systems against potential quantum attacks, fostering a secure and stable global financial landscape.

01/26/2026 International Settlement
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