WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

With support from the Swedish-funded WACAM project, Guinea, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank, has strengthened communication among stakeholders in trade facilitation. Through training initiatives and the establishment of a port advisory committee in Conakry, the aim is to improve customs efficiency and promote collaboration among all parties. This effort seeks to enhance the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and foster Guinea's international trade development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

A high-level working group meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explored customs capacity building in the context of the global economic situation. The meeting reviewed project progress and planned the functions of the new committee, aiming to contribute to the development of customs worldwide. Discussions focused on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations to facilitate trade and ensure security, aligning with the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in adapting to evolving global challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan has introduced pre-ruling guidelines and an electronic declaration platform to address challenges faced by businesses in commodity classification and origin pre-determination. By adopting international best practices, the initiative aims to simplify the pre-ruling process, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. This creates a more transparent and efficient trading environment for businesses. The new guidelines and platform are expected to enhance customs compliance and significantly facilitate trade within Azerbaijan.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Enhances Trade with Crossborder Partnerships

Latin America Enhances Trade with Crossborder Partnerships

The World Customs Organization supported a Trade Facilitation Committee meeting for Latin American countries, focusing on issues such as expedited customs clearance, transit, and cooperation among border agencies. The meeting emphasized strengthening collaboration between border agencies and the private sector, as well as monitoring the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to ensure the sustainability and success of trade facilitation efforts. These discussions aim to streamline processes and foster a more efficient and collaborative trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Mercator Programme, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). A national workshop was held to raise awareness of the TFA among stakeholders, identify implementation priorities, and promote the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). The workshop focused on the technical measures of the TFA and provided recommendations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future trade facilitation efforts. This initiative aims to help Bosnia and Herzegovina integrate into the global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Explains Global Trade Classification System

World Customs Organization Explains Global Trade Classification System

The 59th session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Committee (HSC) reviewed and released a series of commodity classification opinions, Harmonized System Explanatory Notes revisions, and classification rulings. These decisions directly impact global trade. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the meeting's outcomes, focusing on newly added commodity classification cases. It also offers practical advice for import and export companies on utilizing HS classification decisions, aiming to help businesses better understand HS codes and enhance their global trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

The EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) Africa Programme aims to enhance customs management in Africa by standardizing commodity classification, facilitating regional trade, and supporting the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee marks the substantial advancement of the project. All parties will collaborate to build a new landscape for African trade. The program seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth across the continent through harmonized standards and improved efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a pilot training evaluation project to enhance customs officers' capabilities and optimize processes. This project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to comprehensively assess training effectiveness and support the HS-Africa Project and the Training of Trainers program. The project's findings will be shared at the WCO Capacity Building Committee meeting, contributing to global customs capacity building efforts. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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