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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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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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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Ecommerce Boom Drives Lastmile Delivery Innovation

Ecommerce Boom Drives Lastmile Delivery Innovation

The pandemic has accelerated the demand for instant delivery. Roadie has emerged with its nationwide network and crowdsourcing model. Logistics companies should increase technology investment, expand services, pursue win-win cooperation, and pay attention to sustainable development. The rapid growth of instant delivery reflects a significant shift in consumer expectations and necessitates adaptation within the logistics industry. This includes optimizing delivery routes, leveraging data analytics, and exploring innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the market. Collaboration and sustainability are key to long-term success.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Seattle Port Congestion Worsens Amid Shipping Alliance Changes

Seattle Port Congestion Worsens Amid Shipping Alliance Changes

Seattle's Terminal 18 is experiencing increased congestion due to new shipping alliances, leading to longer truck turnaround times. Port congestion is a global issue, driven by factors like alliance restructuring, mega-vessels, and container shortages. This impacts supply chains, increases costs, and reshapes trade patterns. Ports, shipping companies, and shippers need to collaborate to improve efficiency, enhance cooperation, and adapt flexibly to build a more resilient supply chain system. Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach to mitigate disruptions and ensure smoother flow of goods.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties, with the Republic of Congo being the latest addition. This convention, recognized as the blueprint for modern customs by the international customs community, aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, thereby facilitating global trade. It emphasizes the application of information technology, risk management, enhanced cooperation with the trade community, and the establishment of accessible appeal systems. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the convention's provisions to build a more competitive global economy.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Zambias Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

WCO Strengthens Zambias Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-INAMA project, supports Zambia Customs in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat the illegal trade in endangered species. Expert teams provide strategic guidance covering intelligence gathering, analysis, dissemination, risk management, and international cooperation. The project also promotes technology empowerment, aiming to promote Zambia's sustainable development and safeguard its green future. This initiative strengthens Zambia's ability to protect its natural resources and combat wildlife crime, contributing to global conservation efforts and fostering a more secure and sustainable environment.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Niger Customs to enhance its commodity classification and valuation capabilities, aiming to boost African trade. The assessment covered legal frameworks, organizational structures, personnel skills, information technology, and cooperation mechanisms, proposing improvements incorporated into an EU-funded action plan. This initiative aims to harmonize commodity classification standards, facilitating trade and economic development in Niger and across Africa. The focus is on improving efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to promote regional integration and economic growth.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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