Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Asia-Pacific customs administrations in upgrading their plastic waste management. Through virtual diagnostics, tailored implementation plans were developed for Indonesia and the Philippines. A regional workshop is planned to strengthen cooperation in addressing the challenge of 'foreign waste' and protecting the blue skies of the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities and ensure compliance with the Basel Convention, ultimately combating the illegal trade and improper disposal of plastic waste.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ASAPRA Congress, highlighting the crucial role of customs brokers in supporting customs administration and exploring enhanced cooperation to improve trade facilitation and compliance. The WCO also met with Panama Customs and government agencies to strengthen reform and modernization efforts. These collaborations aim to build an efficient, secure, and seamless trade environment, injecting new impetus into the economic development of the Americas region. The focus is on leveraging partnerships to advance customs modernization and facilitate legitimate trade flows.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

The 15th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties highlighted the crucial role of customs in combating cross-border environmental crime. The WCO contributes to the protection of endangered species by raising awareness among customs officers, providing enforcement tools, and strengthening international cooperation. Data analysis reveals a persistently high violation rate, necessitating enhanced data-driven enforcement and technological innovation to build a global environmental security defense. Further efforts are needed to improve detection and prevention measures, fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat illegal wildlife trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkey Eases Customs Rules for Travelers with Antigen Test Kits

Turkey Eases Customs Rules for Travelers with Antigen Test Kits

This article provides detailed information on carrying or mailing antigen test kits to Turkey, covering customs regulations, quantity limits, packaging requirements, mailing methods, and frequently asked questions. It aims to assist travelers planning to visit Turkey in carrying antigen test kits smoothly and ensuring a healthy and safe journey. The guide clarifies the specific rules and provides practical advice to avoid potential issues at customs and ensure compliance with Turkish regulations regarding the import of medical devices for personal use.

01/23/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shanghai Tightens Rules on Hazardous Chemical Exports

Shanghai Tightens Rules on Hazardous Chemical Exports

This article focuses on the export of dangerous goods from Shanghai, emphasizing the importance of compliant operations and document verification. It details the necessary qualifications and materials required for export, reminding shippers to confirm inspection certificates and other documents with freight forwarders. Ensuring consistency between manifest data and packing lists is crucial to avoid risks and ensure smooth shipment. Proper documentation and adherence to regulations are paramount for successful dangerous goods export.

08/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Implementation Guidance on Trade Facilitation,' integrating the latest tools and member practices to enhance the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The new guidance covers areas such as transparency, customs-business cooperation, advance rulings, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), border management, single window, customs brokers, transit, Globally Networked Customs, and National Trade Facilitation Committees. It provides more practical and comprehensive guidance for global trade facilitation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce trade costs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Environment Programme, actively participates in optimizing the Regulatory Compliance Environment Network (ENFORCE) initiative, aiming to strengthen Customs' role in combating the illegal transboundary movement of waste. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in connecting with national Customs administrations, providing training, and coordinating operations to enhance Customs enforcement capabilities and collectively build a global environmental security network. This will contribute to a more secure and sustainable environment by preventing the illegal dumping and trafficking of hazardous waste.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesian and Philippine Customs to assist in implementing the Basel Convention's plastic waste amendments. The project covers strategy, legal frameworks, procedures, enforcement, policy, and capacity building. It will provide detailed implementation plans and regional workshops to strengthen customs controls on plastic waste trade in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance the collective response to the challenges posed by plastic waste and improve customs' ability to effectively manage its transboundary movement.

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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