Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Security with AEO Program

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Security with AEO Program

Qatar Customs, with WCO support, held an AEO program assessment workshop to optimize its upcoming AEO program and enhance trade security and efficiency. The workshop employed gap analysis, practical exercises, and work planning to lay the foundation for further AEO program improvements. The AEO program is expected to enhance Qatar's trade security, improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and strengthen international cooperation. The focus was on identifying areas for improvement and developing a roadmap for successful implementation, ensuring the program meets international standards and contributes to a safer and more efficient trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Turkmenistan to promote the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and raise awareness of the importance of simplified and harmonized customs procedures. By providing detailed interpretations of the RKC articles, self-assessment tools, and considering Turkmenistan's specific context, the WCO is helping the country lay the groundwork for future accession to the RKC. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and promote economic development in Turkmenistan by streamlining its customs processes and aligning them with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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Jamaica Expands Trade Security Program for Faster Commerce

Jamaica Expands Trade Security Program for Faster Commerce

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Jamaica Customs is upgrading its AEO program to enhance trade security and efficiency. By optimizing risk assessment, raising compliance standards, expanding facilitation measures, and strengthening international mutual recognition cooperation, Jamaica Customs is committed to building an open, secure, and efficient trade environment. This initiative actively promotes global trade security and facilitation, contributing to a more streamlined and reliable international trade landscape.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Rules Clarify Valuation of Franchise Royalties

New Customs Rules Clarify Valuation of Franchise Royalties

The new WCO regulations clarify that franchise and brand royalties are not included in customs valuation if they are not directly related to the imported goods. Businesses need to understand the criteria for determining this direct relationship to minimize trade costs. This clarification provides greater certainty and potentially reduces the customs duties payable on imported goods where franchise or brand royalties are involved but are unrelated to the specific characteristics or production of those goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Ethiopia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

A WCO assessment report highlights challenges faced by Ethiopia's Post Clearance Audit (PCA). Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, improving risk management practices, and enhancing IT infrastructure. These improvements aim to increase the efficiency of customs control and facilitate trade. Addressing these areas is crucial for Ethiopia to optimize its customs operations and contribute to regional and global trade competitiveness. Successful implementation will require sustained commitment and strategic resource allocation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Customs Supports WCO in Global Trade Valuation Standards

China Customs Supports WCO in Global Trade Valuation Standards

The WCO Revenue Package aims to enhance customs revenue collection capabilities of member countries. China Customs actively participates in this initiative, providing valuation control case studies and sharing its experiences. China's customs valuation control system, characterized by comprehensive laws and regulations, advanced risk management techniques, a robust valuation database, and effective inter-departmental collaboration, offers valuable lessons for other nations. This participation underscores China's commitment to supporting global efforts in securing customs revenue and promoting best practices in valuation control.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

At the request of the Mongolian Customs General Administration, a World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team conducted a diagnostic review of its valuation system and provided recommendations for improvement. The aim is to assist Mongolian Customs in building a more efficient and transparent valuation system by strengthening internal cooperation, developing talent, and keeping abreast of international best practices. This will enhance revenue collection, optimize the business environment, and promote trade development in Mongolia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

A WCO seminar in Tunisia explored advance processing systems and e-commerce challenges to improve customs efficiency. Advance processing uses pre-arrival data for risk assessment, speeding clearance, controlling risks, and facilitating compliance. E-commerce challenges require customs to adopt risk management, technology, and collaboration strategies. Tunisian Customs is actively revising regulations, piloting programs, sharing data, and building capacity to embrace change, ultimately benefiting consumers. This proactive approach aims to streamline processes, enhance security, and adapt to the evolving landscape of international trade in the digital age.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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