Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the WCO, is actively promoting the establishment of an advance ruling mechanism to improve trade efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance trade transparency. Through capacity-building workshops, customs officers have gained a deeper understanding of the Harmonized System and advance ruling regulations. The implementation of the advance ruling mechanism will have a positive impact on the trade development of Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the World Customs Organization (WCO) undertook a support mission to Cambodia. The mission aimed to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and assist in developing a five-year strategic plan. Through gap analysis and strategic planning, the WCO will help Cambodia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic development. The support focuses on identifying areas needing improvement and providing guidance for a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Paperless Systems to Boost Trade Efficiency

Global Customs Adopt Paperless Systems to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization participated in the Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of French-speaking countries, focusing on paperless customs clearance, single windows, and customs supervision. The meeting emphasized the importance of technology-driven solutions and international cooperation. Discussions centered on leveraging French language training to strengthen connections between customs administrations. The conference also looked ahead to building a more efficient, secure, and convenient global trade system, highlighting the role of collaboration and innovation in achieving these goals.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and OIE Partner to Boost Crossborder Trade Safety

WCO and OIE Partner to Boost Crossborder Trade Safety

The World Customs Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health are strengthening cooperation to create a safer, more efficient, and equitable cross-border trade environment. This collaboration focuses on enhancing cooperation among border agencies, implementing trade facilitation agreements, coordinating risk management, and building capacity. The goal is to promote global economic development and bring multiple benefits to businesses, consumers, and governments by streamlining processes and reinforcing security measures at borders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lebanon Customs Adopts WCO Risk Management for Trade Security

Lebanon Customs Adopts WCO Risk Management for Trade Security

Lebanese Customs, in collaboration with the WCO, held a risk management workshop to enhance Lebanese Customs' risk management capabilities and build a new line of defense for trade security. The workshop covered risk management organization, assessment, targeting, and information intelligence, emphasizing systems thinking and resource optimization. It also introduced relevant WCO tools. This collaboration marks a significant step for Lebanese Customs in risk management, contributing to a new landscape of global trade security. The workshop aimed to improve efficiency and safety in international trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

The Director General of Swedish Customs led a delegation to visit the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on discussions about digital transformation, international cooperation, and trade facilitation. Emphasis was placed on leveraging information technology to enhance customs efficiency, strengthening information sharing, and jointly addressing global challenges. Appreciation was expressed for Sweden's significant support in WCO projects. This meeting injected new vitality into the future development of global customs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions in the international trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization for 21st Century Trade

WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization for 21st Century Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, provided strategic planning support to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This aimed to evaluate and optimize its 2015-2017 Customs Strategic Plan, enhance monitoring and evaluation, and improve project management capabilities. The initiative assists Ghana Customs in building a modern management system fit for the 21st century, ultimately contributing to Ghana's economic development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade System Marks 30 Years As Harmonized Standard

Global Trade System Marks 30 Years As Harmonized Standard

The Harmonized System (HS) serves as a universal language for global trade, playing an irreplaceable role in facilitating international trade, customs management, and economic development. This paper reviews the HS's development over the past three decades, analyzes its significant functions and challenges, and proposes suggestions such as strengthening international cooperation, promoting technological innovation, and improving classification standards. The aim is to further enhance the HS's effectiveness and adaptability, contributing more significantly to the prosperity and development of global trade.

01/03/2018 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs Boost Trade

Bahamas Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Mercator Program is assisting the Bahamas Customs Department (BCD) in its customs modernization efforts to support its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Through gap analysis, process optimization, and the establishment of a Single Window system, the program aims to enhance trade facilitation in the Bahamas, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment in the Bahamas.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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