WCO Proposes Green HS Codes to Support Circular Economy

WCO Proposes Green HS Codes to Support Circular Economy

A World Customs Organization seminar focused on Green HS, exploring how to improve the HS coding system to more accurately track the lifecycle of materials like plastics, metals, and wood, thereby promoting the circular economy. Experts suggested introducing more granular HS codes to differentiate types of waste, trace their origin and destination, and align with international agreements like the Basel Convention to achieve environmentally sustainable trade. The goal is to use customs trade as a tool for tracking materials and promoting responsible waste management.

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

With support from the Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation Project, WCO experts assisted the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in leveraging the Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) to enhance strategic decision-making and governance. By establishing a data-driven performance evaluation system, ZRA aims to optimize operational efficiency and achieve customs modernization, ultimately contributing more significantly to Zambia's economic development. The PMM helps ZRA to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively, leading to better trade facilitation and increased revenue collection.

Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

A seminar on customs modernization and border management cooperation in Central America was held in Chile, emphasizing the crucial role of public-private partnerships in promoting trade facilitation and economic development. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and expressed confidence in future collaboration. The World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. New member countries also expressed a strong desire to continue advancing relevant cooperation. The event underscored the commitment to modernizing customs procedures and enhancing regional trade efficiency.

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in international efforts to protect the ozone layer by strengthening border controls, combating illegal trade, and enhancing customs capacity. These measures effectively enforce multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation, risk management, and technological applications to safeguard human health and the global environment. The WCO's commitment to environmental security ensures a safer and healthier planet for future generations by preventing the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances and promoting sustainable practices.

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

The WCO Asia-Pacific E-commerce Symposium focuses on 15 core standards for cross-border e-commerce, aiming to promote regional e-commerce standardization, ensure smooth trade flows, and boost economic recovery. The symposium highlights the importance of harmonized customs procedures and data standards to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border transactions within the Asia-Pacific region. By adopting these standards, countries can reduce trade barriers, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust among trading partners, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

Canada Slaps Heavy Duties on Chinese Thermal Paper Imports

Canada Slaps Heavy Duties on Chinese Thermal Paper Imports

Canada imposed anti-dumping and countervailing duties of up to 359.1% on thermal paper rolls from China, significantly impacting the competitiveness of Chinese products in the Canadian market. This action exemplifies the rise of trade protectionism and serves as a warning to Chinese enterprises to closely monitor international trade policy changes, proactively address challenges, and consider diversifying their export markets. The high tariffs create a substantial barrier to entry and highlight the need for Chinese companies to develop strategies to mitigate the impact of such protectionist measures.

Global Firms Adapt Expansion Strategies Amid Market Shifts

Global Firms Adapt Expansion Strategies Amid Market Shifts

The global overseas environment is shifting towards "rules and costs," requiring companies to focus on structural trade opportunities, refined financial management, and energy transformation. This report analyzes trade shifts, interest rate paths, freight rates, and cost variables. It proposes differentiated strategies for regions like North America, Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Gulf, emphasizing compliance, supply chain optimization, and energy storage chain deployment. This aims to help businesses seize growth opportunities amidst global changes. Companies should focus on cost-effective solutions and adapt to evolving regulations to succeed.