Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexico's new Customs Law, set to take effect in 2026, strengthens regulations and promotes digitalization. It impacts areas such as declarations, customs clearance, and risk monitoring. This new law is expected to increase compliance costs for businesses and affect various stakeholders. The updated regulations aim to enhance security and efficiency in customs procedures, but also necessitate adjustments and investments from companies involved in trade with Mexico to ensure adherence to the new requirements.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System in Africa, provides comprehensive support to Madagascar Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. This includes capacity building workshops, technical assistance, experience sharing, and laboratory construction. The initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation in Madagascar, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and increase trade certainty, ultimately injecting new vitality into the country's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga, aiming to enhance customs modernization and facilitate trade. The WCO expert team engaged with various departments within Tonga Customs and external stakeholders to assess the existing system, provide recommendations for improvement, and share international best practices. This initiative is expected to help Tonga establish an efficient, transparent, and compliant PCA system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation and economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

The 19th Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of French-Speaking Countries was held in Senegal, focusing on trade facilitation, economic competitiveness, and customs cooperation in combating illicit trade. The conference adopted the 'Dakar Declaration,' which proposes ten recommendations aimed at simplifying customs clearance procedures, strengthening information sharing, deepening regional cooperation, and improving personnel skills. The WCO pledged its support and will establish a follow-up monitoring system. The Prime Minister of Senegal expressed appreciation and encouragement for the work of customs officials from French-speaking countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked DIAN Reform

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked DIAN Reform

The WCO supported the Colombian National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN) in its strategic planning efforts. Workshops were conducted to enhance the strategic development capabilities of DIAN officials. Technical assistance was provided in areas such as risk management and post-clearance audit. The aim was to improve the efficiency and transparency of Colombian customs, promote economic growth, and build a modern customs system. This initiative strengthens DIAN's capacity to effectively manage trade and contribute to Colombia's economic development by streamlining customs procedures and ensuring compliance.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Launch Customs Lab Network to Facilitate Trade

Americas Caribbean Launch Customs Lab Network to Facilitate Trade

The Customs Laboratory Network of the Americas and the Caribbean has officially launched, aiming to enhance regional trade facilitation through information sharing, standardization, and technical cooperation. Driven by the World Customs Organization, the network will build a cooperative framework based on existing resources. It is expected to reduce trade costs, shorten clearance times, and promote regional economic development. The initiative emphasizes collaboration among customs laboratories to improve efficiency and accuracy in customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and more efficient trade flows within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

With WCO support, the Nigeria Customs Service upgraded its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system, strengthening risk management, optimizing trader segmentation, and supporting the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency and promote economic prosperity. Emphasizing data-driven customs management, the project offers valuable lessons for other developing countries looking to modernize their customs operations and improve trade facilitation measures. The focus on risk-based approaches and data analysis is key to achieving tangible improvements in customs performance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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