Cuba Strengthens Trade Facilitation in WTO Compliance Push

Cuba Strengthens Trade Facilitation in WTO Compliance Push

Cuban Customs is actively embracing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. It has significantly improved customs clearance efficiency through various measures, including risk management, information technology application, cooperation and mutual benefit, and personnel training, earning high praise from the business community. Their experience demonstrates that proactive planning and action are key to achieving trade facilitation, providing valuable lessons for other customs departments. This proactive approach highlights the benefits of early adoption and strategic implementation of trade facilitation measures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

Azerbaijan Simplifies Customs Via New Preruling System

The State Customs Committee of Azerbaijan has introduced pre-ruling guidelines and an electronic declaration platform to address challenges faced by businesses in commodity classification and origin pre-determination. By adopting international best practices, the initiative aims to simplify the pre-ruling process, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. This creates a more transparent and efficient trading environment for businesses. The new guidelines and platform are expected to enhance customs compliance and significantly facilitate trade within Azerbaijan.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national post-clearance audit (PCA) workshop in Kyrgyzstan to enhance the country's customs audit capabilities. Funded by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts used interactive teaching and practical exercises to help participants master the theoretical knowledge and operational skills of PCA. The successful workshop will contribute to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's PCA system, promoting trade facilitation, and safeguarding national economic security. The training covered key aspects of PCA implementation and risk management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention brings the number of contracting parties to 86, further promoting global trade facilitation. The Convention aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, applying information technology, implementing risk management, and strengthening international cooperation. This provides new impetus for global economic development. The revised Kyoto Convention is a key instrument for harmonizing and simplifying customs procedures worldwide, contributing to a more efficient and predictable international trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cameroon Customs in Audit System Modernization

WCO Backs Cameroon Customs in Audit System Modernization

The WCO is assisting Cameroon Customs in upgrading its post-clearance audit (PCA) system. This involves optimizing organization, processes, risk management, and technology. The initiative is data-driven, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and improve revenue collection. By leveraging data analysis, Cameroon Customs can better target high-risk areas and streamline legitimate trade flows. The modernization efforts are expected to lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved border security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to enhance its revenue administration capabilities. This activity, part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, covered topics like risk management and customs valuation. The workshop aims to assist Botswana in increasing tax revenue, combating smuggling, and promoting trade facilitation and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening BURS's ability to effectively conduct PCA and improve overall customs control.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Streamlines Trade with Customs Efficiency Study

Bolivia Streamlines Trade with Customs Efficiency Study

Bolivian Customs held a TRS workshop to optimize customs clearance processes and enhance trade facilitation. The implementation of the TRS aims to improve the investment climate and promote economic development. This initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and reducing the time required for goods to be released, ultimately benefiting businesses and contributing to a more efficient and competitive trading environment. The workshop provided valuable insights and practical strategies for improving the overall efficiency of the customs process in Bolivia.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project, 'Train-the-Trainers Programme', has made significant progress in East Africa, enhancing customs capacity by developing a pool of post-clearance audit experts and creating training materials. The project innovatively adopted a 'virtual working group' model during the pandemic to ensure its smooth continuation. Moving forward, the project will further improve training skills and build a sustainable mechanism for customs capacity enhancement in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cape Verde in Landmark Customs Efficiency Study

WCO Backs Cape Verde in Landmark Customs Efficiency Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supported the Cape Verde Customs Administration (CVCA) in conducting its first Time Release Study (TRS) to improve clearance efficiency and optimize trade processes. The workshop brought together stakeholders to develop an action plan, assisting Cape Verde in fulfilling the World Trade Organization's Trade Facilitation Agreement, improving the business environment, and promoting economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline customs procedures and reduce release times.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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