Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

The WCO's STCE Project provided training support to the Philippine Customs on strategic goods control. Through online training, Philippine Customs officers enhanced their capabilities in strategic trade control, risk management, and the application of the Strategic Trade Atlas. The project strengthened cooperation between Philippine Customs and domestic agencies as well as international partners, contributing to national security and the international trade order. This initiative improved the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit trafficking of sensitive items and promoting responsible trade practices.

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCO-JICA cooperation is helping East African customs authorities cultivate customs audit experts, enhancing regional customs audit capabilities, and promoting trade development. The initiative focuses on strengthening the skills and knowledge of customs officers in conducting effective audits, thereby improving compliance and revenue collection. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother trade flows within the East African region by ensuring fair and transparent customs procedures and combating illicit trade activities through improved audit practices. Ultimately, this contributes to economic growth and regional integration.

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Honduras Customs in enhancing its cross-border e-commerce management capabilities. Through workshops and the WCO Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards, the initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, strengthen risk management, promote tax compliance, and create a more favorable environment for SMEs to participate in international trade. A work plan will be developed to build a framework of security, control, and facilitation, ultimately promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce in Honduras.

Zimbabwe Tax Authority Gains from WCO Leadership Program

Zimbabwe Tax Authority Gains from WCO Leadership Program

The WCO held a workshop in Zimbabwe to enhance the management capabilities of ZIMRA, promoting customs modernization and trade development. The workshop aimed to improve tax efficiency and international competitiveness. Key areas covered included leadership development strategies tailored for customs and tax administration. Participants explored best practices in streamlining customs procedures, leveraging technology for tax collection, and fostering a culture of compliance. The ultimate goal is to bolster Zimbabwe's economic growth through efficient and effective revenue collection and enhanced trade facilitation.

Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

The Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia Pacific (ROCB A/P), with strong support from regional members like Hong Kong Customs, is dedicated to providing high-quality capacity building support to customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. The renewed dispatch of technical experts by Hong Kong Customs demonstrates its long-term commitment to regional capacity building. ROCB A/P will continue to play a vital role in facilitating regional trade development, ensuring trade security, and enhancing customs management capabilities.

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

The 19th meeting of the Customs Management Council of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region focused on trade facilitation and capacity building. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Discussions covered regional cooperation, financial management, and the appointment of the WCO Director. The meeting aimed to promote African trade growth and regional economic integration through innovative customs procedures. Furthermore, the goal was to enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities within the ESA region.

Bosnia Strengthens Customs IP Protections Against Counterfeits

Bosnia Strengthens Customs IP Protections Against Counterfeits

A workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection was held in cooperation between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH). The aim was to enhance the capacity of Bosnian customs officers in combating counterfeit goods. The workshop covered legal and regulatory learning, IPM platform application, promotion of public-private partnerships, and strengthening customs control capabilities. This is significant for improving the fight against counterfeiting in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

DR Congo Customs Boosts Revenue with HS Code Upgrade

DR Congo Customs Boosts Revenue with HS Code Upgrade

DR Congo Customs aims to achieve customs autonomy by introducing HS tools and conducting nationwide training, reducing reliance on external organizations. This initiative includes equipping customs offices with HS software, developing provincial promotion plans, improving vocational training systems, and strengthening integrity. By enhancing the professionalism and operational capabilities of customs personnel, DR Congo hopes to boost its economic growth. The implementation of HS tools and comprehensive training are key components of this strategy for achieving greater self-reliance in customs management.

WTO WCO Aid Cape Verde in Customs Reform to Enhance Trade

WTO WCO Aid Cape Verde in Customs Reform to Enhance Trade

The WCO-WACAM project assists Cape Verde in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through support for measures categorization assessment and Time Release Study (TRS), it aims to simplify customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve trade efficiency. The project not only enhances Cape Verde's compliance capabilities but also provides valuable experience for other developing countries, jointly promoting global trade facilitation. This initiative is crucial for boosting economic growth and competitiveness in Cape Verde by streamlining trade procedures and reducing associated costs.

WCO SICPA Enhance Global Supply Chain Security Partnership

WCO SICPA Enhance Global Supply Chain Security Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and SICPA are deepening their cooperation to enhance global supply chain security. Through SICPA's support for WCO capacity-building programs, both parties are jointly combating counterfeiting and improving customs enforcement capabilities, aiming to build a safer and more efficient international trade system. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of governments and the private sector to jointly maintain global trade order. The partnership focuses on strengthening customs administrations to effectively address security threats and facilitate legitimate trade flows.