Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia is actively promoting Coordinated Border Management (CBM) by establishing an inter-agency standard regulatory framework and unified data standards, aiming to reduce border delays and facilitate legitimate trade. This framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Namibia's practice provides valuable experience for other developing countries, contributing to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system. The initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cooperation between various border agencies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an upgraded Time Release Study (TRS) CLiKC! course, designed to help customs administrations measure cargo release times, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. The course covers all phases of the TRS methodology, emphasizing practical application through case studies, exercises, and role-playing to enhance participants' skills. This initiative supports trade facilitation and benefits the global economy. WCO members can access the course for free on the CLiKC! platform. It aims to enhance customs efficiency and reduce release times for goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

This paper reviews the 50-year development of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining fair trade and promoting international cooperation. It examines the agreement's impact on global trade practices and its contributions to reducing trade barriers. Furthermore, the paper looks forward to future development directions, considering emerging challenges and opportunities in the international trade landscape. It highlights the agreement's continued relevance in ensuring transparent and predictable customs valuation procedures, fostering trust among trading partners, and facilitating efficient cross-border trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Aviation Sector Navigates Recovery Amid Economic and Green Pressures

Aviation Sector Navigates Recovery Amid Economic and Green Pressures

The improving global economic environment supports aviation recovery. The industry needs to actively address carbon emission reduction challenges and resolve issues like border policies, financial support, and business travel transformation. Passenger confusion regarding travel restrictions should be addressed through increased transparency. Air cargo played a crucial role during the pandemic and holds future potential. Enhanced cooperation among all stakeholders is essential to build a brighter future for the aviation industry. This includes airlines, airports, governments, and technology providers working together to ensure a sustainable and efficient recovery.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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VAT Zerorating Boosts International Aviation Connectivity

VAT Zerorating Boosts International Aviation Connectivity

The unique nature of international air transport clashes with traditional tax jurisdictions. This paper argues for the necessity of implementing a zero-rating VAT refund mechanism for international aviation. It emphasizes that this mechanism can reduce operational costs, promote international travel and trade, enhance competitiveness, and ensure fairness. ICAO resolutions provide guidance for governments to develop relevant policies, contributing to the construction of an interconnected global aviation network. This approach helps to streamline processes and foster a more efficient and equitable system for international air travel.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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IATA Names Sheldon Hee Asiapacific VP to Boost Regional Growth

IATA Names Sheldon Hee Asiapacific VP to Boost Regional Growth

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has appointed Sheldon Hee as Regional Vice President for Asia-Pacific, effective June 1, 2025. The Asia-Pacific region is a key growth engine for the global aviation industry, projected to have the fastest passenger demand growth over the next 20 years. Sheldon Hee brings over 25 years of aviation experience, including executive roles at Singapore Airlines. IATA will focus on safety, efficiency, and sustainability, collaborating with stakeholders to promote the development of the Asia-Pacific aviation industry.

05/30/2025 Airlines
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WCO Finalizes Key Ecommerce Trade Standards

WCO Finalizes Key Ecommerce Trade Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on E-Commerce (WGEC) held its final meeting in Brussels, finalizing key annexes to the Technical Specifications of the E-Commerce Standards Framework, laying the foundation for the implementation of global standards for cross-border e-commerce. The meeting emphasized the importance of data sharing, case studies, and capacity building, and looked forward to the future development direction of cross-border e-commerce standards. These achievements have significant implications for the development of China's cross-border e-commerce.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

The Americas and Caribbean Customs-Postal Strategy Conference highlighted the crucial role of customs-postal cooperation in fostering cross-border e-commerce. The WCO emphasized data-driven approaches and standardized frameworks, while the UPU and PUASP focused on process optimization and combating smuggling. Participants committed to strengthening collaboration to build a more efficient and secure global postal supply chain, laying the groundwork for the future development of cross-border trade. This includes enhanced data exchange and harmonized procedures to facilitate smoother and safer international transactions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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