Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Improved Classification Skills

Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Improved Classification Skills

With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs organized a commodity classification capacity building workshop. The aim was to establish a sound advance ruling system, enhance customs officers' skills, and promote trade facilitation. This event strengthened international cooperation and laid the foundation for Madagascar's integration into the global trading system and improvement of its business environment.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Developing Nations Boost Trade Via Technical Assistance

Developing Nations Boost Trade Via Technical Assistance

This paper delves into the challenges faced by developing countries in trade facilitation negotiations. It emphasizes the crucial role of Technical Assistance and Capacity Building (TACB) in enabling these nations to benefit from streamlined trade processes. The paper proposes strategies such as establishing trade facilitation partnerships, implementing commitments in phases, and creating a WTO Trade Facilitation TACB support unit. These measures aim to help developing countries achieve mutually beneficial trade facilitation outcomes and ensure they are not left behind in the global trade landscape.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Advances Trade Talks Sets New Meeting Schedule

WTO Advances Trade Talks Sets New Meeting Schedule

The World Trade Organization (WTO) has released the work program and meeting schedule of the Trade Facilitation Negotiating Group, aiming to simplify customs procedures, enhance trade transparency, and promote global trade. The plan covers revised rules, technical assistance, customs cooperation, special and differential treatment, needs assessment, and international collaboration. The meeting schedule has been initially determined and will be further consulted with member countries. Trade facilitation is crucial for promoting trade growth, attracting investment, and fostering economic development. However, it also faces challenges, requiring strengthened international cooperation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), aiming to enhance customs capabilities, optimize trade processes, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border trade development. The project will focus on organizational development and trade facilitation, leveraging WCO capacity-building tools to upgrade Uzbekistan's customs system, injecting new momentum into economic growth. This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more competitive and integrated trading environment for Uzbekistan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US FTZ Warehouses Ease Trade Turbulence for Businesses

US FTZ Warehouses Ease Trade Turbulence for Businesses

Amidst increasing global trade uncertainties, US FTZ (Free Trade Zone) warehouses offer companies advantages like tariff deferral, duty-free exports, indefinite storage, and tariff rate selection. Especially with heightened US-China trade tensions, FTZ warehouses provide greater operational flexibility and strategies to mitigate trade risks and enhance supply chain resilience. They serve as a critical Plan B for businesses navigating these challenges, offering a 'domestic area outside customs' environment to optimize operations and minimize the impact of trade disputes.

01/04/2026 Warehousing
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Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supported Bolivia in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to improve trade efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through expert guidance, questionnaire optimization, and pilot testing, the GTFP helped Bolivia identify bottlenecks in goods release and optimize operational procedures. This support contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by streamlining processes and improving efficiency within Bolivia's trade system. The TRS provides valuable insights for further improvements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Botswana Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Botswana acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention in 2006, aligning its customs system with international standards. This aims to facilitate trade by simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and providing a more efficient trading environment for businesses. This move is significant for Botswana's economic development and contributes to trade integration across Africa, fostering a new global trade order. The adoption of the convention emphasizes Botswana's commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japan Shares Risk Management Tips for Trade Talks

Japan Shares Risk Management Tips for Trade Talks

Japan submitted a note to the Negotiating Group on Trade Facilitation, sharing its experience in risk management and issuing a corrigendum to correct a date error in document TN/TF/W/42/Corr.1. This action aims to provide a reference for global trade facilitation, improve trade efficiency, and reduce trade costs. Japan's contribution highlights practical approaches to risk management within the context of trade facilitation, offering valuable insights for other nations engaged in similar efforts.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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California Exports Hold Steady Despite Economic Challenges

California Exports Hold Steady Despite Economic Challenges

California's export trade is showing positive momentum, benefiting from robust demand from key trading partners and increased port throughput. However, uncertainties in US trade policy and misconceptions about the trade deficit with China pose potential risks. California should strengthen cooperation with trading partners, diversify export markets, enhance product competitiveness, and monitor trade policy changes to address challenges and maintain growth momentum. This requires a proactive approach to navigate the evolving global trade landscape and ensure continued economic resilience.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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