Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

The Americas and Caribbean Customs Virtual Forum focused on gender equality and diversity, bringing together representatives from 24 countries. They shared experiences, discussed challenges, and launched the Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT). The forum aims to promote progress in gender equality within customs administrations and integrate it into the customs agenda. This initiative lays the foundation for building a more equitable and inclusive customs environment across the region.

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

WCO HMRC Aid Nigeria Customs in Trade Efficiency Boost

WCO HMRC Aid Nigeria Customs in Trade Efficiency Boost

A WCO project is assisting the Nigeria Customs Service in optimizing document review and risk control. Drawing on South African experience, Nigeria Customs will update its manual strategies to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, improve efficiency, and reduce delays in cross-border trade. By implementing best practices and leveraging international cooperation, Nigeria Customs seeks to strengthen its risk management capabilities and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment.

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

WCO Aids Liberia in Trade Efficiency Study

WCO Aids Liberia in Trade Efficiency Study

The WCO is supporting Liberia Customs in a Time Release Study (TRS) project aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade. The project focuses on analyzing and streamlining cargo release processes to reduce delays and enhance overall customs operations. Capacity building initiatives are also included to ensure the sustainability of improvements. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, contributing to a more efficient and effective customs environment in Liberia.

Latin America Streamlines Customs Rulings to Boost Trade

Latin America Streamlines Customs Rulings to Boost Trade

Nineteen Latin American countries gathered to discuss the optimization and implementation of the Customs Advance Ruling (AR) mechanism. The seminar aimed to foster regional cooperation, share best practices, and refine relevant policies and regulations to build a more efficient, transparent, and predictable trade environment. This initiative helps businesses reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and optimize cost control, ultimately promoting economic development and global trade prosperity in the Latin American region.

Lesotho Revenue Authority Strengthens Leadership with WCO Aid

Lesotho Revenue Authority Strengthens Leadership with WCO Aid

The Lesotho Revenue Authority, during an executive team retreat, leveraged the World Customs Organization's Leadership and Management Development System to clarify strategic priorities and enhance team collaboration, achieving significant results. This case demonstrates how effective leadership development can significantly improve overall organizational effectiveness and offers valuable lessons for other organizations. The focus on strategic alignment and improved teamwork fostered a more cohesive and productive environment, ultimately contributing to the success of the LRA's strategic objectives.

Rwanda Boosts Trade Compliance with WTO Customs Pact

Rwanda Boosts Trade Compliance with WTO Customs Pact

Rwanda is actively strengthening customs cooperation within the WTO framework. By developing a cross-border agency procedures manual, it promotes compliance and collaboration, enhancing information exchange and declaration data verification. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency and compliance levels, serving as a reference for other developing countries. The efforts focus on streamlining border processes and fostering a more transparent and efficient trade environment through enhanced cooperation and data sharing amongst relevant agencies.

Rwanda Launches Online System to Ease Crossborder Trade

Rwanda Launches Online System to Ease Crossborder Trade

Rwanda Customs has launched an online advance ruling system integrated into its electronic single window. This aims to help traders clarify tariffs in advance, reduce trade risks, and accelerate customs clearance. To fully leverage the system's advantages, training and promotion are crucial to enhance traders' familiarity with the online application process, helping businesses seize market opportunities. The system improves transparency and predictability in cross-border trade, fostering a more efficient and reliable trading environment.

Global Aviation Safety Standards Rise with IATA Audits

Global Aviation Safety Standards Rise with IATA Audits

IATA is committed to improving global aviation safety through safety audit programs like IOSA and ISSA, as well as events such as workshops, data symposia, and annual general meetings. These initiatives aim to help airlines identify risks, optimize operations, enhance brand reputation, and promote the safe development of the aviation industry. By providing standardized audits and platforms for knowledge sharing, IATA plays a crucial role in fostering a safer and more secure aviation environment worldwide.