WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council convened, highlighting the crucial role of customs in the context of the global pandemic. Several resolutions were adopted, including approving the financial budget and revising the Harmonized System. These aim to strengthen global customs cooperation, leverage technological innovation, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development to address global trade challenges and ensure secure and smooth supply chains. The meeting emphasized the importance of international collaboration in navigating the complexities of the current global trade environment.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Committee Addresses Commodity Classification Issues in 54th Session

HS Committee Addresses Commodity Classification Issues in 54th Session

The 54th session of the Harmonized System (HS) Committee's classification decisions and related amendments have been released. These rulings clarify commodity classification standards, aiming to assist businesses in more accurately classifying goods and avoiding trade frictions and losses. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for ensuring businesses' compliance. The decisions provide guidance on specific product classifications, helping businesses navigate customs regulations and ensure proper documentation for international trade. Understanding these changes is essential for smooth import and export operations.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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Pacific Islands Enhance Customs Skills Via WCO Training Program

Pacific Islands Enhance Customs Skills Via WCO Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a Harmonized System (HS) expert development program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to enhance customs capacity in the region by building a regional pool of experts. The first working group activity was held in October 2021, with the participation of customs administrations from six countries, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea. This initiative, a collaboration between the WCO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), seeks to promote trade development and economic cooperation among Pacific Island Countries.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau, with support from the WCO and the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, successfully hosted a National Harmonized System (HS) Workshop. The aim was to enhance the tariff classification skills of customs officials, facilitating trade and promoting customs modernization. This event marks a significant step for Palau in integrating into global trade and achieving sustainable economic development. The workshop underscores the importance of accurate tariff classification for efficient customs procedures and compliance with international standards, ultimately benefiting Palau's economic growth and trade competitiveness.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

The 2028 edition of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) introduces more specific subheadings for plastic articles, enhancing the identification of particular plastic products, including environmentally sensitive polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, and single-use plastics. This will facilitate customs data collection, assisting governments in developing more effective policies to control plastic pollution and promote a circular economy and environmental sustainability. The refined HS codes will enable better tracking of plastic trade flows and inform targeted interventions to reduce plastic waste.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Saudi ZATCA, organized a Harmonized System (HS) expert pre-certification workshop for the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aims to cultivate local experts, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate trade. Through a rigorous assessment and certification process, the WCO will expand its pool of experts, support regional capacity building efforts, and promote the standardization of global trade practices. The workshop is a key step in strengthening regional customs expertise and streamlining trade processes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a study visit for customs experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries, aiming to enhance their application of the Harmonized System (HS) and promote regional trade development. The activities included participation in the HS Committee (HSC) meeting, meetings with representatives of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and planned capacity-building workshops to strengthen tariff classification and customs cooperation. The visit focused on improving skills and fostering collaboration to facilitate trade and ensure accurate classification practices within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Boosts African Customs Modernization Trade

EUWCO Project Boosts African Customs Modernization Trade

The EU-WCO cooperation project promotes customs modernization in Africa by optimizing the Harmonized System and rules of origin, and strengthening capacity building. This creates a more efficient trade environment, fostering intra-African trade and regional economic integration. The project has yielded significant results and will continue to support African customs development, contributing to the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Its focus on streamlining procedures and enhancing skills will be crucial for unlocking Africa's trade potential and fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Guide for Furniture Lighting and Prefabricated Buildings

Global Trade Guide for Furniture Lighting and Prefabricated Buildings

This article provides a detailed interpretation of the Harmonized System (HS) Chapter 94, focusing on the classification rules for furniture, bedding, lighting, and prefabricated buildings. Through chapter notes and specific commodity classification explanations, it offers a clear and practical classification guide for international trade participants. The aim is to assist them in accurately identifying and declaring goods in global trade, thereby reducing operational costs and ensuring compliance with international regulations. It serves as a helpful resource for navigating the complexities of HS Chapter 94.

01/19/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Releases HS 2022 Tools for Customs Compliance

WCO Releases HS 2022 Tools for Customs Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 7th edition of the Harmonized System (HS) supporting tools: the Explanatory Notes and the Compendium of Classification Opinions. These resources aim to help businesses accurately classify goods, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. Both tools are available for subscription through the WCO Trade Tools platform, supporting businesses in compliant international trade operations and enhancing their competitiveness. They provide valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of commodity classification and ensuring adherence to global trade regulations.

01/19/2026 HS Code Query
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