EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Classification System Nears Upgrade Under HS Review

Global Trade Classification System Nears Upgrade Under HS Review

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released an interim report on its exploratory study for the Strategic Review of the Harmonized System (HS). The report reaffirms the HS's role as a cornerstone of global trade classification while highlighting areas for improvement. It explores strategies to enhance the HS's usability, expand its functionality to address emerging trade needs, and encourages active participation from all stakeholders in shaping the future of the HS. The review aims to ensure the HS remains relevant and effective in facilitating international trade.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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HS Committee Concludes 44th Session on Trade Classification

HS Committee Concludes 44th Session on Trade Classification

This paper delves into the document list of the 44th session of the Harmonized System Committee, focusing on commodity classification disputes, rule revision proposals, and underlying issues. It emphasizes strengthening international cooperation, rapidly adapting to technological changes, enhancing transparency, and balancing the interests of all parties to address the challenges faced by the HS in its implementation and promote global trade prosperity. The analysis highlights the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure the HS remains relevant and effective in the evolving global trade landscape.

02/06/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) highlighted their collaboration in addressing environmental and social issues using the Harmonized System (HS) at the BRS COPs in Geneva. The WCO facilitates customs control of goods threatening the environment and human health by introducing HS codes. They shared elements of successful proposals, aiming to strengthen global cooperation and build a sustainable trade future. This partnership demonstrates how the HS can be leveraged for environmental protection and responsible trade practices on a global scale.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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HS Codes Boost Green Trade and Sustainability Efforts

HS Codes Boost Green Trade and Sustainability Efforts

This paper explores the role of the World Customs Organization and its Harmonized System (HS) in the global green trade transition. By analyzing the HS's potential in identifying environmentally friendly products, restricting trade in harmful products, and supporting the development of a circular economy, it elucidates how this international trade tool can be leveraged to promote sustainable material lifecycle management and contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The paper highlights the importance of HS codes in fostering green trade practices and achieving sustainability objectives.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Aviation Industry Struggles with New Dangerous Goods Rules

Aviation Industry Struggles with New Dangerous Goods Rules

The air cargo industry faces increasingly complex challenges in complying with dangerous goods transportation regulations. With cumbersome rules and a lack of standardization, the industry needs to strengthen collaboration to simplify regulations, develop standards, and promote training. Embracing digital transformation and sustainable development is also crucial. This will build a safer and more efficient future for air cargo by streamlining processes, ensuring adherence to best practices, and fostering a culture of safety and responsibility throughout the supply chain. The focus should be on creating a more harmonized and transparent system.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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HS Convention at 25 Data Shapes Global Trades Future

HS Convention at 25 Data Shapes Global Trades Future

The World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Harmonized System Convention, highlighting the HS's central role and future development in international trade. As a universal language for global trade, the HS simplifies trade processes and enhances efficiency. The WCO is actively conducting strategic reviews to ensure the HS adapts to new trade patterns and technological advancements. It also encourages greater participation from developing countries in HS-related activities, fostering a more inclusive and responsive global trade environment. This ensures the HS remains relevant and effective in facilitating international commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New UN Tool Targets Global Plastic Waste by 2028

New UN Tool Targets Global Plastic Waste by 2028

To more effectively manage the growing global plastic waste pollution problem, the World Customs Organization (WCO) will implement a new version of the Harmonized System (HS) in 2028. This revision introduces more specific subheadings for plastic waste, providing customs authorities and businesses worldwide with more precise tools for regulation and compliance. This enhancement aims to better implement the requirements of the Basel Convention, combat illegal plastic waste trafficking, and ultimately protect the global environment. The refined HS codes will enable improved monitoring and control of plastic waste movement across borders.

01/30/2026 HS Code Query
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Burundi Customs Enhances African Trade with WCO Backing

Burundi Customs Enhances African Trade with WCO Backing

With support from the WCO and the EU, the Burundi Revenue Authority held a national workshop on customs laboratories and the Harmonized System classification of chemical products. The aim is to establish its own laboratory to improve tax collection efficiency, strengthen social and environmental protection, and promote trade facilitation. Guided by WCO experts and through learning technical standards, Burundi Customs is committed to building a first-class customs laboratory, contributing significantly to Burundi's economic development. This initiative is crucial for modernizing customs operations and ensuring compliance with international standards.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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