Iran WCO Host Trade Facilitation Workshop

Iran WCO Host Trade Facilitation Workshop

Iran, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, hosted a national workshop on the Harmonized System (HS). The workshop aimed to enhance the professional capabilities of Iran Customs in commodity classification, promote the uniform application of the HS, and strengthen cooperation with international organizations. This initiative is expected to contribute to the country's economic development by facilitating smoother international trade and ensuring accurate tariff application. The focus was on improving the efficiency and accuracy of customs procedures related to the HS nomenclature.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 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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New HS Codes Aim to Boost Sustainable Fishing Globally

New HS Codes Aim to Boost Sustainable Fishing Globally

This paper explores how the Harmonized System (HS) code can promote the sustainable development of global fisheries. By refining the classification of aquaculture products, establishing specific codes for key traded species, and incorporating CITES species and species with Codex Alimentarius standards into the HS code, making the HS code more 'green', it can better monitor and manage global fisheries trade, thereby achieving sustainable fisheries development. The paper argues that a more detailed and environmentally conscious HS code is crucial for effective fisheries management and conservation.

01/16/2026 HS Code Query
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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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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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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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