Namibia Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Tariff System

Namibia Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Tariff System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the European Union, is assisting the Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) in enhancing its commodity classification capabilities through the 'HS Project Africa'. This initiative employs systematic training and case studies to develop a team of experts proficient in the Harmonized System (HS). The project aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade disputes, increase revenue collection, and ultimately contribute to Namibia's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Publishes Persian HS Notes to Facilitate Trade

Iran Publishes Persian HS Notes to Facilitate Trade

Iranian Customs has translated the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes into Persian to improve commodity classification accuracy, enhance customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and facilitate international trade. This initiative holds significant implications for Iran's international trade and serves as a valuable reference for other developing countries. The translation aims to streamline processes and promote greater compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Proposes Green Shift for Chemical Trade Via HS Codes

WCO Proposes Green Shift for Chemical Trade Via HS Codes

A WCO workshop explored using the Harmonized System (HS) code to identify and manage traded chemicals, supporting environmental sustainability. The discussions emphasized the need for improvements to the HS system and promoted dialogue on a 'Green HS'. This aims to leverage HS codes for better tracking and regulation of chemicals with environmental impacts, ultimately fostering more sustainable trade practices and contributing to global environmental protection efforts. The workshop highlighted the potential of the HS code to play a crucial role in achieving a greener and more responsible chemical trade landscape.

01/16/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile Advances Trade with Customs System Workshop

Chile successfully hosted a national seminar in Valparaiso on the Harmonized System and Customs Tariff Management. The seminar aimed to enhance the professional skills of customs officials in commodity classification and tariff management, ensuring consistent application of the HS 2017 version and improving current working methods. With the assistance of the WCO, Chile Customs will continue to improve its capabilities, making greater contributions to promoting Chile's economic development and facilitating international trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Guide HS Code Chapter 15 for Fats and Oils

Global Trade Guide HS Code Chapter 15 for Fats and Oils

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of Chapter 15 of the Harmonized System (HS) code, detailing the classification standards and import/export regulations for animal, vegetable, and microbial fats and oils. It covers the specific categorization of products such as lard, tallow, fish oil, vegetable oil, margarine, and various waxes. The aim is to assist related businesses in compliant operation and understanding market trends within the international trade of fats and oils.

01/19/2026 HS Code Query
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Philippines Kenya Simplify Customs to Boost Trade

Philippines Kenya Simplify Customs to Boost Trade

In 2010, the Philippines and Kenya acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention, signifying their commitment to simplifying customs procedures and promoting international trade facilitation. The Convention aims to enhance trade efficiency, reduce costs, and foster global economic growth through streamlined processes, the application of information technology, risk management, and strengthened cooperation. The promotion and effective implementation of the Convention are crucial for building a more open and interconnected global trading system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Streamline Global Trade Customs

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Streamline Global Trade Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting a comprehensive revision of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) to simplify and harmonize customs procedures across countries. The 7th RKC Review Working Group meeting established a 'four-step framework' for the revision process and discussed revisions to rules of origin. The RKC revision presents both opportunities and challenges for import and export companies. Businesses should closely monitor progress, actively participate, and adapt to the new trade environment. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

The 32nd Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee concluded successfully, with El Salvador joining, bringing the number of contracting parties to 135. The meeting finalized the review of updated guidelines for both general and specific annexes, covering key areas such as customs security, advance rulings, and coordinated border management. Moving forward, the RKC will continue to be updated, contributing to global trade facilitation. The updates aim to streamline customs procedures and enhance security measures for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) in Brazil, encouraging Latin American countries to join. The WCO emphasizes the RKC's importance for trade facilitation and supply chain security. Joining the RKC can streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the predictability of international trade. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and security of trade flows within the region and globally by adopting international standards for customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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