The Philippines has launched a National Customs Time Study at the Manila International Container Port, aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency in maritime trade. Supported by the WCO and the UK's HMRC, the project will employ a data-driven approach to identify bottlenecks, with the final report expected by the end of 2025. This study will serve as a foundation for future trade facilitation and national coordination.
With the support of WCO and Eurocustoms, Albanian Customs held a laboratory modernization workshop in 2017, aiming to enhance commodity classification and identification capabilities. Through hardware upgrades, quality management system improvements, personnel skill development, and international cooperation, Albania is committed to building a modern and internationally competitive customs laboratory. This initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately contribute to the nation's economic development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Master Trainer Programme" to develop customs valuation experts in Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to establish a regional training system, enhance customs valuation capabilities, facilitate trade, increase revenue collection, and improve international competitiveness. The first working group activity has been successfully held, laying a solid foundation for future actions.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively promoting the digital transformation of ATA Carnets and Customs Transit Carnets to simplify cross-border trade processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Contracting parties are required to complete the transition by the end of 2027 and designate contact points. This digital transformation not only facilitates trade but also strengthens international cooperation, ushering in a new era of global trade.
With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Comoros has upgraded its national commodity nomenclature to the HS 2012 version and signed the instrument of accession to the HS Convention. This aims to improve Comoros' trade efficiency, tariff revenue, and international image, bringing new opportunities for its economic development. Capacity building will follow to enhance customs officers' understanding and application of the HS.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) offers the 'Harmonized System Compendium and Alphabetical Index,' a comprehensive, alphabetically organized index of commodities mentioned in the Harmonized System (HS) and its Explanatory Notes. This resource assists importers, exporters, customs brokers, and others in quickly and accurately finding HS codes, thereby improving trade efficiency and reducing operational costs. It is available through online subscription or purchase, providing easy access to essential commodity classification information.
WCO held a workshop in Namibia to support its implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhance its National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) capabilities. The workshop emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and leveraging international best practices to promote trade facilitation. It aimed to provide Namibia with the necessary tools and knowledge to streamline its trade processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.
Cuba is actively promoting the AEO program to enhance trade facilitation and security. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides crucial support, conducting workshops to improve Cuban Customs' capacity in AEO certification and mutual recognition arrangements. Cuba plans to fully implement the AEO program by the end of 2019 and actively seeks mutual recognition agreements with other countries. This will significantly improve Cuba's trade competitiveness and promote international trade cooperation.
Singapore's TradeFirst program integrates services like AEO to enhance compliance and efficiency for businesses. The WCO has acknowledged its customer-centric approach and explored its potential support for regional customs reforms. It aims to streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve overall competitiveness for participating companies. TradeFirst represents a significant step towards modernizing customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and reliable trading environment in Singapore and potentially beyond.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the French Manufacturers Association (UNIFAB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit goods. Through information sharing, joint training, and the promotion of IPM tools, both parties aim to improve enforcement efficiency, protect consumer rights, and maintain market order. This collaboration addresses the challenges posed by the global trade in counterfeit goods, fostering a united front against this illicit activity.
