Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Zimbabwe to enhance its customs' post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities, implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and strengthen customs-private sector cooperation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of PCA processes, ensuring compliance and promoting legitimate trade. By building capacity in PCA, Zimbabwe customs can better manage risks, optimize revenue collection, and contribute to a more efficient and secure trading environment. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and businesses in achieving trade facilitation goals.

WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Smart Customs Project is fostering global customs cooperation and innovation through an agilely developed community portal. This portal serves as a project information hub, a secure collaboration space, and a platform for exchanging experiences. It gathers technical application guidelines and research findings to help customs administrations address challenges and promote trade facilitation. The active participation of national contact points is crucial for the project's success. The portal aims to be a central point for accessing resources and engaging with the Smart Customs initiative.

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs Academy (BCS) have deepened their collaboration to provide enhanced training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. The training covers the WCO's latest tools and issues. This initiative aims to improve customs management capabilities in Africa, promote regional trade development, and serve as a model for global customs capacity building. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations and fostering a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Serbian Customs Administration jointly organized a workshop to enhance the modernization of Serbian customs laboratories and customs management capabilities. By focusing on the application of the Harmonized System (HS) and the construction of customs laboratories, Serbian Customs aims to improve the accuracy of commodity classification, build a trade security barrier, and contribute to international trade facilitation. This initiative underscores Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and best practices in customs administration.

Kyrgyzstan Becomes Vital Link in Chinarussia Trade Route

Kyrgyzstan Becomes Vital Link in Chinarussia Trade Route

Kyrgyzstan is rapidly emerging as a key transit corridor for China-Russia logistics due to its strategic location and proactive policies. By optimizing customs procedures, developing infrastructure, and actively participating in international cooperation, the country is striving to become a central node in Eurasian cross-border logistics. Despite facing challenges, the completion of key infrastructure projects will further enhance Kyrgyzstan's importance in the international logistics system. The country's geographical advantage positions it well to facilitate trade and transportation between China and Russia.

WCO Aids Georgia in Strengthening Anticounterfeiting Efforts

WCO Aids Georgia in Strengthening Anticounterfeiting Efforts

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection at an international conference on combating counterfeiting and piracy in Georgia. He presented the WCO's actions in fighting against counterfeit and pirated goods globally. He called for strengthened international cooperation to jointly build a defense line for intellectual property protection, safeguarding global health, security, and economic development. The WCO emphasizes collaborative efforts are crucial to effectively address the challenges posed by counterfeiting and piracy worldwide.

Rotterdam Convention Spurs Customs Code Reform for Chemical Trade

Rotterdam Convention Spurs Customs Code Reform for Chemical Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommends revising the Harmonized System (HS) codes to more accurately track and regulate the international trade of hazardous chemicals controlled under the Rotterdam Convention. This aims to improve data quality, enhance international cooperation, and support more effective chemical management policies. Businesses need to proactively address compliance challenges and work together to build a safer global trade system. This revision will allow for better monitoring and enforcement of the Convention, ensuring responsible trade practices for dangerous chemicals.

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Implementation Guidance on Trade Facilitation,' integrating the latest tools and member practices to enhance the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The new guidance covers areas such as transparency, customs-business cooperation, advance rulings, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), border management, single window, customs brokers, transit, Globally Networked Customs, and National Trade Facilitation Committees. It provides more practical and comprehensive guidance for global trade facilitation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce trade costs.

Peru Customs Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Data Analytics

Peru Customs Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Data Analytics

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop for Peruvian Customs to enhance trade facilitation. The workshop introduced key techniques for data collection, classification, and validation. It highlighted the application of data analysis in risk identification and trade compliance assessment. Peruvian Customs expressed appreciation for the event and discussed future cooperation with the WCO to strengthen data analysis capabilities and promote trade development. The aim is to leverage data insights for improved efficiency and security in customs operations.