Serbia Boosts Trade with Businesscustoms Collaboration

Serbia Boosts Trade with Businesscustoms Collaboration

With the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Serbia has established a Customs-Business Roundtable. This initiative aims to strengthen cooperation between customs and the private sector, address trade challenges, optimize policies, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance the overall trade environment, ultimately promoting economic growth. This marks a significant step for Serbia in trade facilitation, with the potential to attract more investment and build a prosperous trade future.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With support from the Sida-WCO program, Zambia and Botswana are advancing customs system interconnectivity and data exchange. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and promote regional integration. By linking their customs systems, both countries seek to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency. The improved data exchange will also contribute to better risk management and security. This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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US Customs Guide for Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

US Customs Guide for Crossborder Ecommerce Sellers

This paper analyzes factors affecting US air freight customs clearance and inspection time, including cargo and documentation compliance, customs workload, commodity type, and inspection methods. It provides strategies for cross-border e-commerce sellers to shorten inspection times and improve operational efficiency. These strategies include ensuring accurate declarations, selecting professional freight forwarders, purchasing insurance, and avoiding peak periods. The analysis aims to help sellers navigate the complexities of US customs and optimize their supply chain.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexicos New Customs Law to Raise Business Costs in 2026

Mexico's new Customs Law, set to take effect in 2026, strengthens regulations and promotes digitalization. It impacts areas such as declarations, customs clearance, and risk monitoring. This new law is expected to increase compliance costs for businesses and affect various stakeholders. The updated regulations aim to enhance security and efficiency in customs procedures, but also necessitate adjustments and investments from companies involved in trade with Mexico to ensure adherence to the new requirements.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System in Africa, provides comprehensive support to Madagascar Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. This includes capacity building workshops, technical assistance, experience sharing, and laboratory construction. The initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation in Madagascar, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and increase trade certainty, ultimately injecting new vitality into the country's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Maritime Customs Inspections Key Factors in Delays

US Maritime Customs Inspections Key Factors in Delays

This article delves into the factors influencing the duration of US ocean freight inspections, including cargo type, destination port, inspection complexity, and customs personnel availability. It also provides a detailed overview of the inspection process. Understanding these factors can help businesses better estimate inspection times, optimize logistics strategies, reduce costs, and expedite customs clearance. By gaining insights into the intricacies of US customs inspections, companies can proactively manage their supply chains and minimize potential delays.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA) are deepening cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and compliance through information sharing, training collaboration, and technological innovation. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance global competitiveness. By fostering a smoother and more efficient trade environment, this partnership will help businesses seize trade opportunities and build a shared future.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

The WCO, in collaboration with the OSCE, is assisting the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in launching a new round of Time Release Study (TRS). This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote economic development within the country. By analyzing the time taken for goods to be released, the study will identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the customs process, ultimately leading to enhanced trade facilitation and increased efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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