WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with various partners, successfully conducted a training-of-trainers workshop for customs officers in the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of customs personnel to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The training covered cultural property identification, risk management, and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of implementing relevant WCO resolutions. This training represents a significant step by the WCO in the field of cultural heritage protection and contributes to strengthening the defenses against cultural property crime.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an intellectual property (IP) workshop in Ghana to enhance the IP protection capabilities of Ghanaian customs officers, combat counterfeit goods, and promote Ghana's economic development. The workshop, through international cooperation, skills training, and practical exercises, injected new impetus into Ghana's IP protection efforts. It focused on strengthening customs officials' ability to identify and seize counterfeit goods, fostering collaboration between agencies, and raising awareness about the importance of IP rights. The goal was to create a more secure and competitive business environment in Ghana.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zhengou International Freight Train Successfully Completes Import Grain Transportation, Supporting New International Logistics Corridor

Zhengou International Freight Train Successfully Completes Import Grain Transportation, Supporting New International Logistics Corridor

The Zhengzhou Europe Railway Express successfully completed its first imported grain shipment, marking the successful testing of Zhengzhou's designated port for imported grain. A total of 136 tons of wheat were imported from Kazakhstan, showcasing efficient international logistics capabilities. With more batches of grain set for import, Zhengzhou provides significant support for international trade under the Belt and Road Initiative.

12/24/2023 Logistics
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Exploring The Close Relationship Between International Freight Forwarding And Logistics

Exploring The Close Relationship Between International Freight Forwarding And Logistics

This article examines the relationship between international freight forwarding and logistics, highlighting freight forwarding as a key component of global logistics. Logistics encompasses not only domestic express and transportation but also broader functions like warehousing and distribution. It also introduces WIFFA, the International Freight Forwarders Alliance, which promotes credit cooperation and information sharing within the industry to foster healthy development.

07/16/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Optimizing Shipping Costs Weight Vs Volume Strategies

Optimizing Shipping Costs Weight Vs Volume Strategies

International express shipping costs are determined by the greater of the actual weight and volumetric weight. Lightweight, bulky goods are volume-driven, while heavy goods are weight-driven. Savvy businesses should strategically manage costs based on the characteristics of their goods by compressing volume and optimizing packaging. This allows them to gain a competitive edge in international trade by effectively controlling logistics expenses.

01/15/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Turkmenistan Seeks Trade Growth Via Harmonized System Pact

Turkmenistan Seeks Trade Growth Via Harmonized System Pact

This paper analyzes the background, benefits, and challenges of Turkmenistan's accession to the Harmonized System Convention. By reviewing the technical assistance provided by the World Customs Organization, it explores the positive impact of joining the Convention on enhancing trade facilitation and strengthening international competitiveness. The article recommends that Turkmenistan develop a detailed implementation plan, strengthen customs personnel training, conduct corporate publicity, and seek international cooperation to smoothly join and benefit from the Convention. It emphasizes the importance of proactive measures to maximize the advantages offered by the HS Convention for Turkmenistan's trade development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trade Programs Boost SME Growth with Streamlined Customs

Trade Programs Boost SME Growth with Streamlined Customs

A joint report by the World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, and International Chamber of Commerce urges customs administrations to remove barriers hindering SMEs' participation in global trade, emphasizing their vital role in the global economy. The report analyzes the challenges faced by SMEs and proposes recommendations for their integration into Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs. Through case studies, it showcases successful experiences, aiming to build a more inclusive and resilient global trading system. The report highlights the need for simplified procedures and enhanced access to information for SMEs to thrive in international markets.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Global Collaboration to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Urges Global Collaboration to Bolster Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized the importance of strengthening international cooperation to address global crises and rebuild supply chain resilience at the 7th Annual Meeting of International Organizations. He outlined the WCO's measures to ensure the continued flow of goods and maintain supply chain stability. He also highlighted future areas of cooperation, including digitalization, e-commerce, and disaster management, urging participants to transform crises into opportunities for collaboration. The speech underscored the critical role of customs organizations in facilitating trade and promoting global economic security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Exemption Codes Explained: Tax Classification of Import and Export Goods

Customs Exemption Codes Explained: Tax Classification of Import and Export Goods

This article analyzes the classification and importance of customs exemption nature codes. The exemption types include statutory taxation, statutory reduction, and specific exemptions, providing detailed meanings and examples for each category, with special emphasis on the uniqueness of gratuitous aid materials. These codes assist customs in effectively managing and statisticalizing the taxes on import and export goods, thereby promoting the development of international trade.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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