Jamaica Expands Trade Security Program for Faster Commerce

Jamaica Expands Trade Security Program for Faster Commerce

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Jamaica Customs is upgrading its AEO program to enhance trade security and efficiency. By optimizing risk assessment, raising compliance standards, expanding facilitation measures, and strengthening international mutual recognition cooperation, Jamaica Customs is committed to building an open, secure, and efficient trade environment. This initiative actively promotes global trade security and facilitation, contributing to a more streamlined and reliable international trade landscape.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

With Thailand and Sierra Leone joining, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, marking a significant step in global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency. It works in synergy with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, injecting new vitality into global economic development. The WCO encourages more members to join and collectively promote trade facilitation. This milestone underscores the growing global commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through simplified customs procedures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

The WCO actively participates in WTO trade facilitation efforts, sharing pandemic response measures to help members promote cross-border trade. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to advance trade facilitation initiatives. It has been instrumental in providing guidance and best practices to its members, enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and maintain essential trade flows. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members in their efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade costs, ultimately fostering economic growth and development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Adopts Trade Conventions to Boost Commerce

Papua New Guinea Adopts Trade Conventions to Boost Commerce

Papua New Guinea's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention and the Harmonized System Convention marks a significant step towards integrating into the global trade system. This move aims to simplify customs procedures, adopt international standards, and enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness. It also synergizes with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, promoting global trade facilitation. By aligning with these conventions, Papua New Guinea demonstrates its commitment to streamlined customs processes and improved trade practices, ultimately fostering economic growth and international cooperation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia has officially joined the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming its 116th contracting party, marking a significant step in its trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, considered the "gold standard" for global trade facilitation, promotes international trade development through simplified customs procedures and increased transparency. The World Customs Organization encourages more countries to join, working together to build an open and efficient global trade system. This accession highlights Georgia's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through adherence to international standards.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trump Considers New Tariffs Reviving Trade War Concerns

Trump Considers New Tariffs Reviving Trade War Concerns

U.S. President-elect Trump plans to reinstate tariff policies after taking office, aiming to protect domestic industries and reduce trade deficits. This move could trigger a trade war with profound implications for the global economy. The international community is closely monitoring the direction of his trade policies, calling for countries to strengthen dialogue and communication to maintain the stability of the global trade system. The potential consequences of these policies are a major concern for international trade relations and economic growth.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Joins Key Customs Pacts to Boost Trade

Saudi Arabia Joins Key Customs Pacts to Boost Trade

Saudi Arabia's accession to the World Customs Organization's Kyoto and Istanbul Conventions marks a significant step towards simplifying customs procedures and promoting trade facilitation. The Kyoto Convention focuses on standardizing modern customs procedures, while the Istanbul Convention facilitates the temporary import of goods. Both aim to reduce trade costs, improve efficiency, and foster global economic development. Saudi Arabia's membership is expected to accelerate global trade facilitation efforts.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Launches Wtobacked Mercator Program to Boost Trade

Moldova Launches Wtobacked Mercator Program to Boost Trade

With the support of the WCO, Moldova has launched the 'Mercator Programme' to implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency, reduce costs, and ultimately promote economic development. The Mercator Programme is expected to streamline customs procedures, improve transparency, and foster greater regional integration. By simplifying trade processes, Moldova seeks to attract foreign investment and boost its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Issues XML Guidelines to Enhance Crossborder Data Exchange

WCO Issues XML Guidelines to Enhance Crossborder Data Exchange

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released XML Messaging Guidelines to provide a unified standard for global customs data exchange, promoting the digital transformation of cross-border trade. These guidelines define XML message formats, emphasize interoperability, and are based on the WCO Data Model. This aims to reduce development costs, improve data quality, and accelerate trade processes, ultimately delivering practical value to global trade participants.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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