Global Trade Boosted by AEO Certification Security Gains

Global Trade Boosted by AEO Certification Security Gains

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s 'AEO Implementation and Validation Guidelines'. It details the implementation steps, certification standards, and customs validation methods of the AEO program. The aim is to help businesses understand the AEO certification process, improve supply chain security management, and benefit from trade facilitation measures. Ultimately, this contributes to building a more secure and efficient global trade system.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ Germany, in collaboration with the WCO, is supporting Gambia in enhancing trade facilitation. The project focuses on optimizing risk management, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and utilizing the WCO Time Release Study tool. The aim is to reduce cargo clearance times, improve trade efficiency, and ultimately promote economic development in Gambia. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and create a more competitive trading environment for the country.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Guyanas Postclearance Audit Capacity

WCO Boosts Guyanas Postclearance Audit Capacity

Under the Mercator Program, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a post-clearance audit (PCA) workshop for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enhance its tax compliance oversight capabilities. Through the training, Guyanese customs officers gained in-depth knowledge of PCA concepts and techniques, laying the groundwork for improved customs control efficiency and trade facilitation. The WCO looks forward to continued cooperation with the GRA to further advance its customs administration.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Adopts Harmonized System to Ease Global Trade

Mozambique Adopts Harmonized System to Ease Global Trade

Mozambique's accession to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, becoming the 145th contracting party, signifies an acceleration of its trade facilitation process. The Harmonized System, serving as a 'universal language' for international trade, simplifies customs procedures and promotes trade statistics, positively impacting both Mozambique's and global trade development. Looking ahead, the Harmonized System will increasingly focus on technological advancements, environmental protection, and trade security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Enhance Pacific Islands Customs Capacity

WCO JICA Enhance Pacific Islands Customs Capacity

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Program for Master Trainers" (PMF) to help Pacific Island countries build localized teams of HS experts. The program progressively enhances the HS classification capabilities of participating countries through online workshops, expert support, and regional cooperation. The ultimate goal is to establish a regional platform for sharing expert resources, thereby promoting trade facilitation in the Pacific region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Efficiency

The State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), conducted a strategic planning workshop aimed at enhancing customs strategic planning and performance measurement capabilities to develop a comprehensive customs strategic plan. The workshop emphasized the importance of strategic maps and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to promote trade facilitation, enhance national competitiveness, increase tax revenues, and combat smuggling and violations, ultimately improving Uzbekistan's international image.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Adopts Nonintrusive Tech to Streamline Customs Trade

Azerbaijan Adopts Nonintrusive Tech to Streamline Customs Trade

Azerbaijan Customs, with support from the World Customs Organization and the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, held a workshop on X-ray image analysis to enhance the application of Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) technologies. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, combat smuggling, and promote trade facilitation through NII techniques. The experience provides valuable lessons for other customs administrations seeking to leverage technology for enhanced border security and streamlined trade processes.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines. The workshop aimed to enhance strategic alignment, teamwork, and individual growth, thereby promoting trade facilitation reforms and improving trade efficiency. Focusing on key challenges, the workshop emphasized the importance of Time Release Studies. This initiative supports the BOC in achieving modernization and sustainable development within the Philippine customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Backs Cameroon Customs Modernization to Ease Trade

EU Backs Cameroon Customs Modernization to Ease Trade

Cameroon, with EU funding and support from the World Customs Organization, is undergoing customs modernization, focusing on standardizing tariff terminology. Training programs are enhancing skills and promoting trade facilitation. The initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, improve efficiency, and foster economic growth by simplifying trade processes and ensuring accurate tariff classification. This modernization effort is expected to reduce delays, lower costs, and increase transparency in international trade for Cameroon.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso has acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), becoming the 111th contracting party. The RKC simplifies customs clearance procedures, promotes trade facilitation, and enhances global competitiveness. By adopting the RKC, Burkina Faso aims to streamline its customs operations, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately boost its economic growth. This accession underscores the country's commitment to international standards and its desire to integrate more effectively into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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