Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Adopts Harmonized System to Modernize Customs

Comoros Adopts Harmonized System to Modernize Customs

With the support of the African Development Bank, Comoros is actively promoting the application of the Harmonized System Convention to enhance customs management, facilitate trade, and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative focuses on improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the Comorian tariff system and bolstering capacity building within the customs administration. The goal is to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately contribute to economic growth and development in Comoros.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Shipping Industry Grapples With Container Overweight Risks Costs

Shipping Industry Grapples With Container Overweight Risks Costs

Container overweight is a common risk in international trade. This paper analyzes container weight limits, overweight risks, and mitigation strategies from a data analysis perspective, and interprets the requirements of the SOLAS Convention. By accurately assessing cargo weight, optimizing loading plans, and strengthening communication and collaboration, companies can effectively avoid overweight risks, reduce logistics costs, and ensure transportation safety. The paper emphasizes the importance of understanding and adhering to regulations for compliant and safe container shipping.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Overweight Container Compliance Costs Rise Amid Safety Concerns

Overweight Container Compliance Costs Rise Amid Safety Concerns

Container overweight is a common risk in international trade. This paper analyzes the structural, operational, shipping, and regulatory risks associated with overweight containers, and provides strategies such as pre-booking assessment, selecting appropriate container types, and negotiating overweight solutions. It also details the impact of the SOLAS Convention on the supply chain, emphasizing the responsibilities of shippers, carriers, and terminal operators. The aim is to help companies effectively manage overweight risks and ensure safe and compliant cargo transportation.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

A joint statement by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) aims to coordinate and facilitate cross-border rail transport during the pandemic. It encourages the temporary acceptance of electronic documents to simplify customs procedures. Based on the Revised Kyoto Convention, this initiative seeks to ensure the continuity and facilitation of international rail transport and promote digital transformation within the rail transport industry.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the Netherlands Customs, focusing on information sharing, GNC, data quality, the Multilateral Mutual Assistance Convention, and mutual recognition, discussing global customs cooperation. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' contribution to WCO technical assistance and looks forward to continued collaboration to build an open, efficient, and secure new global trade landscape. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and innovative solutions for addressing evolving challenges in international trade and customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Maersk VGM Declarations A Guide for Compliant Shipping

Maersk VGM Declarations A Guide for Compliant Shipping

This article provides a detailed guide on declaring Verified Gross Mass (VGM) through the Maersk platform. It covers the definition and importance of VGM, the declaration steps, authorized personnel for declaration, weighing methods, and frequently asked questions. The aim is to help users ensure their cargo complies with the International Maritime Organization's SOLAS convention, avoiding delays or legal liabilities arising from VGM issues. It outlines the process to properly submit VGM information via Maersk to ensure smooth and compliant cargo transportation.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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New Global Rules Tighten Tracking of Chemical Weapons Precursors

New Global Rules Tighten Tracking of Chemical Weapons Precursors

The World Customs Organization has issued new recommendations urging member economies to incorporate specific substances controlled by the Chemical Weapons Convention into national statistical directories. This aims to more accurately track and monitor the international movement of these sensitive goods. Businesses should comprehensively review their product lines, update internal coding systems, and enhance employee training to ensure trade activities comply with relevant laws and regulations. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining international trade compliance and preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons.

11/03/2025 HS Code Query
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Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

The WCO and SECO's GTFP project assists Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), simplifying customs procedures, and promoting trade facilitation and economic growth. The project aims to streamline border processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the predictability and transparency of customs operations. By adopting the RKC standards, these countries can improve their competitiveness in the global market and attract foreign investment. This initiative contributes to regional integration and sustainable development by fostering a more efficient and effective trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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