WCO Backs Benin Customs in Advancing Gender Equality

WCO Backs Benin Customs in Advancing Gender Equality

The World Customs Organization (WCO) partnered with Benin Customs for a follow-up action in Cotonou, implementing Gender Equality and Diversity (GEDC) policies and raising awareness among customs officers. Through workshops and action plans, the initiative aims to create a customs working environment that respects diversity, promotes equal treatment and opportunities, and contributes to sustainable development. The collaboration focuses on fostering a more inclusive and equitable workplace within Benin Customs, ultimately strengthening its capacity and contributing to broader societal goals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Within the framework of the EU-WCO Africa Harmonized System Programme, Tunisian Customs is strengthening national-level Harmonized System training. This aims to enhance customs officers' technical skills in commodity classification and their training abilities, building a professional team. The initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and predictability, contributing to Tunisia's economic development. The training program focuses on improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately benefiting both traders and the national economy by ensuring consistent and correct application of the Harmonized System.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

The World Customs Organization's midterm report affirms the HS's central role and recommends improvements to its usability and functionality to address evolving trade patterns. The report encourages active participation from all parties in the assessment process. The focus is on ensuring the Harmonized System remains a relevant and effective tool for international trade classification and customs procedures in a rapidly changing global landscape. This will involve streamlining processes and adapting to new technologies to enhance its overall effectiveness and accessibility.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Mercator Programme, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). A national workshop was held to raise awareness of the TFA among stakeholders, identify implementation priorities, and promote the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). The workshop focused on the technical measures of the TFA and provided recommendations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future trade facilitation efforts. This initiative aims to help Bosnia and Herzegovina integrate into the global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Joins Istanbul Convention to Enhance Trade

Iran Joins Istanbul Convention to Enhance Trade

Iran has officially joined the Istanbul Convention, becoming the 68th contracting party, marking a significant step in its international trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, and its core ATA Carnet system, aims to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border movement of goods. This accession is of great importance for Iran itself and the development of global trade by streamlining temporary import/export processes and fostering economic cooperation. The ATA Carnet simplifies customs procedures for temporary admission of goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Security with AEO Program

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Security with AEO Program

Qatar Customs, with WCO support, held an AEO program assessment workshop to optimize its upcoming AEO program and enhance trade security and efficiency. The workshop employed gap analysis, practical exercises, and work planning to lay the foundation for further AEO program improvements. The AEO program is expected to enhance Qatar's trade security, improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and strengthen international cooperation. The focus was on identifying areas for improvement and developing a roadmap for successful implementation, ensuring the program meets international standards and contributes to a safer and more efficient trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Turkmenistan to promote the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and raise awareness of the importance of simplified and harmonized customs procedures. By providing detailed interpretations of the RKC articles, self-assessment tools, and considering Turkmenistan's specific context, the WCO is helping the country lay the groundwork for future accession to the RKC. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and promote economic development in Turkmenistan by streamlining its customs processes and aligning them with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pakistan Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

Pakistan Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

Pakistan Customs' WeBOC system integrates with the WCO Data Model to enhance data interoperability, accelerate the development of a Single Window, and contribute to the standardization of global trade data. This integration streamlines customs processes and facilitates seamless data exchange between different systems, ultimately promoting efficiency and transparency in international trade. By adopting the WCO Data Model, Pakistan Customs aligns with international best practices and fosters greater collaboration with trading partners worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Implementation Guidance on Trade Facilitation,' integrating the latest tools and member practices to enhance the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The new guidance covers areas such as transparency, customs-business cooperation, advance rulings, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), border management, single window, customs brokers, transit, Globally Networked Customs, and National Trade Facilitation Committees. It provides more practical and comprehensive guidance for global trade facilitation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce trade costs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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