Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

Guatemala Strengthens Customs Oversight for Tax Reform

The Superintendency of Tax Administration of Guatemala, with SECO-WCO support, held a leadership and management development workshop for senior managers. The aim was to enhance the skills of customs managers, promote the modernization of the customs system, facilitate trade, increase tax revenue, and improve international competitiveness. The WCO's Leadership and Management Development Programme makes a significant contribution to the development of customs systems worldwide. The workshop emphasized strategic thinking and effective implementation of customs reforms, ultimately fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Zambias Trade Via Customs Modernization

WCO Boosts Zambias Trade Via Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in building an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation in Zambia. Through on-site guidance, training, and gap analysis, the WCO assists the ZRA in refining its AEO system and promoting mutual recognition agreements with neighboring countries, fostering regional trade integration. Moving forward, the two parties will continue to collaborate to accelerate trade facilitation processes.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Advocates Gender Equality for Sustainability

World Customs Organization Advocates Gender Equality for Sustainability

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization launched the Gender Equality and Diversity Network to promote sustainable development in global trade. Through thematic discussions, experience sharing, and policy advocacy, the WCO is committed to eliminating gender barriers and encouraging member administrations to adopt more inclusive measures. The network also aims to leverage technology to address gender inequality challenges exacerbated by the pandemic. Ultimately, the WCO strives for a more equitable and diverse customs environment worldwide.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Gender Equality Network to Promote Sustainable Development

WCO Launches Gender Equality Network to Promote Sustainable Development

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Gender Equality and Diversity Network to promote gender equality and diversity within customs. Through high-level advocacy, experience sharing, and resource provision, the WCO aims to build an inclusive customs environment. It addresses gender-related challenges in digital transformation and encourages customs administrations to adopt more gender-sensitive and inclusive policies. This initiative contributes to a sustainable future by fostering a more equitable and representative customs workforce worldwide.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Network to Promote Gender Equality in Trade

WCO Launches Global Network to Promote Gender Equality in Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Gender Equality and Diversity Network to promote gender mainstreaming in human resource management, policymaking, and technology application within customs administrations worldwide. The initiative aims to address challenges posed by the pandemic and provide relevant tools and resources. Ultimately, the network seeks to foster a more inclusive and sustainable trade future by ensuring gender considerations are fully integrated into customs operations and policies globally.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kyoto Convention Panel Backs Customs Reform

Kyoto Convention Panel Backs Customs Reform

The 28th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on the comprehensive review of the RKC. Discussions centered on the "Four-Step Framework" for the review process and identified directions for advancing concepts related to the General Annex. The meeting emphasized the importance of active participation from all contracting parties and shared experiences from new contracting parties. The aim is to enhance the convention's modernization, adapt to new global trade challenges, and promote international trade facilitation. The session highlighted the ongoing efforts to streamline customs procedures and improve efficiency in international trade.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Blockchain Platform CADENA Boosts Latin America Trade Efficiency

Blockchain Platform CADENA Boosts Latin America Trade Efficiency

The CADENA project leverages blockchain technology to build a cross-border trade data exchange platform in Latin America, connecting 8 countries and covering 14 mutual recognition agreements. Project experience highlights key success factors: co-creation design, proof of concept, selecting appropriate blockchain infrastructure, embracing open source, standardization, and iterative testing. This project offers valuable lessons for global blockchain-enabled trade facilitation initiatives, demonstrating the potential of distributed ledger technology to streamline processes and enhance transparency in international trade.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Revisions Speed Up Global Trade Processes

WTO Revisions Speed Up Global Trade Processes

The 30th Session of the RKC Management Committee successfully convened, focusing on revisions to specific annexes concerning goods processing, postal transport, and crucial areas like Rules of Origin. A decision was made to extend the review period until December 2023. This extension aims to further refine the rules, enhance global trade facilitation, and provide clearer guidance for businesses, ultimately promoting cross-border trade development. The discussions centered on streamlining processes and ensuring clarity in international trade regulations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade Facilitation Postreview

Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade Facilitation Postreview

The 30th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on reviewing specific annexes aimed at simplifying customs procedures, reducing trade costs, improving clearance efficiency, and promoting international trade growth. The meeting decided to extend the review period until December 2023 to refine the RKC guidelines and draft annexes. This extension aims to create a more convenient and efficient future for global trade by ensuring the RKC remains a relevant and effective tool for trade facilitation worldwide.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project's Mentor Training Programme (MTP) has been successfully implemented in Pacific Island Countries. By training local trainers, the program builds sustainable customs capacity and enhances the expertise of customs officers in the areas of Customs Valuation (CV) and the Harmonized System (HS). This initiative provides strong support for regional economic development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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