Asiapacific Customs Adopts VR for Regional Training

Asiapacific Customs Adopts VR for Regional Training

The 20th Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting focused on empowering and strengthening regional cooperation through VR technology to enhance customs capacity building and promote regional customs modernization. The importance of impact assessment in capacity building was emphasized. The meeting also explored the challenges and future development directions of customs training under the pandemic, aiming to build a safer and more efficient regional trade environment.

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly released the 'Study Report on Disruptive Technologies (2022),' focusing on the application of seven technologies, including blockchain, IoT, and AI, in the customs domain. The report analyzes technology trends, shares practical case studies, and provides strategic recommendations for customs' digital transformation. It aims to promote global trade facilitation and economic growth by leveraging these disruptive technologies to modernize customs procedures and enhance efficiency.

Colombia Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Colombia Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

WCO collaborated with Colombia's DIAN to enhance its customs audit capabilities through the GTFP. The WCO provided support to optimize PCA strategies and SOPs, fostering trade facilitation and economic growth. This partnership aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment for Colombia. The collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and promoting global trade.

Peru Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked Strategy

Peru Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked Strategy

The WCO assists Peruvian Customs in strategic planning, enhancing efficiency and services, and optimizing the trade environment. Peru's experience offers valuable lessons for developing countries. This collaboration focuses on streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving overall competitiveness. The strategic plan aims to modernize customs operations, promote compliance, and foster a more transparent and predictable trade regime. By implementing best practices and leveraging technology, Peruvian Customs seeks to facilitate legitimate trade while effectively combating illicit activities. The success of this initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and economic development.

WCO Conference Global Customs Push for Green Trade Barriers

WCO Conference Global Customs Push for Green Trade Barriers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Green Customs Global Conference highlighted customs' crucial role in environmental protection. Through strategic upgrades, round table discussions, and technological innovations, the conference explored topics such as the circular economy, cross-border waste management, and the greening of the Harmonized System (HS). The aim was to promote green trade, enhance regulatory efficiency, strengthen international cooperation, and collectively address environmental challenges, building a global green barrier.

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis lecture for WCO Scholarship Program students at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. The lecture covered data strategy implementation, customs data analysis applications, and geospatial intelligence. Through interactive discussions, WCO representatives answered student questions, helping to enhance customs data analysis capabilities and promote global trade security and facilitation. The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to leverage data for improved customs operations and decision-making within their respective administrations.

Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

The 19th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeit and Piracy Group was successfully held, focusing on two major issues: e-commerce infringement and standardized procedures for goods destruction. New tools were launched to strengthen global customs cooperation in intellectual property protection and jointly combat infringement and counterfeiting. The meeting aimed to safeguard innovation and development by enhancing customs' role in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of counterfeit goods.

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

Global Trade Rules to Be Updated Under HS Reform

Global Trade Rules to Be Updated Under HS Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an exploratory study for the strategic review of the Harmonized System (HS) code system. This aims to assess the system's usability, adequacy, and health, while exploring future development strategies. The review addresses new global trade challenges, enhances trade efficiency, and promotes trade facilitation and security. It lays the groundwork for a more efficient, fair, and sustainable global trade system. All parties are encouraged to actively participate and shape the future of the HS system.

WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in establishing an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation. Through expert team support, remote guidance, and on-site validation, the WCO assists ZRA in optimizing its AEO program. The WCO also looks forward to future collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and promote regional economic development. This initiative aims to align ZRA's practices with global standards and boost its efficiency in facilitating international trade.