WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Tackle Illegal Waste Trade

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Tackle Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE) initiative to combat illegal waste trade. As a formal member of ENFORCE, the WCO is committed to enhancing the capacity of customs officers to address the threat of illegal waste through strengthened customs enforcement, capacity building, and international cooperation. This collaborative effort aims to build a global environmental security line, protecting both the environment and human health from the detrimental effects of illicit waste trafficking.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Strategies to Strengthen Global Trade Capacity

WCO Revises Strategies to Strengthen Global Trade Capacity

The 16th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Capacity Building Committee, themed "Reshaping the WCO Capacity Building Paradigm," emphasized strategic alignment and resource optimization. The meeting aimed to update capacity building strategies to address global trade challenges. Discussions focused on the elements and operational aspects of the new paradigm, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. The committee also elected new chairs and vice-chairs, setting the direction for global customs capacity building initiatives. The conference sought to modernize approaches to better support member states in navigating the evolving international trade landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Gender Equality in Customs for Womens Day

WCO Promotes Gender Equality in Customs for Womens Day

On International Women's Day 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlights the 'Women in Customs' project, emphasizing the vital role and contributions of women in the customs domain. By sharing stories of outstanding women, the WCO aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in customs and reaffirm its commitment to gender equality and diversity. This commitment is crucial for building a more efficient, secure, and prosperous global trade system. The WCO recognizes the importance of empowering women within its ranks and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Issues New Customs Valuation Guidance for Trade Compliance

WCO Issues New Customs Valuation Guidance for Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization is set to release new Explanatory Note 7.1, aiming to clarify the meaning of 'price actually paid or payable' and assist businesses in more accurately performing customs valuation. Companies should thoroughly understand the new regulations, optimize their valuation strategies, reduce trade costs, and improve compliance levels, thereby gaining a competitive edge in cross-border trade. This updated guidance is crucial for navigating the complexities of international trade and ensuring accurate declaration of goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Expands Performance Measurement Initiative

World Customs Organization Expands Performance Measurement Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), encouraging members to enhance customs effectiveness through data self-assessment. The meeting highlighted the PMM's crucial role in capacity building, fostering cooperation, and driving institutional modernization. All members were invited to actively participate in the initiative. This round aims to further improve customs operations globally by leveraging data-driven insights and promoting best practices among member administrations. The PMM serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement and measuring progress towards achieving trade facilitation goals.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia has established a Customs-Business Round Table to enhance trade facilitation through data-driven collaboration. Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the initiative brings together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, and businesses to address customs operational challenges and optimize trade policies. The goal is to build a more efficient business environment. By focusing on data sharing, policy optimization, and risk prediction, Serbia aims to become a regional leader in trade facilitation. This collaborative approach is expected to streamline processes and boost economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Hosts WCO Seminar on Trade Facilitation Reforms

Saudi Arabia Hosts WCO Seminar on Trade Facilitation Reforms

The WCO held a workshop in Saudi Arabia focusing on Advance Ruling systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop aimed to assist the region in fulfilling WTO agreements, improving trade efficiency, and promoting trade facilitation. The event highlighted the importance of advance rulings in providing predictability and transparency for traders, ultimately contributing to increased regional trade and economic growth. Discussions centered on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing advance ruling systems within the MENA region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Côte d'Ivoire is actively enhancing its customs classification skills in preparation for implementing an advance rulings system, aligning with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. With support from the EU and Germany, Côte d'Ivoire held a customs classification workshop aimed at developing expertise, improving trade facilitation, and contributing to global trade. The advance rulings system, a key mechanism, will enhance trade predictability, reduce costs, promote compliance, and facilitate Côte d'Ivoire's integration into the global trading system.

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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