WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Textile Trade

WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Textile Trade

A WCO seminar explored leveraging the Harmonized System (HS) to identify environmentally friendly textiles at borders, promoting textile sustainability. The meeting focused on value chain transparency, industry practices, technological innovation, and standardization. It aimed to provide insights for building a greener HS system and supporting the global textile industry's transformation. Discussions centered on how HS codes can be better utilized to classify and track sustainable textiles, fostering a more environmentally responsible and transparent global textile trade.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
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WTO Talks Seek Faster Trade Deals to Boost Global Business

WTO Talks Seek Faster Trade Deals to Boost Global Business

This meeting aimed to assess the latest progress in multilateral trade negotiations and integrate achieved results into the negotiating text to accelerate the process. International organizations were invited to enhance the professionalism and authority of the negotiations, and the next steps were clarified. Businesses should continue to monitor the negotiation progress, actively participate in industry associations, adjust their development strategies, seize opportunities, and win the future. This requires proactive engagement and adaptation to the evolving global trade landscape.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kehe Expands Organic Food Supply Chain with New Florida Hub

Kehe Expands Organic Food Supply Chain with New Florida Hub

KeHE opened a new distribution center in Florida, expanding its footprint by 61% and featuring six temperature-controlled zones. This aims to enhance the distribution of natural, organic, and specialty foods, meeting the growing demand in a key market. This expansion is a significant step in KeHE's strategic plan, demonstrating its commitment to operational excellence and customer satisfaction. The new facility will enable KeHE to better serve its customers and further solidify its position as a leader in the food distribution industry.

11/03/2025 Logistics
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WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) convened to discuss addressing trade protectionism, promoting trade facilitation, and regulating e-commerce. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and the private sector to jointly tackle global trade challenges and support economic and social development. Key topics included streamlining customs procedures, enhancing data exchange, and fostering a more predictable and transparent trading environment. The discussions highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in navigating the evolving landscape of international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

The EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) Africa Programme aims to enhance customs management in Africa by standardizing commodity classification, facilitating regional trade, and supporting the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee marks the substantial advancement of the project. All parties will collaborate to build a new landscape for African trade. The program seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth across the continent through harmonized standards and improved efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

WCO and Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Training Evaluation Pilot

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA), launched a pilot training evaluation project to enhance customs officers' capabilities and optimize processes. This project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to comprehensively assess training effectiveness and support the HS-Africa Project and the Training of Trainers program. The project's findings will be shared at the WCO Capacity Building Committee meeting, contributing to global customs capacity building efforts. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

During the 2019 WTO Global Review of Aid for Trade, the WCO co-organized a side event focusing on gender mainstreaming in trade facilitation. The meeting highlighted the importance of gender equality, revealing barriers to women's participation in trade. Experiences from the EU and Uganda were shared, and the WCO presented its tools and initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity in customs. This event laid the groundwork for future efforts to promote gender equality within Aid for Trade initiatives.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Training Boosts Regional Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Training Boosts Regional Cooperation

Customs training managers from the Asia-Pacific region gathered to discuss enhancing the professionalism and capabilities of regional customs personnel through strategic collaboration, competency models, and closed-loop training. The meeting emphasized the importance of innovative learning and technology empowerment. Participants proposed compiling a “Compendium of Good Practices” to promote regional cooperation and build a mutually beneficial “Customs Training Community.” The discussions centered on fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and developing effective training programs to address evolving customs challenges.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

The 32nd Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee concluded successfully, with El Salvador joining, bringing the number of contracting parties to 135. The meeting finalized the review of updated guidelines for both general and specific annexes, covering key areas such as customs security, advance rulings, and coordinated border management. Moving forward, the RKC will continue to be updated, contributing to global trade facilitation. The updates aim to streamline customs procedures and enhance security measures for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Wildlife Trafficking

Global Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Wildlife Trafficking

The CITES Secretary-General, at the WCO Enforcement Committee meeting, emphasized the shared goals and close collaboration between the two organizations in combating illegal wildlife trade. Through capacity building, data sharing, and joint enforcement efforts, they are jointly safeguarding global ecological security. Customs agencies are the first line of defense in protecting wildlife, requiring global participation. The collaboration between CITES and WCO is crucial in addressing the complex challenges posed by wildlife trafficking and ensuring the effective implementation of international regulations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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