Zimbabwe Zambia Enhance Trade with Customs Interconnectivity

Zimbabwe Zambia Enhance Trade with Customs Interconnectivity

Zimbabwe and Zambia are collaborating to advance customs interconnectivity, aiming to enhance cross-border trade efficiency, reduce costs, and promote regional economic growth through data exchange and process optimization. With the support of the World Customs Organization, both countries are actively building the infrastructure and legal framework for interconnectivity, creating a more convenient and efficient trading environment for businesses. This initiative promises to streamline customs procedures and foster closer economic ties between the two nations, ultimately contributing to increased trade volumes and sustainable development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trade War Fears Threaten Freight Industry Amid Recession Risks

Trade War Fears Threaten Freight Industry Amid Recession Risks

Global trade tensions and tariff policies are creating uncertainty in the freight economy, impacting business investment, hiring, and expansion decisions. Fitch Ratings has lowered its U.S. growth forecast and warns that tariffs could lead to inflation and recession. Businesses should diversify supply chains, optimize inventory management, and explore new markets. Policymakers need to maintain the multilateral trading system, avoid escalating trade wars, and create a stable business environment. These measures are crucial to mitigating the negative effects of trade disputes and promoting sustainable economic growth.

01/21/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Bolivia Strengthens Trade Program with Regional Expertise

Bolivia Strengthens Trade Program with Regional Expertise

Bolivia is drawing on the AEO experiences of Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay to optimize its own AEO program. This aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase the number of AEO-certified companies, and ultimately promote economic development. By learning from successful implementations in other countries, Bolivia seeks to streamline its customs processes and improve the competitiveness of its businesses in the global market. The focus is on creating a more efficient and secure trading environment through strengthened customs cooperation and the wider adoption of AEO standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Philippine Customs in Trade Reform Push

WCO Backs Philippine Customs in Trade Reform Push

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance trade facilitation. Through capacity building, field missions, and high-level meetings, the WCO is promoting the implementation of Time Release Study (TRS) and the Quick Release Guidelines. The cooperation also deepens in areas like risk management, integrity building, and other human resource management aspects. The initiatives aim to inject new vitality into the Philippine economy by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and transparent trading environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

Papua New Guinea Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an online training for Papua New Guinea Customs on combating counterfeiting and piracy. This initiative aims to enhance their intellectual property enforcement capabilities, protecting public health and economic development. With tools provided by the WCO and funding from Japan, PNG Customs will strengthen border controls to combat counterfeit goods and create a safer trading environment. The training focuses on practical skills and knowledge necessary to identify and seize counterfeit products, ultimately contributing to a more secure and legitimate global trade system.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jamaica Introduces Trade Advance Rulings to Boost Business

Jamaica Introduces Trade Advance Rulings to Boost Business

Jamaica is actively implementing an Advance Ruling System to improve trade efficiency and reduce business costs. Supported technically by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the new Customs Act will provide a legal framework for the system. By determining tariff classifications and origin in advance, the system reduces trade risks, optimizes supply chain management, and helps Jamaica integrate into the global economy, ushering in new trade development opportunities. This initiative aims to foster a more predictable and transparent trading environment for businesses operating in or with Jamaica.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

The WCO Asia-Pacific E-commerce Symposium focuses on 15 core standards for cross-border e-commerce, aiming to promote regional e-commerce standardization, ensure smooth trade flows, and boost economic recovery. The symposium highlights the importance of harmonized customs procedures and data standards to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border transactions within the Asia-Pacific region. By adopting these standards, countries can reduce trade barriers, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust among trading partners, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

A joint WTO-WCO workshop aimed to enhance Comoros' customs valuation capabilities in preparation for WTO accession. The workshop covered topics such as customs valuation methods, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The goal was to assist Comoros in establishing an efficient and transparent trade system to promote economic development. The experience of Comoros can offer valuable insights for other developing countries seeking to improve their trade practices and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building for successful WTO membership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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