Somalia Modernizes Customs System to Boost Global Trade

Somalia Modernizes Customs System to Boost Global Trade

Somalia is actively implementing the Harmonized System (HS) to integrate into the global trading system. International organizations, such as the EU and the World Customs Organization (WCO), are providing support to modernize Somali Customs. Despite challenges, the implementation of the HS will facilitate trade, attract investment, and promote economic development in Somalia. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and aligning Somalia with international standards, ultimately contributing to its economic growth and integration into the global marketplace.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Customs Boosts Valuation Skills Via WCO Support

Madagascar Customs Boosts Valuation Skills Via WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an online workshop to enhance Madagascar Customs' valuation capabilities, covering valuation principles, Incoterms, the transaction value method, used vehicle valuation, and combating under-invoicing. Madagascar Customs officials actively participated, significantly improving their valuation skills. WCO experts commended their efforts and recommended strengthening valuation database development, enhancing risk management, fostering international cooperation, and continuing capacity building initiatives. This initiative aims to improve revenue collection and ensure fair trade practices in Madagascar.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

The 19th Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific Conference focused on customs capacity building under the pandemic, exploring distance learning strategies, professional development, and data analytics applications. Various centers shared their experiences, emphasizing collaboration to jointly address challenges and promote customs modernization in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methods and leveraging technology to ensure continued professional development for customs officers during and after the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

The Americas and Caribbean Customs Virtual Forum focused on gender equality and diversity, bringing together representatives from 24 countries. They shared experiences, discussed challenges, and launched the Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT). The forum aims to promote progress in gender equality within customs administrations and integrate it into the customs agenda. This initiative lays the foundation for building a more equitable and inclusive customs environment across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Pacific Islands Boost Customs Valuation with Expert Program

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Valuation with Expert Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Master Trainer Programme" to develop customs valuation experts in Pacific Island Countries. This initiative aims to establish a regional training system, enhance customs valuation capabilities, facilitate trade, increase revenue collection, and improve international competitiveness. The first working group activity has been successfully held, laying a solid foundation for future actions.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Bolivian Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Bolivian Customs for Trade Efficiency

A WCO online workshop assisted Bolivian Customs in rebuilding its human resources department, enhancing talent management, and promoting trade facilitation. The workshop focused on strengthening customs administration through improved HR practices. This initiative aims to boost organizational effectiveness and efficiency within Bolivian Customs, ultimately contributing to better border management and smoother trade flows. The WCO's support is crucial for developing sustainable capacity building programs and fostering a skilled workforce within the customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Releases Arabic Audit Guide to Enhance Middle East Trade Compliance

WCO Releases Arabic Audit Guide to Enhance Middle East Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released the Arabic version of the 'Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines' to assist Arabic-speaking members in effectively implementing post-clearance audits, enhancing trade compliance, optimizing customs control, and promoting international trade facilitation. Translated by Jordan Customs, the guidelines cover risk management, operational guidance, and digital transformation, contributing to the construction of an intelligent, efficient, and collaborative post-clearance audit system. This aims to improve overall customs effectiveness and streamline trade processes within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippines Customs Adopts WCO Data Training to Boost Risk Management

Philippines Customs Adopts WCO Data Training to Boost Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis and risk management workshop for the Philippine Customs, aiming to enhance its risk identification and control capabilities and promote intelligent supervision transformation. The workshop focused on database management and data analysis, emphasizing intelligence-driven risk management techniques, and shared the experience of the Netherlands Customs. The Philippine Customs will explore data analysis tools, strengthen data governance, promote data sharing and cooperation, and build a safer and more efficient trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More