Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the OECD jointly held a seminar in Pretoria, focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference promoted cooperation between tax and customs authorities, exploring the application of transfer pricing studies in customs valuation. It emphasized information sharing, aiming to build a fairer international trade environment. Discussions centered on how transfer pricing methodologies can inform customs valuation practices, ensuring accurate and equitable assessment of goods for duty purposes. The initiative seeks to enhance transparency and combat illicit financial flows related to trade.

Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Sponsored by Japan Customs and organized by the World Customs Organization, a national HS workshop was held in Malawi to enhance the commodity classification skills of Malawian customs officers. The aim was to improve tax revenue efficiency and promote international trade development. The workshop focused on core HS principles and practical operations, emphasizing the importance of capacity building for a sound tax system and exploring the strategic significance of improving HS coding capabilities. This initiative underscores the commitment to strengthening customs operations through targeted training and international collaboration.

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

Ukraine Customs Academy Becomes Key EU Officer Training Hub

Ukraine Customs Academy Becomes Key EU Officer Training Hub

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has established a European Regional Training Center in Ukraine to enhance the capacity of customs officials in the European region, promoting trade facilitation and security. The Ukrainian Customs Academy was designated as the location for the training center, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the WCO. The center will provide high-quality training courses covering various aspects of customs management, helping European customs administrations address international trade challenges and build efficient and secure customs systems. This initiative strengthens regional cooperation and supports effective customs practices.

WCO Speeds Up Disaster Aid After Earthquakes Floods

WCO Speeds Up Disaster Aid After Earthquakes Floods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) expresses its deep sorrow regarding the recent earthquake in Morocco and the floods in Libya. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in disaster relief, offering tools and guidelines to streamline border procedures and expedite the cross-border movement of life-saving supplies. The WCO urges member customs administrations to prioritize the clearance of relief goods, implement simplified and advance declarations, and adopt flexible clearance procedures. It also calls for enhanced international cooperation to jointly respond to disasters and provide support and condolences to the affected communities.

WCO Helps Senegal Modernize Trade with Ruling System

WCO Helps Senegal Modernize Trade with Ruling System

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Senegal Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. Through diagnostic assessments and action plan development, the initiative aims to improve trade facilitation in Senegal, reduce trade risks for businesses, and enhance customs clearance efficiency. Senegal is committed to actively promoting the development of this system, and the WCO will continue to provide support, contributing to global trade prosperity. The implementation of the advance ruling system is expected to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

Bolivia Expands Trade Efficiency with SECOWCO AEO Program

Bolivia Expands Trade Efficiency with SECOWCO AEO Program

The World Customs Organization, under the SECO-WCO framework, conducted a follow-up assessment of Bolivia's AEO program, aiming to optimize its effectiveness and sustainability. By revising the AEO program, communication strategy, and capacity-building training, the number of Bolivian AEO companies doubled, strengthening the program. Future recommendations include strengthening government-private sector cooperation, continuous capacity building, and regular performance evaluations to enhance trade security and facilitation. The assessment highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the AEO program's long-term success and contribution to Bolivia's trade environment.

Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on the enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of member customs agencies to combat the illicit trade of environmentally sensitive goods. Topics covered included an overview of MEAs, global trade trends, risk management, document verification, and cargo inspection. The event fostered regional cooperation and the sharing of best practices, laying a foundation for addressing global environmental challenges. It emphasized the critical role of customs in protecting the environment.

Wcos Ecommerce Framework to Transform Global Trade

Wcos Ecommerce Framework to Transform Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on E-Commerce (WGEC) has finalized a comprehensive e-commerce package, deepening the framework of cross-border e-commerce standards. This package covers key areas such as terminology definitions, technical specifications, and tax administration. It aims to promote the standardization and facilitation of global cross-border e-commerce, providing safeguards for trade growth and consumer rights. The initiative seeks to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in the rapidly evolving landscape of international online trade, fostering a more predictable and secure environment for businesses and consumers alike.

WCO Adopts Disruptive Tech to Modernize Global Trade

WCO Adopts Disruptive Tech to Modernize Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) acknowledged the “Disruptive Technologies Research Report,” focusing on the application of seven key technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, in customs and border management. The report analyzes the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of each technology. It also explores key success factors for innovative customs, data-driven decision-making, smart border construction, and sustainable development. This signals a profound transformation is on the horizon for global trade. The report highlights the potential of these technologies to streamline processes and enhance security.