WCO and IDB Partner to Enhance Latin American Trade

WCO and IDB Partner to Enhance Latin American Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) participated in a policy dialogue with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), sharing trade facilitation experiences to support trade development in Latin America. Key initiatives highlighted included the Single Window, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and the Mercator Program. The WCO emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting global trade. The dialogue aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Latin American region and beyond.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Boosts Botswana Tax Authoritys Modernization Efforts

WCO Program Boosts Botswana Tax Authoritys Modernization Efforts

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop in Botswana to enhance the management capabilities of the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), promote tax modernization, and contribute to economic development. The workshop focused on strengthening leadership skills within the BURS to effectively implement modern tax administration practices. This initiative aims to improve revenue collection and ultimately support Botswana's economic growth. Funding for the workshop was provided by Finland, highlighting international cooperation in supporting tax reform and capacity building in developing countries.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Digital Transformation Wins WCO Approval

Qatar Customs Digital Transformation Wins WCO Approval

In 2013, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Qatar Customs, acknowledging its significant progress in strategic planning, business processes, information technology, Single Window, Coordinated Border Management, academic research, and infrastructure. The WCO also recommended strengthening strategic planning, optimizing business processes, enhancing IT application, and deepening international cooperation, providing guidance for the future development of Qatar Customs. This assessment highlighted both achievements and areas for improvement, contributing to Qatar Customs' ongoing modernization efforts and alignment with international best practices.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade System Marks 30 Years As Harmonized Standard

Global Trade System Marks 30 Years As Harmonized Standard

The Harmonized System (HS) serves as a universal language for global trade, playing an irreplaceable role in facilitating international trade, customs management, and economic development. This paper reviews the HS's development over the past three decades, analyzes its significant functions and challenges, and proposes suggestions such as strengthening international cooperation, promoting technological innovation, and improving classification standards. The aim is to further enhance the HS's effectiveness and adaptability, contributing more significantly to the prosperity and development of global trade.

01/03/2018 Customs Knowledge
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Montenegro Customs Boosts Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

Montenegro Customs Boosts Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a risk management workshop for Montenegro Customs to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities. Through training, Montenegro Customs officials mastered advanced risk assessment methods and tools, strengthened risk management awareness, and laid a solid foundation for future customs operations. This event promoted information exchange and cooperation, promoted WCO risk management tools, and helped Montenegro Customs establish a sound risk management system. The workshop aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in border control.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Zimbabwes Trade Facilitation with Better Project Management

WCO Enhances Zimbabwes Trade Facilitation with Better Project Management

WCO training helps Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) enhance its project management capabilities to better implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. ZIMRA places great importance on project governance and looks forward to continued cooperation with the WCO. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, contributing to smoother trade flows and economic growth in Zimbabwe. By strengthening project management skills, ZIMRA can effectively manage and implement various trade facilitation initiatives, ultimately benefiting businesses and the overall economy.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UN Unveils Data Strategy to Boost Sustainable Development

UN Unveils Data Strategy to Boost Sustainable Development

The United Nations Data Strategy aims to build a “UN-wide” data ecosystem, empowering decision-making and supporting sustainable development by enhancing data analysis and management capabilities. The strategy emphasizes talent development, partnerships, data governance, and technology application. It actively promotes data sharing and international cooperation to address the challenges of the data age. The goal is to leverage data effectively to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and improve the overall effectiveness of the UN's work.

01/16/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first symposium focusing on “Green Customs,” exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in supporting environmentally sustainable trade. The meeting brought together representatives to propose more feasible “green” solutions for the 2027 and subsequent HS versions. It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and innovation in promoting sustainable development within global trade practices. The symposium aimed to identify concrete steps for integrating environmental considerations into the HS nomenclature.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Supply Chains Disrupted by Suez Panama Canal Crises

Global Supply Chains Disrupted by Suez Panama Canal Crises

The Suez and Panama Canals are facing concurrent challenges. Droughts are restricting passage through the Panama Canal, while geopolitical conflicts force ships to detour around the Suez Canal. This could trigger a global supply chain storm, leading to shipping delays, soaring freight rates, and rising prices. Global trade participants need to closely monitor and actively respond to the situation. Governments should also strengthen cooperation to maintain international shipping order and mitigate potential disruptions to global commerce.

01/16/2026 Logistics
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