Namibia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Zambias ASYCUDA Expertise

Namibia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Zambias ASYCUDA Expertise

The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) benchmarked the ASYCUDA World system at the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), learning best practices in electronic payments and valuation control. This aims to enhance NamRA's automation, effectively implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, and promote trade development. This collaboration exemplifies South-South cooperation and highlights the WCO's role in advancing global trade facilitation. NamRA seeks to improve its customs processes by adopting ZRA's successful strategies, ultimately contributing to increased efficiency and reduced trade costs.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Central America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), aiming to simplify customs procedures, improve clearance efficiency, and reduce trade costs. Through regional workshops, countries completed self-assessments and developed implementation roadmaps, paving the way for eventual accession to the RKC. This initiative promotes regional trade integration and economic development by streamlining customs processes and fostering greater cooperation among participating nations. The focus is on reducing barriers to trade and enhancing the competitiveness of the region.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica WCO Collaborate to Enhance Central American Trade

Costa Rica WCO Collaborate to Enhance Central American Trade

Costa Rica's Minister of Foreign Trade met with the WCO Secretary General to discuss trade facilitation, regional integration, and other key issues. Costa Rica emphasized simplifying border procedures, establishing joint border posts, and implementing digital platforms. The WCO recommended establishing a National Trade Facilitation Committee and conducting a Time Release Study. Both parties agreed to strengthen cooperation to improve border management and create a better business environment for companies. The meeting highlighted the commitment to streamline trade processes and promote regional economic growth through enhanced collaboration.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

This paper reviews the 50-year development of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining fair trade and promoting international cooperation. It examines the agreement's impact on global trade practices and its contributions to reducing trade barriers. Furthermore, the paper looks forward to future development directions, considering emerging challenges and opportunities in the international trade landscape. It highlights the agreement's continued relevance in ensuring transparent and predictable customs valuation procedures, fostering trust among trading partners, and facilitating efficient cross-border trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

With Thailand and Sierra Leone joining, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, marking a significant step in global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency. It works in synergy with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, injecting new vitality into global economic development. The WCO encourages more members to join and collectively promote trade facilitation. This milestone underscores the growing global commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through simplified customs procedures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Bolivia Enhance Customs Ties to Streamline Trade

Peru Bolivia Enhance Customs Ties to Streamline Trade

Customs cooperation between Peru and Bolivia focuses on exchanging experiences in risk management and customs laboratories. The collaboration aims to enhance trade facilitation and promote regional economic development. This includes sharing best practices and exploring collaborative strategies to improve efficiency and security in cross-border trade. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and foster a more competitive and integrated regional market. Ultimately, this cooperation contributes to economic growth and strengthens ties between the two nations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Cooperation on Risk Management

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Cooperation on Risk Management

The World Customs Organization held a risk management workshop in the Americas and Caribbean region to enhance the risk management capabilities and cooperation of customs administrations. The conference reviewed the successful experience of 'Operation Dragon', emphasizing the importance of information exchange. It also designed new regional target projects to jointly address trade risks and maintain regional economic security. The workshop aimed to foster a collaborative environment for customs officials to share best practices and strengthen regional partnerships in combating illicit trade and securing the supply chain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Disputes Over RD Valuation in Trade

Global Customs Disputes Over RD Valuation in Trade

This article delves into the multilingual definition of “Research and Development” expenses within the World Customs Organization's Valuation Agreement, specifically examining discrepancies between the English, French, and Spanish versions. It incorporates Argentina's unique perspective and provides practical guidance for businesses to accurately declare R&D expenses, avoid valuation disputes, and ensure smooth customs clearance. The analysis highlights the importance of understanding nuances in different language versions of the agreement to mitigate risks associated with customs valuation and international trade compliance.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Adopts Zambias Model for Customs Modernization

Namibia Adopts Zambias Model for Customs Modernization

The Namibian Revenue Agency visited Zambia to learn about customs automation, aiming to improve trade facilitation and implement the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement by studying the application of the ASYCUDA World system. The Zambian Revenue Authority shared their experiences in electronic payments and valuation control. This initiative represents a key step for Namibia in building an efficient customs system and promoting economic development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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