Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With support from the Sida-WCO program, Zambia and Botswana are advancing customs system interconnectivity and data exchange. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and promote regional integration. By linking their customs systems, both countries seek to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency. The improved data exchange will also contribute to better risk management and security. This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan joined the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme to enhance customs efficiency and optimize the business environment. The project supports capacity building and organizational development, strengthens post-clearance audits, and conducts release time studies, promoting economic growth and regional connectivity. This initiative aligns with global trade facilitation trends and is expected to modernize Uzbekistan's customs, optimize regulations, and improve services. It aims to contribute significantly to the country's economic development and regional cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indiachina Trade Grows with New Shipping Routes Cutting Costs

Indiachina Trade Grows with New Shipping Routes Cutting Costs

The direct sea route between China and India significantly improves trade efficiency by reducing costs, shortening transit times, and enhancing reliability. Currently, there are two routes: Kolkata-Kunming and Kochi-Qinzhou. Future expansion to northern Chinese ports is anticipated, further promoting China-India economic and trade cooperation and regional economic integration. This direct connection streamlines logistics, fostering stronger commercial ties and contributing to a more integrated regional economy by optimizing transportation and minimizing delays.

02/02/2026 Logistics
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WCO Aids Palestinian Customs in Warehouse Management Upgrade

WCO Aids Palestinian Customs in Warehouse Management Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) facilitated a study visit for the Palestinian Customs Organization to learn from Morocco's experience in bonded warehouse management. This initiative aims to assist Palestine in establishing and improving its bonded warehouse system, enhancing risk management, and coordinating border management, aligning with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and promoting trade facilitation. This effort is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD project, financially supported by the UK government.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Issues Global Guidelines for Uniform Customs Valuation

WCO Issues Global Guidelines for Uniform Customs Valuation

This document provides a unified interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, offering an authoritative reference for customs valuation practices. Compiled by the World Customs Organization (WCO), it aims to facilitate international trade by promoting consistent application of valuation rules and reducing potential trade frictions. The document serves as a valuable resource for customs officials, traders, and anyone involved in cross-border transactions, ensuring a smoother and more transparent valuation process.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, highlighting customs' crucial role in promoting economic competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO showcased relevant tools and measures, emphasizing the importance of customs-business cooperation. During the event, the WCO also strengthened collaboration with Spanish Customs and the Catalan private sector, aiming to build a more efficient and transparent customs system and promote global trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "East African Post Clearance Audit Instructor Training Program" (MTP). This initiative aims to cultivate a high-quality regional instructor pool, enhance the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities of East African customs administrations, and facilitate trade. Through systematic training, curriculum development, and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve PCA skills, promote trade facilitation, strengthen regional cooperation, and achieve sustainable development in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and China Cut Tariffs to Boost Ecommerce Trade

US and China Cut Tariffs to Boost Ecommerce Trade

The US and China released the 'Geneva Joint Statement on Economic and Trade', announcing significant mutual tariff reductions, bringing substantial benefits to cross-border e-commerce. Lower tariffs will reduce costs, enhance product competitiveness, and boost market confidence, creating new development opportunities for cross-border e-commerce sellers. Both sides will continue to uphold the concept of win-win cooperation and build a sustainable economic and trade relationship. This agreement is expected to foster increased trade volume and strengthen ties between the two nations.

01/04/2026 Logistics
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WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance plant health protection while facilitating trade, addressing the challenges of plant pest and disease spread in global trade. The collaboration will focus on areas such as electronic phytosanitary certificates, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, information exchange, and advocacy. The goal is to build a global community for plant health security, ensuring safer and more efficient international trade while safeguarding plant resources from harmful pests and diseases.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippine Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

Philippine Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assists the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to improve customs clearance efficiency. Through measures such as Time Release Study (TRS) and Immediate Release Guidelines, processes are optimized and inter-agency collaboration is promoted. This aims to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), unlock the Philippines' trade potential, and drive economic growth. The WCO's support focuses on streamlining procedures and fostering cooperation to enhance the BOC's effectiveness and contribute to the country's overall economic prosperity.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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