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
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Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global “Green Customs” reflection, exploring revisions to the Harmonized System (HS) code to better integrate environmental considerations and promote a global green economy through a series of workshops. These workshops focus on five key areas: food, chemicals, textiles, basic materials, and green technologies. They provide valuable insights and recommendations for the 'greening' of the HS coding system, aiming to build a more sustainable future. The initiative seeks to leverage trade policies to support environmental protection and sustainable development goals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Sustainable Trade with Green Customs Initiative

WCO Promotes Sustainable Trade with Green Customs Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Green Customs Action Plan (GCAP), aims to transform customs into advocates and practitioners of green trade, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GCAP is divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases, covering the greening of customs operations, the promotion of green trade, and the exploration of innovative measures. Through these three pillars, customs administrations will actively contribute to achieving the UN SDGs. The plan emphasizes a holistic approach to integrating environmental considerations into customs practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

WCO Enhances Nigeria Ghana Customs to Boost Trade

With WCO support, Nigeria and Ghana jointly organized a training of trainers program on valuation, aiming to enhance customs valuation capabilities and promote trade facilitation in both countries. Following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies and the return of valuation responsibilities to customs, this training covered technical valuation, valuation control, and trainer skills. The goal is to strengthen the national valuation trainer pool in both countries, injecting new momentum into trade development in West Africa. This initiative is expected to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Harmonized System for Global Trade Compliance

WCO Updates Harmonized System for Global Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) 7th edition Explanatory Notes and Compendium of Classification Opinions are authoritative references for commodity classification. By subscribing to the WCO Trade Tools platform, users gain access to these tools, enhancing their commodity classification skills, ensuring trade compliance, reducing operational costs, and strengthening market competitiveness. These resources provide crucial guidance for accurate and consistent classification, minimizing delays and penalties associated with incorrect declarations.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), aiming to enhance customs capabilities, optimize trade processes, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border trade development. The project will focus on organizational development and trade facilitation, leveraging WCO capacity-building tools to upgrade Uzbekistan's customs system, injecting new momentum into economic growth. This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more competitive and integrated trading environment for Uzbekistan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces French Online Courses for Trade Efficiency

WCO Introduces French Online Courses for Trade Efficiency

The WCO has launched a French version of its Data Model and Customs Valuation online course to help customs officers in French-speaking regions improve their skills and promote trade facilitation. This initiative aims to empower customs officials with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement the WCO Data Model and apply customs valuation principles. By providing access to this comprehensive training in French, the WCO is enhancing accessibility and fostering greater participation, ultimately contributing to more efficient and transparent customs procedures and smoother international trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Boosts Trade with WCO Origin Predetermination Support

Bolivia Boosts Trade with WCO Origin Predetermination Support

The WCO is assisting Bolivia in enhancing its Origin Advance Ruling (OAR) capabilities. This initiative aims to promote trade facilitation, enabling Bolivia to better integrate into global value chains and strengthen its export competitiveness. By improving OAR processes, Bolivia can provide greater certainty and predictability to traders, reducing delays and costs associated with customs procedures. This collaboration with the WCO supports Bolivia's efforts to streamline trade, attract investment, and ultimately boost its economic growth through increased participation in international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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