Sierra Leone Djibouti Join HS Convention to Streamline Trade

Sierra Leone Djibouti Join HS Convention to Streamline Trade

In 2015, Sierra Leone and Djibouti acceded to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, becoming the 152nd and 153rd contracting parties. This is significant for both countries, facilitating trade, enhancing international competitiveness, and promoting economic development. The Convention covers over 98% of global trade in goods. Its standardized coding system simplifies trade procedures, enhancing the efficiency, transparency, and standardization of global trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reviews Kyoto Convention to Address Global Trade Challenges

WCO Reviews Kyoto Convention to Address Global Trade Challenges

The 24th Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on advancing a comprehensive review of the RKC. The meeting assessed the alignment of proposals with the Convention and existing tools to address new global trade challenges such as the pandemic, information technology, e-commerce, and supply chain security. Emphasis was placed on inclusivity, welcoming Liberia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as new contracting parties. This collective effort contributes to global trade facilitation and security, ensuring the RKC remains relevant and effective in the modern trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Convention at 25 Data Shapes Global Trades Future

HS Convention at 25 Data Shapes Global Trades Future

The World Customs Organization (WCO) celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Harmonized System Convention, highlighting the HS's central role and future development in international trade. As a universal language for global trade, the HS simplifies trade processes and enhances efficiency. The WCO is actively conducting strategic reviews to ensure the HS adapts to new trade patterns and technological advancements. It also encourages greater participation from developing countries in HS-related activities, fostering a more inclusive and responsive global trade environment. This ensures the HS remains relevant and effective in facilitating international commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kyoto Convention Review Urges Business Input on Trade Facilitation

Kyoto Convention Review Urges Business Input on Trade Facilitation

The revised Kyoto Convention's comprehensive review is entering a crucial consultation phase. Businesses should actively participate to understand key issues like data, electronic declarations, perishable goods, AEO, security, and customs control. Engage through industry associations and the WCO to voice concerns, assess the impact, and adjust strategies. This is vital to prepare for the evolving landscape of global trade facilitation and ensure compliance with updated customs procedures under the Kyoto Convention. Understanding these changes is paramount for smooth and efficient international trade operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties, with the Republic of Congo being the latest addition. This convention, recognized as the blueprint for modern customs by the international customs community, aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, thereby facilitating global trade. It emphasizes the application of information technology, risk management, enhanced cooperation with the trade community, and the establishment of accessible appeal systems. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the convention's provisions to build a more competitive global economy.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica Adopts Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Costa Rica Adopts Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Costa Rica has officially acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming the 140th contracting party. This signifies the country's commitment to simplifying customs procedures and promoting international trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization will continue to support Costa Rica in effectively implementing the Convention to benefit its customs administration, trade community, and society as a whole. This accession injects new momentum into global trade facilitation efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) marks progress in global trade facilitation. As a modern customs blueprint, the RKC promotes global trade development by simplifying customs procedures, enhancing transparency, and applying information technology. Countries should actively join and effectively implement the RKC, strengthen international cooperation, address challenges collectively, and build an open and efficient global trading system. The RKC's focus on streamlined processes and technological advancements aims to reduce trade costs and boost economic growth for member nations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

With the accession of the Republic of the Congo, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties. This convention serves as a blueprint for 21st-century customs modernization, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and reduce costs by simplifying customs procedures, optimizing the use of information technology, and effectively implementing risk management. The RKC helps businesses thrive in the global market. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the RKC, fostering a brighter future for global trade facilitation.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 100 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 100 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Kyoto Convention simplifies customs procedures. Thailand and Sierra Leone recently joined, bringing the total number of contracting parties to 101. The convention aims to reduce trade costs and promote economic development by streamlining customs processes and harmonizing standards. This facilitates cross-border trade, making it faster, more predictable, and less expensive for businesses. The increasing number of signatories reflects a global commitment to trade facilitation and the recognition of the Kyoto Convention's importance in achieving this goal.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Kyoto Convention to Modernize Global Customs Standards

WCO Updates Kyoto Convention to Modernize Global Customs Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is leading a comprehensive review of the Revised Kyoto Convention, aiming to build a “Future Customs” model adapted to the 21st century. This revision addresses emerging challenges such as digital trade and supply chain risks, while promoting trade facilitation. Through intelligent regulation, data-driven decision-making, risk management orientation, and collaborative partnerships, the goal is to achieve intelligent, efficient, and collaborative customs supervision, contributing to global trade development. The revised convention seeks to modernize customs procedures and enhance global trade security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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