WTO and WCO Forge Partnership to Modernize Global Trade

WTO and WCO Forge Partnership to Modernize Global Trade

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) met with the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Geneva to deepen cooperation in traditional trade areas and address pandemic-related challenges. Discussions focused on facilitating cross-border vaccine transport and ensuring global supply chain security. This meeting signals a new era of more efficient and secure global trade. Both organizations aim to streamline procedures and enhance collaboration to support economic recovery and build resilience against future disruptions. The focus is on practical solutions to improve trade flows and promote international cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes Arabic PCA Guidelines to Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO Publishes Arabic PCA Guidelines to Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the Arabic version of the Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines, Volume 2, translated by Jordan Customs. This aims to enhance post-clearance audit efficiency in Arabic-speaking regions. The guidelines, consisting of two volumes, are tailored for customs management and frontline auditors, offering strategic guidance and practical operational advice to promote global trade compliance. It provides valuable insights and tools for effective audit processes and strengthens overall customs control.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

The WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement emphasized the WCO's crucial role in implementing the TFA. Discussions centered on supporting global trade flow through tools and initiatives like National Trade Facilitation Committees, Coordinated Border Management, Time Release Studies, and the Mercator Programme. The meeting also approved a study tool designed to assist members in submitting national practice case studies easily incorporated into implementation guidelines. This aims to further streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency at borders worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexico Hong Kong Expand Trade with AEO Program Recognition

Mexico Hong Kong Expand Trade with AEO Program Recognition

Mexico and Hong Kong have signed an Action Plan for Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), aiming to streamline cross-border trade processes, improve customs clearance efficiency, and reduce business risks. Through OEA certification, companies can enjoy benefits such as priority customs clearance and reduced inspection rates, enhancing their global competitiveness. This initiative sets an example for other countries, promoting global trade facilitation. The agreement is expected to foster stronger economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses in both regions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Customs Advances Global Trade Via WCO Revenue Plan

China Customs Advances Global Trade Via WCO Revenue Plan

China Customs actively participates in the World Customs Organization's Revenue Package Programme, sharing its experience in valuation control to provide a reference for customs administrations in developing countries. Through measures such as risk management, information sharing, technology application, and capacity building, the valuation control system of China Customs contributes to the healthy development of global trade. This involvement showcases China's commitment to trade facilitation and its willingness to assist other nations in improving their customs valuation practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretaries General met, emphasizing deepened cooperation through enhanced data sharing, technical assistance, and security facilitation measures. Key areas include data standardization, passenger data exchange, the application of emerging technologies, and policy dialogues. The aim is to improve the security, efficiency, and sustainability of global trade. This collaboration seeks to streamline processes, enhance risk management, and foster a more secure and predictable international trading environment, ultimately benefiting both customs and maritime sectors.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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WCO Aids Guatemala in Boosting Trade for Economic Growth

WCO Aids Guatemala in Boosting Trade for Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides technical assistance to Guatemala's Tax Administration (SAT) to effectively implement trade facilitation measures. Following an assessment, a WCO expert team offered recommendations for improvement, covering areas such as information transparency, procedural simplification, risk management, inter-agency cooperation, and private sector involvement. The WCO committed to providing follow-up support to help Guatemala enhance trade efficiency and promote economic growth. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and boost Guatemala's participation in global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Inama Project, conducts customs capacity building training in Asia to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and protect endangered species. The project contributes to building a strong defense against IWT by enhancing the skills of customs officers, strengthening international cooperation, raising public awareness, and promoting policy improvements. Businesses should also actively participate in protecting biodiversity. The training aims to improve detection and prevention of IWT, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable species and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of this illicit activity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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