Papua New Guinea Upgrades SEZ Customs to Meet Global Standards

Papua New Guinea Upgrades SEZ Customs to Meet Global Standards

Papua New Guinea Customs Service (PNGCS) is actively improving its management of Special Economic Zones. A workshop organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) helped PNGCS benchmark against international standards, identify gaps, and learn from other countries' experiences. The outcomes of the discussions will be used to revise laws and regulations, aiming to establish a more efficient and transparent SEZ management system and promote economic development. This initiative underscores PNG's commitment to aligning with global best practices in customs administration and fostering a favorable investment climate.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Maldives Customs Modernizes Risk Management After WCO Report

Maldives Customs Modernizes Risk Management After WCO Report

The World Customs Organization (WCO) presented a diagnostic report to the Maldives Customs Service, highlighting areas for improvement in customs valuation, post-clearance audit, and risk management. The report recommended establishing a robust risk management system, optimizing valuation processes, and upgrading audit methodologies. The Commissioner General of Maldives Customs pledged to develop an action plan based on the recommendations to enhance customs efficiency and transparency, ultimately fostering economic development. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations and facilitate smoother trade flows for the Maldives.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a study visit for customs experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries, aiming to enhance their application of the Harmonized System (HS) and promote regional trade development. The activities included participation in the HS Committee (HSC) meeting, meetings with representatives of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and planned capacity-building workshops to strengthen tariff classification and customs cooperation. The visit focused on improving skills and fostering collaboration to facilitate trade and ensure accurate classification practices within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade

WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade

On International Women's Day 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlights its 'Women in Customs' initiative, emphasizing the vital role of women in the customs domain. By showcasing exemplary female figures, the WCO aims to promote gender equality and diversity. Initiatives like the 'Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Framework' are being introduced to foster a fairer, more inclusive, and efficient customs administration system. The WCO is committed to building a future where women can thrive and contribute fully to the success of customs worldwide.

03/07/2025 Customs Knowledge
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China Customs Boosts Skills Via WCO Leadership Program

China Customs Boosts Skills Via WCO Leadership Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a leadership and management development workshop in Guangzhou, China, for Chinese Customs. The workshop aimed to enhance the capabilities of Chinese customs administrators and support their reform and modernization efforts. Topics covered included leadership, vision planning, and personnel management. The General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) highly praised the workshop and expressed its desire to continue collaborating with the WCO to build a sustainable talent development system. The GACC anticipates further cooperation to strengthen customs administration and leadership capabilities.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Americas Trade Security with AEO Training

WCO Boosts Americas Trade Security with AEO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an AEO Expert Accreditation Workshop in Argentina, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of American regional customs in the field of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and build a safer and more efficient global trade environment. Through expert accreditation, networking, and data analysis applications, the WCO promotes the development and improvement of the AEO system worldwide, building a global trade security community. This initiative fosters collaboration and standardization, ultimately contributing to a more secure and streamlined international trade landscape.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Improves Customs Classification with Eubacked Initiative

Ivory Coast Improves Customs Classification with Eubacked Initiative

Within the framework of the EU-funded PACIR project, the WCO held a national workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance customs officers' capabilities in tariff classification. The workshop covered HS system explanations, tool support, and training module development. It aimed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs classification in Côte d'Ivoire, promote trade facilitation, and recommended the prompt implementation of the HS 2012 amendments. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and contribute to the country's economic growth by ensuring accurate and consistent tariff application.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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ICC WCO Partner to Simplify Global Trade Processes

ICC WCO Partner to Simplify Global Trade Processes

The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) continue their collaboration, focusing on trade facilitation and discussing key issues such as origin verification, transit, and single windows. They pay particular attention to the role and position of SMEs in global trade, jointly seeking best practices to support them. The aim is to build a more open, inclusive, and efficient global trading system. This ongoing partnership underscores the commitment to simplifying trade processes and empowering SMEs to participate effectively in the international marketplace.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WHO WCO Boost Data Tracking to Curb Illicit Tobacco Trade

WHO WCO Boost Data Tracking to Curb Illicit Tobacco Trade

In 2009, the WCO and WHO met to collaborate on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, focusing on a global tracking system, international cooperation, and capacity building. The WCO pledged support for the Protocol's implementation and encouraged member participation. This analysis delves into the challenges and opportunities in combating illicit tobacco trade from a data perspective. It emphasizes the importance of data collection, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, and technological innovation. The article calls for a concerted international effort to address this global issue.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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