St Lucia Customs CCLEC Enhance Trade Ties in Caribbean

St Lucia Customs CCLEC Enhance Trade Ties in Caribbean

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Saint Lucia, meeting with Saint Lucia Customs, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), and government officials. Discussions focused on the trade challenges and opportunities facing small island economies in the Caribbean region. The visit emphasized the importance of customs reform and regional cooperation. The Secretary General also conducted field visits to observe customs operations, with the aim of promoting regional trade facilitation and security. The overall goal is to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Caribbean.

Global Customs Basel Convention Unite Against Illegal Waste Trade

Global Customs Basel Convention Unite Against Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening cooperation with the Basel Convention to combat environmental crimes such as the illegal cross-border trade in waste. This collaboration aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities through developing training materials, utilizing online training platforms, strengthening networking, and conducting joint operations. By working together, the WCO and the Basel Convention seek to build a new landscape of global environmental governance and jointly safeguard the sustainable development of the planet.

West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is implementing a Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) capacity-building project in West Africa. Through workshops, assessments, and action plans, the project aims to enhance the GED awareness and practical capabilities of customs administrations in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This initiative seeks to promote a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient customs system, ultimately facilitating trade and fostering economic development in the region. The project focuses on improving internal policies and practices within the customs administrations.

Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

The Malawi Revenue Authority, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, conducted advanced Harmonized System training. This initiative aimed to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, with a focus on tariff classification for pharmaceuticals, food products, and general-purpose parts. The goal was to improve the accuracy and consistency of commodity classification, ensuring correct tax collection and accurate trade data statistics. This contributes positively to trade facilitation and economic development in Malawi.

WCO Introduces Online Customs Valuation Training for Global Trade

WCO Introduces Online Customs Valuation Training for Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a new online learning module on customs valuation on its CLiKC! platform. This module aims to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among global trade professionals. The course covers the six valuation methods and provides performance support tools. Funded by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, the English version is now available. This initiative will contribute to international trade development and improve customs valuation capabilities worldwide.

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African customs laboratory leaders visited the Asia-Pacific region to learn from best practices and enhance their capabilities. Through laboratory visits and experience sharing, the African representatives gained in-depth understanding of the operational models, technological applications, and management methods of regional customs laboratories in the Asia-Pacific. This activity promoted capacity building for African customs laboratories and laid the foundation for regional cooperation, contributing to African trade development and economic prosperity. The visit focused on practical knowledge transfer and establishing future collaborative efforts.

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the ACE Expert Portal to optimize global expert resource management and enhance capacity building efficiency. This platform empowers individual expert development, facilitates knowledge sharing, and supports member-driven development. Through centralized management and permission settings, the ACE Expert Portal helps the WCO build a talent-driven customs organization, contributing to global trade security and facilitation. It aims to streamline expert identification, deployment, and knowledge transfer, ultimately strengthening customs administrations worldwide.

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivian Customs, with WCO support, is upgrading its AEO program. This includes optimizing standards, expanding the program's scope, strengthening risk management and service provision, and promoting mutual recognition arrangements. The aim is to enhance trade facilitation, foster economic growth for businesses, and improve overall customs efficiency. The upgraded AEO program is expected to contribute significantly to Bolivia's trade competitiveness and its integration into the global trading system. The focus is on creating a more secure and predictable trade environment for authorized economic operators.

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly released the 'Study Report on Disruptive Technologies (2022),' focusing on the application of seven technologies, including blockchain, IoT, and AI, in the customs domain. The report analyzes technology trends, shares practical case studies, and provides strategic recommendations for customs' digital transformation. It aims to promote global trade facilitation and economic growth by leveraging these disruptive technologies to modernize customs procedures and enhance efficiency.