Sri Lanka Customs Adopts Risk System to Boost Efficiency

Sri Lanka Customs Adopts Risk System to Boost Efficiency

Sri Lanka Customs, under the guidance of the World Customs Organization, held a seminar to enhance risk management capabilities, optimize the customs examination system, and strengthen intelligence analysis and resource allocation. The seminar aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in identifying and mitigating potential risks, streamlining inspection processes, and leveraging intelligence for informed decision-making. This initiative reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to modernizing its customs operations and aligning with international best practices in border security and trade facilitation.

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its customs efficiency by hosting a Time Release Study workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize clearance procedures and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on identifying bottlenecks and implementing strategies to improve the speed and predictability of customs processes. The project was funded by the UK's HMRC, demonstrating international collaboration in supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to streamline trade and boost economic growth through more efficient customs operations.

El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador hosted a workshop on modernizing customs laboratories to enhance commodity classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the workshop focused on the Harmonized System (HS) classification and international cooperation. The aim was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and faster trade flows. This initiative underscores the importance of modern customs infrastructure and skilled personnel in supporting global trade and economic development.

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Environment Programme, actively participates in optimizing the Regulatory Compliance Environment Network (ENFORCE) initiative, aiming to strengthen Customs' role in combating the illegal transboundary movement of waste. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in connecting with national Customs administrations, providing training, and coordinating operations to enhance Customs enforcement capabilities and collectively build a global environmental security network. This will contribute to a more secure and sustainable environment by preventing the illegal dumping and trafficking of hazardous waste.

SECOWCO GTFP Phase II Aims to Enhance Global Trade

SECOWCO GTFP Phase II Aims to Enhance Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) officially launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). This initiative aims to build upon the achievements of the first phase, further promoting international trade development, strengthening customs organizational capacity, and fostering the application of international standards and best practices. It seeks to inject new vitality into global trade facilitation and contribute to the construction of an open, inclusive, balanced, and win-win global trade system.

WCO Aids Niger in Customs Reform to Enhance Revenue

WCO Aids Niger in Customs Reform to Enhance Revenue

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continuously supports Niger Customs in enhancing its valuation capabilities. This support includes organizing training workshops, providing technical assistance, and supplying toolkits. These efforts aim to empower Niger Customs to take ownership of valuation processes, fostering a more equitable and efficient trade environment. Ultimately, this leads to improved revenue collection and contributes to economic development in Niger.

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.

ADB and WTO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Facilitation

ADB and WTO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Facilitation

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) headquarters, engaging in in-depth discussions on the global economic situation, Sustainable Development Goals, international technical issues, regional integration, and the current trade environment. Both parties pledged to deepen cooperation to jointly address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the ADB and WCO in navigating the evolving global trade landscape and fostering sustainable economic growth.

Bahamas Adopts Wcos AEO Program to Strengthen Trade Security

Bahamas Adopts Wcos AEO Program to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in implementing the AEO Program, aiming to enhance trade security and facilitation. Through training, regulatory drafting, and pilot projects, the Bahamas is gradually establishing an AEO system compliant with international standards. This initiative seeks to improve international competitiveness, promote economic development, and safeguard national security. The program's implementation is significant for the Bahamas and offers valuable lessons for other Caribbean nations. It represents a crucial step towards a more secure and efficient trading environment.

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.