Malawi Boosts Customs Intelligence to Curb Wildlife Trafficking

Malawi Boosts Customs Intelligence to Curb Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continues to support the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in strengthening its intelligence functions to enhance its risk management capabilities in combating illegal wildlife trade. Through the WCO-INAMA project, the MRA has optimized its business processes and job responsibilities, laying the foundation for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This initiative is of great significance for the ecological security of Malawi and the world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Intensify Crackdown on Plastic Waste

Asiapacific Customs Intensify Crackdown on Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesian and Philippine Customs to address the growing problem of illegal plastic waste trade in the Asia-Pacific region. The missions aimed to enhance their capacity to manage legal imports, curb illegal shipments, and promote the Basel Convention amendment. Through self-assessments, expert consultations, and tailored implementation plans, the WCO supports Asia-Pacific Customs in comprehensively improving their capabilities at both strategic and tactical levels to collectively address the plastic waste challenge.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

01/05/2026 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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Global Customs Agencies Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

Global Customs Agencies Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in UN World Oceans Day, highlighting customs' crucial role in marine environment protection. Through enforcing the Basel Convention, upgrading trade tools, and implementing the Asia Pacific Plastic Waste Project, customs are committed to combating illegal plastic waste trade and protecting marine ecosystems. The WCO calls for global collaboration, urging everyone to contribute, even in small ways, to safeguard our blue planet. This includes preventing plastic waste from entering waterways and promoting responsible consumption habits to reduce overall plastic pollution.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

Amidst the global pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) actively coordinates its member customs administrations to address the impact on international trade. This is achieved through information sharing, trade facilitation measures, enhanced international cooperation, and protection of frontline customs officers. The WCO established a dedicated COVID-19 information webpage, simplified customs clearance procedures for essential medical supplies, promoted the revised Kyoto Convention, and provided capacity building support. These efforts significantly contribute to ensuring global trade stability and fostering economic recovery during these challenging times.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos ECP Phase V Modernizes Global Trade Competitiveness

Wcos ECP Phase V Modernizes Global Trade Competitiveness

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP) Phase V aims to enhance members' economic competitiveness by optimizing customs procedures, embracing information technology, and effectively managing risks. The program covers key areas such as the Revised Kyoto Convention, e-commerce, and coordinated border management. It emphasizes knowledge sharing, technical assistance, and capacity building to promote the facilitation and security of global trade. The ECP seeks to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency for businesses involved in international trade, ultimately contributing to stronger national economies.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Proposes Green HS Codes to Support Circular Economy

WCO Proposes Green HS Codes to Support Circular Economy

A World Customs Organization seminar focused on Green HS, exploring how to improve the HS coding system to more accurately track the lifecycle of materials like plastics, metals, and wood, thereby promoting the circular economy. Experts suggested introducing more granular HS codes to differentiate types of waste, trace their origin and destination, and align with international agreements like the Basel Convention to achieve environmentally sustainable trade. The goal is to use customs trade as a tool for tracking materials and promoting responsible waste management.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Aids Asiapacific Customs in Tackling Plastic Waste

WCO Aids Asiapacific Customs in Tackling Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assists Asia-Pacific customs in enhancing plastic waste management capabilities through virtual diagnostic missions, tailored implementation plans, and regional workshops, addressing cross-border plastic waste challenges. The Basel Convention amendment's entry into force marks a new phase in global plastic waste governance. Data empowerment will improve the precision and effectiveness of plastic waste management, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future. These efforts highlight the importance of international collaboration and innovative approaches to tackle the growing problem of plastic pollution.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), which aims to streamline customs procedures and promote trade facilitation. Through national workshops and expert support, the WCO assists Comoros in assessing gaps, developing action plans, and communicating with high-level government officials. This ensures Comoros meets the conditions for joining the RKC by June 2019, embracing a new era of global economy. The initiative helps Comoros modernize its customs practices and integrate more effectively into the international trading system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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