WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

WCO Advances Trade Reforms in Turkmenistan Via Revised Kyoto Convention

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Turkmenistan to promote the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and raise awareness of the importance of simplified and harmonized customs procedures. By providing detailed interpretations of the RKC articles, self-assessment tools, and considering Turkmenistan's specific context, the WCO is helping the country lay the groundwork for future accession to the RKC. This initiative aims to facilitate trade and promote economic development in Turkmenistan by streamlining its customs processes and aligning them with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

WCO Guidelines Boost Global Trade and Border Efficiency

The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) convened to discuss addressing trade protectionism, promoting trade facilitation, and regulating e-commerce. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and the private sector to jointly tackle global trade challenges and support economic and social development. Key topics included streamlining customs procedures, enhancing data exchange, and fostering a more predictable and transparent trading environment. The discussions highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in navigating the evolving landscape of international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

The World Customs Organization held a national workshop in Ukraine on the HS Nomenclature and the role of Customs Laboratories. The workshop aimed to enhance Ukraine's customs commodity classification capabilities, emphasizing the importance of Customs Laboratories in this process. It also fostered international cooperation and exchange, injecting new impetus into the modernization of Ukrainian customs. The event highlighted the crucial role of accurate classification in trade facilitation and revenue collection, underscoring the need for well-equipped and skilled Customs Laboratories.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

A tax and customs cooperation conference held in Hungary focused on improving the synergistic efficiency of tax and customs departments. The World Customs Organization emphasized the importance of data sharing, joint risk management, and capacity building. The conference also commemorated Hungarian customs pioneers and explored future cooperation trends towards intelligence and synergy, aiming to build a more prosperous and secure international trade environment. The discussions highlighted the need for streamlined processes and enhanced collaboration to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Advanced Cargo Data for Targeted Inspections

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Advanced Cargo Data for Targeted Inspections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on leveraging Advance Cargo Information (ACI) to enhance customs risk assessment and targeting capabilities. Representatives from 26 customs administrations participated, engaging in in-depth discussions on key aspects such as risk management, risk profiling, and targeting. The seminar aimed to improve the ability of Asia-Pacific customs to address trade risks and promote trade facilitation. The discussions highlighted the importance of data quality and collaboration for effective ACI implementation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit workshop in Bahrain to enhance Bahrain Customs' revenue collection capabilities. The workshop focused on international standards, risk management, and audit preparation, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and data analysis in auditing. Through case studies and practical exercises, it helped Bahrain Customs officials master audit techniques, laying the foundation for building an efficient tax system. The training aimed to improve compliance and reduce revenue leakage through effective post-clearance control mechanisms.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

New Framework Aims to Boost Gender Equality in Global Trade

During the 2019 WTO Global Review of Aid for Trade, the WCO co-organized a side event focusing on gender mainstreaming in trade facilitation. The meeting highlighted the importance of gender equality, revealing barriers to women's participation in trade. Experiences from the EU and Uganda were shared, and the WCO presented its tools and initiatives to promote gender equality and diversity in customs. This event laid the groundwork for future efforts to promote gender equality within Aid for Trade initiatives.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey hosted its first International Customs Trade Conference, where the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization emphasized Turkey's importance as a global supply chain hub. He called for strengthened customs and trade cooperation to facilitate post-pandemic economic recovery. Turkey is committed to customs modernization and enhanced international collaboration to address global trade challenges and promote economic development. The conference highlighted the need for streamlined processes and innovative solutions to ensure efficient and secure trade flows in a rapidly changing global landscape.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Boost Efficiency Through Talent Management Strategies

Customs Agencies Boost Efficiency Through Talent Management Strategies

This guide aims to assist customs departments in establishing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance organizational effectiveness. It elaborates on the importance of human resource management, provides a roadmap for developing practical tools, and outlines methods for integrating competency orientation into various processes. Divided into three parts, the guide seeks to enable customs departments to build an exceptional team capable of addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. The ultimate goal is to foster a high-performing workforce within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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