WTO Updates Global Trade Guidelines with Expanded Single Window System

WTO Updates Global Trade Guidelines with Expanded Single Window System

The WCO Single Window Guidelines need updating to reflect evolving trade practices. Recommendations include integrating technology, strengthening risk management, learning from best practices, and collaborative updates. This aims to build an efficient, secure, and inclusive system that facilitates seamless cross-border trade. The updated guidelines should address emerging challenges and opportunities in the global trade landscape, ensuring that Single Window systems remain relevant and effective in promoting trade facilitation and economic growth.

Czech Republic Leverages River Ports for Global Trade Growth

Czech Republic Leverages River Ports for Global Trade Growth

The Czech Republic, a landlocked country, ingeniously utilizes inland waterway transport to connect with neighboring seaports, creating a unique maritime system. Děčín, Ústí nad Labem, and Lovosice are key port hubs, facilitating Czech import and export trade, supporting industrial development, and generating employment. These ports are actively investing in clean energy and implementing waste management practices, demonstrating a commitment to sustainable development. This system provides crucial access to global markets despite the country's geographical limitations.

Global Customs Agencies Adopt Agile Tech at WCO 2026

Global Customs Agencies Adopt Agile Tech at WCO 2026

The 2026 WCO Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi successfully concluded, focusing on "Customs Agility in a Complex World." The conference highlighted the pivotal role of technology in enhancing customs efficiency and ensuring trade security. Discussions covered the application of technologies like non-intrusive inspection, risk management, and cloud computing, emphasizing international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement. A hackathon showcased innovative practices, pointing towards the development of smarter, more secure, and efficient customs operations.

Global Logistics Firms Cut Costs Impact Crossborder Ecommerce

Global Logistics Firms Cut Costs Impact Crossborder Ecommerce

Layoffs by international logistics giants signal industry transformation due to slowing e-commerce demand, rise of self-built logistics, and intensified cost competition. Cross-border e-commerce businesses should optimize logistics channels and product structures, pay attention to industry trends, and strengthen compliance management to turn challenges into opportunities. The shift highlights the need for agility and strategic adaptation in the face of evolving market dynamics and increasing pressure on traditional logistics models.

New Global Customs Codes Aim to Curb Plastic Waste by 2028

New Global Customs Codes Aim to Curb Plastic Waste by 2028

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) 2028 edition introduces new subheadings for plastic products, enhancing the visibility of specific polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, plant fiber items, plastic cotton swabs, fishing nets, and balloons. It also introduces a definition of 'single-use'. These adjustments will facilitate customs data collection, enabling governments to develop more effective trade regulations and promote sustainable plastic management. This will contribute to combating plastic pollution on a global scale.

World Bank WCO Aid Philippines in Customs Modernization

World Bank WCO Aid Philippines in Customs Modernization

With support from the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Philippine Customs is undertaking a reform and modernization program. The project aims to create a smart and efficient new customs administration by strengthening its IT infrastructure, revitalizing human resource management, and establishing a customs academy. The WCO provides expert tools and analysis to assist the Philippine Customs in its strategic transformation, improve service delivery, and contribute more significantly to national economic development.

HS Code Update Boosts Global Circular Economy Efforts

HS Code Update Boosts Global Circular Economy Efforts

The WCO promotes the green upgrade of the HS, supporting the circular economy and sustainable trade. It focuses on optimizing the HS code to track product lifecycles and facilitate resource recovery. This initiative aims to improve the traceability of goods, promote responsible consumption and production patterns, and contribute to environmental protection by enabling better monitoring and management of waste streams and recycled materials. Ultimately, this supports a more sustainable and resource-efficient global trade system.

Global Survey Highlights Trade Facilitation Trends in Customs

Global Survey Highlights Trade Facilitation Trends in Customs

The first International Survey on Customs Administration (ISOCA) report, jointly released by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), analyzes the customs administration performance, characteristics, practices, and structural foundations of 51 countries and regions. The report aims to promote trade facilitation, strengthen international cooperation, and improve customs management. It also provides a reference for businesses to understand the customs environment of various countries, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency.

Gambia Revenue Authority Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

Gambia Revenue Authority Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance its national performance measurement system through the implementation of the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), better serving its 2025-2029 strategic plan. This collaboration focuses on trade facilitation measures, such as the AEO program, coordinated border management, and automation, aiming to create a more efficient, transparent, and predictable trading environment, ultimately fostering economic development in The Gambia.

Belgium Trains Francophone Africa in Trade Facilitation

Belgium Trains Francophone Africa in Trade Facilitation

In 2016, the Belgian Customs Academy provided training to 20 customs officers from French-speaking Africa and organized a visit to the WCO headquarters. Through lectures and field visits, participants gained a deeper understanding of the WCO's operations and strategic directions. They learned about trade facilitation, capacity building, and other relevant topics. This training aimed to improve customs management in Africa and contribute to trade facilitation efforts in the region, ultimately fostering economic development.