New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

A WCO report analyzes the customs clearance challenges of low-value goods in cross-border e-commerce, focusing on facilitation and risk management. It proposes optimization solutions such as intelligentization and international cooperation to improve efficiency and security. The report highlights the growing importance of addressing these challenges to ensure smooth trade flows and effective revenue collection in the rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce landscape. It emphasizes the need for modernized customs procedures and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

The World Customs Organization's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) held its first in-person meeting after a three-year hiatus, focusing on updates to the E-commerce Package, the development of a global customs data exchange platform, and green customs initiatives. The meeting revised the E-commerce Package maintenance mechanism, approved pressure testing guidelines, and discussed data models and cooperation guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs' ability to address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation and security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Hurdles

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Hurdles

This paper delves into the challenges of customs valuation in cross-border e-commerce, highlighting the importance of digital transformation and the necessity of public-private partnerships. By standardizing electronic invoices, promoting electronic payments, and strengthening risk management, the aim is to build a fair, transparent, and efficient cross-border e-commerce trading environment. This will ultimately foster global trade prosperity. The paper argues that digitalization is crucial for addressing valuation complexities and ensuring compliance in the rapidly evolving landscape of cross-border e-commerce.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Saudi Arabia Promotes Trade Facilitation at WCO MENA Seminar

Saudi Arabia Promotes Trade Facilitation at WCO MENA Seminar

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Middle East and North Africa regional seminar in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the application of advance rulings in tariff classification and origin rules. This system aims to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, enhance transparency, and promote compliance. Participants discussed implementation challenges, with Saudi Arabia playing an active role in regional cooperation. The seminar's outcomes contribute to promoting regional trade facilitation and creating a more predictable trading environment for businesses.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshop for French-speaking African countries. The aim was to enhance customs officials' skills in areas like commodity classification, origin, and valuation. Through pre-accreditation and field visit assessments, the project seeks to expand the pool of experts and facilitate regional trade. Quantitative evaluation and continuous improvement are crucial for the project's success, contributing to the upgrading of African trade. The program ultimately aims to streamline customs procedures and boost economic development within the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan hosted a WCO Harmonized System (HS) national workshop aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of tariff classification through international cooperation and capacity building, thereby promoting trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered HS fundamentals, specific commodity classification, and pre-ruling guidance. It also explored future development directions such as intelligent classification, big data analysis, and risk management, assisting Turkmenistan in building a more efficient and intelligent tariff system. The goal is to enhance customs procedures and contribute to smoother international trade flows.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Antigua and Barbuda Customs Honors Veterans Ahead of ICD 2025

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Honors Veterans Ahead of ICD 2025

On the occasion of International Customs Day 2025, the Customs and Excise Division of Antigua and Barbuda recognized three long-serving veteran officers for their outstanding contributions to national development. Their dedication and professionalism are invaluable assets to the customs service, inspiring all customs personnel to contribute to the nation's customs endeavors. The recognition highlights their exceptional service and commitment to upholding the integrity and efficiency of customs operations in Antigua and Barbuda.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Eswatini Revenue Service launched an electronic tariff project. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated online platform that centralizes information on international trade regulatory measures. It provides interactive advance ruling functionalities, enhances trade transparency, reduces trade costs, and promotes trade facilitation. This project supports Eswatini in fulfilling its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and ultimately boosts the nation's competitiveness.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More