WCO assisted Ethiopian Customs in launching blended training to enhance trade facilitation capabilities. Significant support was provided by the Mercator Programme, with gratitude to the UK and Finnish funding.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a cross-border e-commerce framework, with the Asia-Pacific region leading the implementation. This framework aims to harmonize regulatory policies across countries, streamline customs clearance, strengthen risk management and consumer protection, and promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. Its implementation will make overseas online shopping more convenient and safer for consumers, facilitate business expansion into overseas markets, and improve the overall service level of the industry.
The WCO is assisting Bhutan in developing its advance ruling system and optimizing tariff classification, enhancing customs capacity, facilitating trade, increasing revenue, and improving the business environment. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs procedures and providing traders with certainty regarding tariff treatment before import or export. By implementing a robust advance ruling system, Bhutan aims to streamline trade processes, reduce disputes, and attract foreign investment. The project contributes to the overall modernization of Bhutanese customs and its alignment with international best practices.
At the request of Namibia, the WCO conducted an assessment of its TFA implementation. The objective was to identify challenges and provide recommendations for improvement. This diagnostic aims to pave the way for future collaboration to enhance Namibia's trade facilitation performance. The WCO will work with Namibia to address identified weaknesses and build capacity, ultimately contributing to smoother and more efficient trade processes. The assessment covers various aspects of TFA implementation, offering a comprehensive overview of Namibia's current standing and potential for growth in trade facilitation.
At the request of the Namibian Customs and Excise Department, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic support mission focused on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through extensive consultations with Namibian public and private sectors, the WCO will provide a tailored report with recommendations and collaborate with NCE to develop an implementation plan. This initiative aims to enhance capacity building and international cooperation, ultimately assisting Namibia in achieving trade facilitation and economic growth. The mission highlights the importance of customs cooperation in supporting TFA implementation.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and action plan development. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to reduce cargo release times, improve the business environment, and fulfill its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to streamline customs procedures and contribute to economic growth by reducing delays and costs associated with international trade.
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.
Philippine Customs is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank to advance reform and modernization projects. These projects encompass three main objectives: strengthening the information technology infrastructure, revitalizing the human resource management system, and supporting the development of the Customs Academy. Through this international cooperation, Philippine Customs aims to enhance its modernization efforts and contribute more effectively to economic development.
The 12th TEGACS Conference adopted the PLACI guiding principles, marking a significant upgrade in air cargo security. Pilot programs were initiated in the EU, US, and Canada, with enhanced cooperation between the WCO and ICAO. Technology is leveraged to address emerging challenges. PLACI aims to proactively identify risks, improve efficiency, and reshape the global trade landscape, achieving a balance between security and efficiency. This initiative seeks to streamline processes while ensuring robust security measures are in place for air cargo transportation worldwide.
The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conducted a mission to Liberia to enhance the country's customs capacity and facilitation in responding to epidemics and natural disasters. By assessing needs, strengthening cooperation, and developing standard operating procedures, the mission laid the groundwork for improving Liberia's humanitarian relief system. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the customs framework.
