WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 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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Colombia Adopts Mexican Expertise to Modernize Customs Risk Management

Colombia Adopts Mexican Expertise to Modernize Customs Risk Management

In May 2021, Mexico shared its customs risk management expertise with Colombia, aiming to help Colombia improve clearance efficiency and achieve more effective trade regulation. This customs cooperation initiative facilitated knowledge transfer and best practices, enabling Colombia to strengthen its risk assessment capabilities. By leveraging Mexico's experience, Colombia can enhance its ability to identify and mitigate potential risks associated with cross-border trade, ultimately leading to streamlined processes and improved security. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in fostering secure and efficient global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Export Firms Face Rising Overseas Debt Challenges

Export Firms Face Rising Overseas Debt Challenges

This article delves into the issue of overdue payments from overseas clients faced by foreign trade companies, highlighting its prevalence, regional variations, and the pressure it exerts on businesses. Through initiating industry research, the aim is to understand the current situation, analyze the causes, and explore potential solutions. The article calls for foreign trade companies to unite and collectively safeguard their financial security, promoting the healthy development of the industry. The research seeks to provide insights and strategies for mitigating the risks associated with foreign trade debt.

01/30/2026 International Settlement
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Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

The Switzerland-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Bolivian Customs in enhancing its risk management capabilities. Through workshops, progress is reviewed, recommendations are provided, and continuous technical assistance, capacity building, and experience sharing are offered. The aim is to assist Bolivian Customs in establishing a scientific, efficient, and sustainable risk management system. This system will help safeguard national economic security and promote legitimate trade development. The project focuses on building a robust framework for identifying and mitigating potential risks in cross-border trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ISF Declaration Boosts Logistics Security

ISF Declaration Boosts Logistics Security

The Import Security Filing (ISF) is an essential document required by U.S. Customs, to be submitted 24 hours before the departure of goods. Accurate ISF declarations can help avoid fines and enhance logistics efficiency. Understanding ISF-related information and requirements enables companies to better manage their import operations.

08/05/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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ICAO WCO Strengthen Global Air Cargo Security Measures

ICAO WCO Strengthen Global Air Cargo Security Measures

The 2012 Singapore Joint Conference united global efforts, focusing on aviation security and facilitation. The conference emphasized international cooperation, standardization, information sharing, and technology application, aiming to enhance global aviation security levels. The joint communiqué issued by ICAO and WCO pointed the way for future development, collectively building a safer and more efficient global air transport system. The discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to address emerging threats and promote seamless trade while maintaining the highest security standards.

12/30/2025 Logistics
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Global Air Cargo Adopts Electronic Security Declarations

Global Air Cargo Adopts Electronic Security Declarations

The Air Cargo Security Declaration (CSD) and its electronic version (e-CSD) aim to establish a globally harmonized air cargo security system. e-CSD enhances efficiency, security, and transparency by providing a traceable audit trail, meeting ICAO requirements, and adopting unified standards. Active responses from national regulators and future international cooperation will further promote its global standardization and widespread adoption, safeguarding global trade. This digital transformation promises a more secure and streamlined process for air freight, benefiting both businesses and consumers worldwide.

12/30/2025 Document Interpretation
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WCO Boosts Trade Controls in Azerbaijan to Counter WMD Threats

WCO Boosts Trade Controls in Azerbaijan to Counter WMD Threats

The WCO's ACES project has assisted Azerbaijan Customs in enhancing its control over weapons of mass destruction. This initiative involved training customs officers and certifying experts, enabling Azerbaijan to fulfill UN Security Council resolutions and contribute to building a global security barrier. The project strengthens strategic trade control and customs capacity building, ultimately aiming to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and ensure a safer global environment. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing critical security challenges.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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