ATA Carnet Streamlines $12B in Global Trade Annually

ATA Carnet Streamlines $12B in Global Trade Annually

The ATA Carnet is an internationally recognized customs document designed to simplify the clearance procedure for temporarily imported goods. Its legal foundation stems from conventions established in 1961 and 1990, and it is implemented by 62 countries and recognized by 75. This system allows temporarily imported goods to benefit from duty exemptions and simplified customs processes without changing ownership across borders. National guarantee chambers are responsible for issuing and managing the carnets, facilitating international economic exchange and cooperation.

07/29/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia Streamlines Customs to Boost Trade Under Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's latest customs regulations include a complete exemption from export service fees, a reduction in import service fees to 0.15% of the goods' value, the implementation of a temporary import duty exemption policy, and an expanded range of tariff exemptions for industrial products. These regulations aim to simplify trade processes, reduce costs, and promote economic diversification and sustainable development, offering new opportunities for businesses. Companies need to actively adapt to the new rules and seize market opportunities.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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Armenia Enhances Trade Via Customs Time Release Study

Armenia Enhances Trade Via Customs Time Release Study

The WCO organized a TRS workshop in Armenia to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of Armenian customs procedures. Through the Time Release Study (TRS), bottlenecks were identified and action plans were developed to address them. This initiative aligns with WTO requirements for trade facilitation and contributes to streamlining cross-border trade processes. The TRS provides valuable insights for optimizing customs operations and reducing delays, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

With the support of SECO-WCO GTFP, Colombian Customs hosted a trade facilitation forum. The forum focused on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, shared experiences from Abu Dhabi's customs reform, and explored the impact of disruptive technologies on the future of customs. The goal was to support DIAN's customs transformation, creating an efficient, transparent, and modern customs system. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trade development in Colombia by streamlining processes and embracing innovation within the customs framework.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaraguas AEO Program Boosts Trade Efficiency Reduces Costs

Nicaraguas AEO Program Boosts Trade Efficiency Reduces Costs

Nicaragua is actively promoting the AEO program to improve customs clearance efficiency and reduce trade costs. Supported by the WCO-Norad project and aligned with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, the program certifies businesses to enjoy benefits like prioritized inspection and simplified documentation. Participation in the AEO program can lower operating costs, improve efficiency, and enhance credibility, allowing companies to stand out in the market. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes and foster economic growth within Nicaragua.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Customs Adopts Risk System to Boost Efficiency

Sri Lanka Customs Adopts Risk System to Boost Efficiency

Sri Lanka Customs, under the guidance of the World Customs Organization, held a seminar to enhance risk management capabilities, optimize the customs examination system, and strengthen intelligence analysis and resource allocation. The seminar aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in identifying and mitigating potential risks, streamlining inspection processes, and leveraging intelligence for informed decision-making. This initiative reflects Sri Lanka's commitment to modernizing its customs operations and aligning with international best practices in border security and trade facilitation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

Five West African nations are jointly developing an electronic transit system to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, thereby promoting regional economic integration and supporting trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to modernize customs procedures and enhance the movement of goods within the region, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. By leveraging technology, the system seeks to overcome existing bottlenecks and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment for businesses operating in West Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Arabic Audit Guide to Enhance Middle East Trade Compliance

WCO Releases Arabic Audit Guide to Enhance Middle East Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released the Arabic version of the 'Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines' to assist Arabic-speaking members in effectively implementing post-clearance audits, enhancing trade compliance, optimizing customs control, and promoting international trade facilitation. Translated by Jordan Customs, the guidelines cover risk management, operational guidance, and digital transformation, contributing to the construction of an intelligent, efficient, and collaborative post-clearance audit system. This aims to improve overall customs effectiveness and streamline trade processes within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan Unveils Major Customs Reform to Boost Trade

Uzbekistan launched the second phase of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), aiming to enhance customs capabilities, optimize trade processes, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border trade development. The project will focus on organizational development and trade facilitation, leveraging WCO capacity-building tools to upgrade Uzbekistan's customs system, injecting new momentum into economic growth. This initiative seeks to streamline procedures, improve efficiency, and ultimately contribute to a more competitive and integrated trading environment for Uzbekistan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexicos ASC Boosts Freight Competitiveness with Training

Mexicos ASC Boosts Freight Competitiveness with Training

ASC CAPACITACIÓN Y CONSULTORÍA EN CARGA INTERNACIONAL SA DE CV is a Mexican organization specializing in international freight training and consulting, empowering businesses to enhance their competitiveness. Their services encompass professional training, customized consulting, compliance assessments, and risk management. They aim to help companies optimize freight processes, reduce costs, and ensure regulatory compliance. By providing expert guidance and tailored solutions, ASC helps businesses navigate the complexities of international shipping and achieve greater efficiency in their global supply chains.

01/05/2026 Airlines
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