Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Ivory Coast Enhances Customs Training for Advanced Ruling System

Côte d'Ivoire is actively enhancing its customs classification skills in preparation for implementing an advance rulings system, aligning with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. With support from the EU and Germany, Côte d'Ivoire held a customs classification workshop aimed at developing expertise, improving trade facilitation, and contributing to global trade. The advance rulings system, a key mechanism, will enhance trade predictability, reduce costs, promote compliance, and facilitate Côte d'Ivoire's integration into the global trading system.

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.

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.

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.

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil and Uruguay signed an AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot program, aiming to simplify customs clearance, enhance supply chain security, and promote bilateral and regional trade facilitation through joint certification of compliant traders. This represents a significant milestone in customs cooperation between the two countries and serves as a model for global trade security and facilitation. The MRA is expected to reduce border delays and costs for certified companies, fostering greater economic integration within the region.

Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

The Swiss-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) continues to support the Moldovan Customs Service in enhancing the efficiency of clearing humanitarian aid supplies. This is achieved through stakeholder workshops and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The project aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, streamline processes, and ensure the rapid delivery of relief goods, aligning with relevant provisions of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The initiative focuses on simplifying customs procedures related to humanitarian assistance entering Moldova.

Jordan Customs Boosts Air Cargo Efficiency with Dubai Model

Jordan Customs Boosts Air Cargo Efficiency with Dubai Model

Jordan Customs, with support from the WCO and SECO, studied Dubai Customs' best practices in air cargo clearance to enhance its capabilities and align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to optimize risk management, promote automation, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and improve the e-commerce environment within Jordan Customs. The goal is to contribute to global trade facilitation by implementing lessons learned from the Dubai experience, ultimately streamlining customs processes and reducing trade costs.

WCO and Businesses Collaborate to Reform Global Trade

WCO and Businesses Collaborate to Reform Global Trade

The WCO dialogue with the private sector focused on trade facilitation, sustainability, and business continuity. It highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in empowering women, promoting green supply chains, enhancing compliance efficiency, and building resilient trade. The meeting fostered collaboration between the public and private sectors, aiming to strengthen trade facilitation, promote sustainable practices, and ensure business continuity in an evolving global landscape. Key areas of discussion included leveraging technology and fostering inclusive trade policies.

Philippines Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

Philippines Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

The Philippines has launched a National Time Release Study (TRS) in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to optimize import and export clearance processes for sea cargo. The study aims to identify bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and provide evidence-based recommendations for reforms, ultimately boosting the Philippines' trade competitiveness and fulfilling its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The final report is expected by the end of 2025, laying the groundwork for sustainable trade facilitation.