Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Support

Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the General Directorate of Customs and Excise of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DGDA) in its transition following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies. A WCO expert mission visited the DRC to help DGDA officials consolidate their knowledge, introduce new tools, and provide technical support through meetings and workshops. The aim is to establish an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, promoting economic development and integration into the global economy for the DRC.

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Regional Insights

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Regional Insights

Bolivian Customs gained insights into the practices and challenges of AEO program implementation through experience sharing with Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, aiming to optimize its own AEO program. The analysis focuses on the characteristics of the AEO programs in these three countries, explores the opportunities and challenges faced by Bolivia, and proposes recommendations for future development. It emphasizes that the WCO will continue to provide technical support to help Bolivia improve trade facilitation and enterprise competitiveness. The ultimate goal is to enhance Bolivia's AEO program and contribute to smoother international trade.

Major Shipping Firms Explore Tech Partnerships to Ease Industry Distrust

Major Shipping Firms Explore Tech Partnerships to Ease Industry Distrust

Major shippers and leading shipping companies are committing to improve business relationships through technological collaboration, drawing industry attention. The success hinges on overcoming a crisis of trust and genuinely embracing digital transformation; otherwise, they risk reverting to traditional competitive models. The future direction remains to be seen. This collaboration aims to leverage technology to enhance efficiency, transparency, and communication within the shipping process. The commitment represents a significant shift towards a more integrated and data-driven approach to logistics and supply chain management. The industry is watching closely to see if this initiative will pave the way for a new era of shipping partnerships.

WCO Strengthens Asiapacific Plastic Waste Rules Aids Indonesia and Philippines

WCO Strengthens Asiapacific Plastic Waste Rules Aids Indonesia and Philippines

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia Pacific region. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will provide tailored implementation plans and regional workshops to address the challenges posed by the Basel Convention's Plastic Waste Amendments. This initiative aims to collectively combat global plastic pollution by enhancing customs' capacity to monitor and manage transboundary movements of plastic waste.

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Program

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an AEO awareness campaign for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and its partner agencies. The initiative aimed to disseminate AEO knowledge, share best practices, promote mutual recognition, and plan for future development. By deeply analyzing the WCO SAFE Framework, strengthening risk management principles, and designing a mutual recognition framework, the campaign supports Kenyan Customs in creating an efficient and secure international trade environment and enhancing its international competitiveness. This initiative is crucial for Kenya's trade facilitation efforts and global economic integration.

INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

The INAMA project supports nine African and Asian countries in strengthening their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through expert support missions. Focusing on training, legislation, risk management, and action planning, the project enhances customs enforcement capabilities and provides support for future operations. This initiative demonstrates the international community's commitment to wildlife conservation by empowering customs officials to effectively intercept and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.

WTO Nears Yearend Deal With International Backing

WTO Nears Yearend Deal With International Backing

This WTO meeting reviewed negotiation progress, updated the Consolidated Negotiating Text, and defined future directions. Key decisions included inviting international organizations to participate and setting the date for the next meeting. The meeting emphasized the importance of technical assistance and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities in the negotiations. The year-end sprint meeting will be a crucial moment, requiring all parties to work together to build the future of global trade.

Botswana Customs Enforces Green Trade and Environmental Compliance

Botswana Customs Enforces Green Trade and Environmental Compliance

Botswana Customs plays a crucial role in environmental compliance by enforcing international and domestic regulations, collaborating with various departments, and implementing risk management and compliance programs to protect the environment. Moving forward, Botswana Customs will continue to strengthen capacity building, leverage information technology, and collaborate with other agencies to ensure environmental compliance. This includes enhancing enforcement capabilities, promoting awareness, and fostering partnerships to address environmental challenges related to trade and customs activities.

Australia Tightens Border Security with Stricter Environmental Checks

Australia Tightens Border Security with Stricter Environmental Checks

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is actively building a strong green border by working closely with domestic departments and strictly enforcing international conventions. A core responsibility of the ABF is to implement environmental control measures at the border on behalf of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This includes enforcing regulations related to the import and export of environmentally sensitive goods and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements.

Norway Imposes Green Trade Barriers Via Environmental Rules

Norway Imposes Green Trade Barriers Via Environmental Rules

Norwegian Customs, in close collaboration with various regulatory bodies, has established a robust green barrier to ensure import and export trade adheres to strict environmental standards. Focusing on environmentally sensitive trade involving CITES species, waste, and chemicals, they implement joint control actions and coordinate border management approaches. Utilizing risk management and information sharing, they continuously improve environmental compliance, contributing to environmental protection in Norway and globally. Their efforts aim to prevent illegal trade and promote sustainable practices within international commerce, safeguarding the environment for future generations.