WCO Intensifies Asiapacific Crackdown on Illegal Plastic Waste

WCO Intensifies Asiapacific Crackdown on Illegal Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening control over the illegal trade of plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region through virtual diagnostic missions to customs administrations in Indonesia and the Philippines. This project aims to help countries effectively implement the Basel Convention amendment through strategic guidance, operational optimization, and capacity building. By enhancing customs capabilities, the initiative supports the participating nations in addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and contributes to global environmental protection efforts.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Key to Enforcing Global Environmental Pacts

Customs Key to Enforcing Global Environmental Pacts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UNEP and the Basel Convention Secretariat, held a workshop in Botswana to enhance customs officers' awareness and enforcement capabilities related to the Basel and Montreal Conventions. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of customs in implementing multilateral environmental agreements and looked forward to future cooperation in building a green trade landscape. The initiative aims to strengthen customs' ability to combat illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods and promote sustainable trade practices.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Istanbul Committee Oversees Global Trade Facilitation

Istanbul Committee Oversees Global Trade Facilitation

The Istanbul Convention Management Committee is a key maintainer of the global trade guarantee chain, responsible for overseeing the Convention's implementation, unifying its interpretation and application, revising and improving the treaty, and resolving disputes, ensuring smooth international trade. This article delves into its responsibilities, operational methods, and profound impact on international trade, while also looking ahead to its future development. The Committee's role is crucial in facilitating cross-border commerce and promoting efficient customs procedures worldwide.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Adopts WCO Standards to Enhance Trade with Swiss Aid

Guatemala Adopts WCO Standards to Enhance Trade with Swiss Aid

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a collaboration between the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, will provide technical assistance to Guatemalan Customs to facilitate its accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of Guatemalan Customs, reduce trade costs, enhance trade transparency, and ultimately boost its international competitiveness, fostering economic development. This support is crucial for Guatemala to streamline its customs procedures and align with international best practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening its collaboration with the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (ENFORCE) to enhance customs' role in combating the illegal cross-border trade of waste. Through capacity building, information sharing, international cooperation, and policy advocacy, the WCO assists its member customs administrations in effectively implementing the Basel Convention. This collaborative effort aims to address global environmental challenges and build a sustainable future by preventing and countering illegal waste shipments across borders.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Streamlining ATA Carnet Compliance for Global Trade Efficiency

Streamlining ATA Carnet Compliance for Global Trade Efficiency

This paper analyzes the problems with the ATA Convention Contracting Party information submission interface, including unclear field validation rules, vague error messages, and difficult CAPTCHA recognition. It proposes optimization suggestions such as clarifying validation rules, optimizing error prompts, improving CAPTCHA recognition rate, and providing help information. The aim is to improve user experience, reduce error rates, and enhance customs clearance efficiency. The improvements focus on making the system more user-friendly and reliable for submitting required information.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project, is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their control over plastic waste via virtual diagnostic missions. The project aims to strengthen Customs' ability to handle legal plastic waste imports, reduce the risk of illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. The WCO will provide customized implementation plans and host regional workshops to foster collaboration and address the challenges of plastic waste management.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ATA and Istanbul Conventions Adopt Digital Trade Measures

ATA and Istanbul Conventions Adopt Digital Trade Measures

The ATA & Istanbul Conventions Conference focused on the electronic transformation of ATA Carnets and the conventions themselves. The aim is to simplify customs procedures, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately facilitating international trade. Digitalization promises streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and enhanced data security. This shift towards electronic systems aligns with global efforts to modernize trade and promote greater economic cooperation by removing trade barriers and fostering a more efficient and transparent environment for businesses.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Maersk VGM Declarations A Guide for Compliant Shipping

Maersk VGM Declarations A Guide for Compliant Shipping

This article provides a detailed guide on declaring Verified Gross Mass (VGM) through the Maersk platform. It covers the definition and importance of VGM, the declaration steps, authorized personnel for declaration, weighing methods, and frequently asked questions. The aim is to help users ensure their cargo complies with the International Maritime Organization's SOLAS convention, avoiding delays or legal liabilities arising from VGM issues. It outlines the process to properly submit VGM information via Maersk to ensure smooth and compliant cargo transportation.

09/28/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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