Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

Latin America Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) in Brazil, encouraging Latin American countries to join. The WCO emphasizes the RKC's importance for trade facilitation and supply chain security. Joining the RKC can streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the predictability of international trade. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency and security of trade flows within the region and globally by adopting international standards for customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

The WCO is assisting Philippine Customs in building a trade facilitation team to improve trade efficiency and support the work of the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the Philippines in the global market. By strengthening the capacity of Philippine Customs, the WCO is contributing to the country's efforts to implement trade facilitation measures and promote economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO Asia/Pacific region hosted a workshop on disruptive technologies, focusing on the application of technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT in the customs domain. The meeting aimed to share experiences, gather input for updating relevant WCO research reports, and promote digital transformation within Asia/Pacific customs administrations. This initiative seeks to enhance trade facilitation and compliance levels by leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among customs organizations in the region.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), is implementing a competency-based Human Resource Management system to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder relations. The project involves workshops to improve staff capabilities and plans to implement pilot projects. The WCO has pledged continued support to assist the MRA in achieving its modernization goals. This initiative aims to build a more effective and efficient tax administration system in Malawi.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
HS Code Overhaul 233 Changes to Impact Industries

HS Code Overhaul 233 Changes to Impact Industries

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released significant revisions to the HS Code, encompassing 233 changes across various sectors including agriculture, chemicals, and machinery. Businesses must closely monitor these changes, adjusting product classifications and declaration strategies. Optimizing logistics processes and enhancing international competitiveness are crucial. Staying informed about WCO updates is essential to anticipate future revisions and maintain compliance. Proactive adaptation to these changes will minimize disruptions and ensure smooth international trade operations.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
World Customs Organization Enhances Trade with Time Release Study

World Customs Organization Enhances Trade with Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance global trade efficiency and accelerate the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). TRS quantifies the time taken for goods clearance, helping countries identify bottlenecks and optimize processes. The WCO encourages members to share their TRS experiences and explore its application in international trade corridors. Furthermore, it aims to promote TRS as a global tool to drive trade facilitation worldwide.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Jordan Customs Boosts Project Management for Modernization

Jordan Customs Boosts Project Management for Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Jordan Customs in enhancing its project management capabilities. Through workshops and other initiatives, the WCO assists in building a project management framework, adopting results-oriented management, and emphasizing the role of the Project Management Office (PMO). This action aims to help Jordan Customs more effectively implement strategic projects, improve efficiency and productivity, and ultimately achieve customs modernization. The focus is on building internal capacity to manage projects effectively and achieve strategic goals.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Wcos Harmonized Customs Terms Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Wcos Harmonized Customs Terms Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) International Customs Terminology aims to establish unified customs terminology standards and facilitate international trade. It is recommended that all parties widely apply this interpretation, accurately cite it at the international level, and incorporate it into legislation and education. The WCO encourages all parties to provide timely feedback on implementation, jointly building a more prosperous global trade system. This standardization promotes clarity and efficiency in cross-border transactions, reducing ambiguity and fostering smoother international commerce.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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
Read More