ISSA and AEO Certification Boost Global Trade Security

ISSA and AEO Certification Boost Global Trade Security

The ISSA Council discussed the integration of the ISSA Standard with the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) concept. By combining ISSA's quality standards with AEO certification, the aim is to enhance supply chain security, customs clearance efficiency, and business competitiveness, thereby facilitating global trade and healthy development. This collaboration will contribute to establishing a more transparent, efficient, and secure international trade environment. The synergy aims to streamline processes and foster trust among stakeholders within the global supply chain.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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World Customs Organization Pushes Data Standardization

World Customs Organization Pushes Data Standardization

The 3rd Working Group on Data and Statistics (WGDS) meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) focused on customs data standardization, security, and collaboration. Through standardizing enforcement statistics, promoting best practices in data sharing, strengthening cybersecurity protection, and unifying data terminology, the meeting aimed to build a data-driven customs framework. This framework is designed to facilitate and secure global trade by improving data quality and interoperability among customs administrations worldwide. The ultimate goal is enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is implementing a Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) capacity-building project in West Africa. Through workshops, assessments, and action plans, the project aims to enhance the GED awareness and practical capabilities of customs administrations in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This initiative seeks to promote a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient customs system, ultimately facilitating trade and fostering economic development in the region. The project focuses on improving internal policies and practices within the customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Streamlines Trade with Wcobacked Clearance Reforms

Jordan Customs Streamlines Trade with Wcobacked Clearance Reforms

With WCO support, the Jordan Customs Department held a workshop focused on optimizing fast clearance processes and enhancing trade facilitation. By establishing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Jordan Customs aims to standardize the expedited release of imported goods at air cargo facilities, fostering trade development. The GTFP project assists Jordan Customs in improving its fast clearance capabilities through various support activities, reducing trade costs and increasing trade efficiency. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and promoting economic growth in Jordan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a delegation from Uzbekistan Customs visited the Maldives to study post-clearance audit. Through experience exchange and practical exercises, Uzbekistan learned about the Maldives' best practices in risk management and trader compliance. Adapting these practices to their own context, Uzbekistan developed reform plans to improve its national post-clearance audit system and promote trade facilitation. The visit focused on building capacity and understanding practical implementation of modern audit techniques for enhanced efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

The WCO's SMART Borders workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the MENA region, highlighted the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain in customs processes. Through WCO best practice sharing and guidance from ZATCA, participants explored how to leverage technology to enhance border management efficiency, injecting new momentum into the MENA region's digital transformation. The event fostered discussions on optimizing customs procedures and improving security through innovative digital solutions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivian Customs, with WCO support, is upgrading its AEO program. This includes optimizing standards, expanding the program's scope, strengthening risk management and service provision, and promoting mutual recognition arrangements. The aim is to enhance trade facilitation, foster economic growth for businesses, and improve overall customs efficiency. The upgraded AEO program is expected to contribute significantly to Bolivia's trade competitiveness and its integration into the global trading system. The focus is on creating a more secure and predictable trade environment for authorized economic operators.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Rules to Be Updated Under HS Reform

Global Trade Rules to Be Updated Under HS Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an exploratory study for the strategic review of the Harmonized System (HS) code system. This aims to assess the system's usability, adequacy, and health, while exploring future development strategies. The review addresses new global trade challenges, enhances trade efficiency, and promotes trade facilitation and security. It lays the groundwork for a more efficient, fair, and sustainable global trade system. All parties are encouraged to actively participate and shape the future of the HS system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Supports African Free Trade with Harmonized Rules

EUWCO Project Supports African Free Trade with Harmonized Rules

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme aims to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by 2025. It focuses on finalizing the rules of origin, harmonizing key African origin regimes, and developing a community of practice for rules of origin. This initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for economic prosperity in Africa by facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The program will contribute to a more predictable and transparent trade environment across the continent.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme Steering Committee recently convened to review the 2025 project objectives. These objectives include assisting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in finalizing its rules of origin and harmonizing the rules of origin regimes across African countries. The program aims to foster intra-African trade growth and promote regional economic integration. The project seeks to streamline trade processes and reduce barriers within the continent, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous African economy.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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