WCO Boosts East and Southern Africa Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Boosts East and Southern Africa Customs for Trade Growth

The 36th WCO ESA Regional Steering Group Meeting focused on customs modernization, emphasizing capacity building, regional cooperation, and strategic guidance. The ROCB's report highlighted its contributions to capacity building and technical assistance. The WCO Secretariat presented strategic plans and emerging issues. Businesses should focus on policies, strengthen compliance, participate in capacity building initiatives, communicate with customs authorities, and embrace technological innovation to seize opportunities and achieve business growth. This meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic alignment for effective trade facilitation in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids MENA Customs in Trade Boost Via Harmonized System

WCO Aids MENA Customs in Trade Boost Via Harmonized System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the implementation of the Harmonized System by customs administrations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, enhancing trade facilitation. Through workshops on the HS 2017 amendments and promotion of advance rulings, the WCO assists regional customs in improving management and promoting economic development. Future cooperation will focus on capacity building, technical assistance, and long-term planning to address new challenges in global trade. This aims to further streamline processes and boost regional economic growth within the MENA region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin American Brokers Praise WCO Trade Reforms

Latin American Brokers Praise WCO Trade Reforms

At the Latin American Association of Customs Brokers Congress, the WCO was lauded for its efforts in advancing customs modernization and fostering cooperation. The WCO's Economic Competitiveness Package aims to streamline customs procedures, strengthen international collaboration, promote technology adoption, and deepen public-private partnerships to enhance global trade efficiency. Latin America is actively implementing modernization measures like e-declaration. Customs brokers need to improve their professionalization, digitalization, and cooperation to jointly promote global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Trade Aid for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

WCO Enhances Trade Aid for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized at the Annual Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) the WCO's commitment to supporting LLDCs in overcoming pandemic challenges and accelerating trade facilitation to achieve sustainable development goals through standard setting, capacity building, and enhanced cooperation. WCO's specific initiatives include promoting international standards, fostering regional cooperation, addressing the impact of the pandemic, and promoting data-driven decision-making.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenyas AEO Program Enhances Trade with WCO Backing

Kenyas AEO Program Enhances Trade with WCO Backing

With Sida's support, the WCO conducted AEO training for Kenya Customs, promoting cross-border cooperation and trade facilitation. The training recommended strengthening policy coordination and risk management to foster mutual recognition cooperation. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency and security of the supply chain, benefiting both Kenya and its trading partners by streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade barriers. The focus on AEO implementation contributes to a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Global Trade with Tech and Collaboration

WCO Advances Global Trade with Tech and Collaboration

The 221st/222nd sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) focused on technical innovation and cooperation. Discussions covered topics such as railway cooperation, cross-border e-commerce, and indirect tax collection. The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by Small Island Economies and highlighted emerging areas like gender equality and the future direction of customs. The PTC aims to promote global trade facilitation and security through these discussions and collaborative efforts.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop in Baku Boosts Customs Evidence Collection

WCO Workshop in Baku Boosts Customs Evidence Collection

The 2nd WCO COPES Regional Workshop was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, aiming to enhance evidence collection capabilities of customs administrations in the region to combat transnational crime. Through interactive training and experience sharing, the workshop strengthened the professional skills of customs officials from various countries and laid the foundation for future international cooperation. The COPES project will continue to strengthen international cooperation, focus on emerging forms of crime, and contribute to building a safer world.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial importance of cooperation between customs and phytosanitary authorities, especially within the context of trade facilitation, at the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) meeting. The article elaborates on the necessity of this collaboration, WCO's initiatives, global case studies, and future prospects. It emphasizes policy coordination, technology promotion, and capacity building as key elements for successful cooperation in safeguarding plant health while facilitating international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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