Colombia Customs Boosts Risk Management with WCO Aid

Colombia Customs Boosts Risk Management with WCO Aid

The WCO held a workshop in Colombia to help DIAN improve its risk management capabilities. Experts provided instruction, and DIAN actively participated. The GTFP will continue to support DIAN's technological transformation over the next three years, promoting trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to strengthen DIAN's ability to identify and mitigate potential risks in cross-border trade, enhancing security and efficiency. Through enhanced risk management practices and customs cooperation, DIAN can contribute to a more secure and facilitated trade environment.

Lesotho Customs Enhances Trade with WCO PCA Support

Lesotho Customs Enhances Trade with WCO PCA Support

In June 2019, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to enhance the post clearance audit (PCA) capabilities of the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). By assessing the LRA's institutional setup, infrastructure, and technical approaches, the WCO aimed to assist Lesotho in better implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, optimizing trade processes, and fostering economic development. This collaboration demonstrates the WCO's vital role in global trade facilitation.

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

WCO Examines Customs Codes for Sustainable Textile Trade

WCO Examines Customs Codes for Sustainable Textile Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in facilitating sustainable textile trade. Participants discussed leveraging the HS coding system to identify environmentally friendly textiles, raising practical issues concerning textile waste classification, eco-labeling standards, and incorporating sustainability into product identification. The aim was to promote a greener HS coding system.

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Customs Program

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Customs Program

Kenya Customs requested the WCO to conduct an assessment of its trade facilitation measures. The assessment highlighted progress in information availability and risk management. However, improvements are needed in coordination between agencies, capacity building initiatives, and the further development of ICT infrastructure for customs procedures. The report emphasized the importance of addressing these areas to enhance trade efficiency and reduce trade costs for businesses operating in Kenya.

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Streamline Global Trade

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Streamline Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) met with the Policy Commission (PC) to discuss key issues including business resumption, data strategy, and Green Customs. The meeting highlighted the critical role of customs during the pandemic and called for the permanent implementation of trade facilitation measures. Participants emphasized leveraging data strategies and Green Customs initiatives to build a sustainable trade system. The importance of strengthening cooperation between customs and the private sector to reshape the global trade landscape was also underscored.

Azerbaijan Honors WCO Chief for Customs Reform Efforts

Azerbaijan Honors WCO Chief for Customs Reform Efforts

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya was awarded the “Order of Friendship” by the President of Azerbaijan for his outstanding contributions to customs reform in Azerbaijan. The article reviews the transformation of Azerbaijan's customs service, highlighting the WCO's supportive role and outlining future cooperation directions. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in customs modernization. The award recognizes Mikuriya's and the WCO's dedication to assisting Azerbaijan in enhancing its customs procedures and promoting efficient and secure trade facilitation.

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.

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools Under WCO Guidance

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools Under WCO Guidance

The WCO Asia-Pacific region launched a workshop on sharing experiences with disruptive technologies, focusing on the application of technologies such as blockchain, AI, and IoT in the customs field. Discussions covered public-private partnerships, data pipelines, and risk management, while emphasizing the role of international standards in achieving interoperability and paperless trade. The workshop provided valuable recommendations for the digital transformation of Asia-Pacific customs, aiming to build a secure, efficient, and intelligent global trade ecosystem. It highlighted the potential of these technologies to revolutionize customs operations and facilitate trade.

WCO Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Customs Training Pilot

WCO Eswatini Revenue Authority Launch Customs Training Pilot

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Service, launched a training evaluation pilot project to enhance the efficiency of customs officers. The project utilizes a five-level evaluation model to quantify training effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, optimize resource allocation, and promote best practices. The results of the pilot will be shared with WCO members in February 2022.