WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines. The workshop aimed to enhance strategic alignment, teamwork, and individual growth, thereby promoting trade facilitation reforms and improving trade efficiency. Focusing on key challenges, the workshop emphasized the importance of Time Release Studies. This initiative supports the BOC in achieving modernization and sustainable development within the Philippine customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Global Trade Classifications Under Harmonized System

WCO Updates Global Trade Classifications Under Harmonized System

The World Customs Organization released the decisions of the 60th session of the Harmonized System Committee, including new commodity classification opinions, revisions to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, and commodity classification rulings. Businesses should promptly understand and adapt to these changes by updating commodity databases, strengthening internal training, and seeking professional assistance when necessary. This ensures trade compliance and improves efficiency in international trade operations. Staying informed about these updates is crucial for navigating customs regulations effectively.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Serbian Customs Administration jointly organized a workshop to enhance the modernization of Serbian customs laboratories and customs management capabilities. By focusing on the application of the Harmonized System (HS) and the construction of customs laboratories, Serbian Customs aims to improve the accuracy of commodity classification, build a trade security barrier, and contribute to international trade facilitation. This initiative underscores Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and best practices in customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Boost Global Trade

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Boost Global Trade

The World Customs Organization virtual working group meeting focused on gender equality and diversity within trade facilitation, emphasizing collaboration to foster an inclusive customs environment. Discussions explored the link between gender, inclusion, and trade, highlighting the need to raise awareness of the gender impact of trade policies. Customs administrations shared measures to promote gender equality and inclusion, aiming to ensure that more women and marginalized groups benefit from trade. The meeting underscored the importance of creating a level playing field and addressing systemic barriers to participation in international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and WTO Boost Global Trade Facilitation Committees

WCO and WTO Boost Global Trade Facilitation Committees

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), held a high-level course for chairs of National Trade Facilitation Committees. The course aimed to enhance participants' understanding of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and strengthen their ability to engage with stakeholders. The WCO shared its experience in stakeholder consultation and resource mobilization, introducing relevant tools and standards to support countries in establishing and improving their National Trade Facilitation Committees. This collaborative effort contributes to building a more open and efficient global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

The WCO assessed Kenya Customs' implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), analyzing progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. The assessment led to the development of a multi-year implementation plan and a maturity model evaluation. The WCO's work aimed to support Kenya in streamlining its customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing its overall competitiveness. The assessment provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current TFA implementation efforts and identified key priorities for future action, ensuring sustainable and impactful trade facilitation reforms.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Global Trade with New Performance Metrics

WCO Boosts Global Trade with New Performance Metrics

The World Customs Organization has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism, aiming to empower member customs administrations to improve strategic decision-making and overall effectiveness through a standardized assessment framework. This mechanism covers key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and security, promoting global customs modernization and contributing to trade facilitation and economic security. A call is made for active participation from all members to jointly build an efficient and secure global customs system. This initiative will help customs administrations enhance their performance and contribute to a safer and more prosperous global trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Support

Bahrain Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Support

Bahrain Customs is collaborating with the WCO to enhance its post-clearance audit and advance ruling capabilities. This initiative aims to align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and establish a more efficient customs clearance system. By strengthening these key areas, Bahrain Customs seeks to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and improve overall efficiency in its operations. This partnership underscores Bahrain's commitment to modernizing its customs procedures and fostering a more conducive environment for international trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through a workshop, technical assistance, and an action plan. This aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The initiative focuses on strengthening the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)'s customs risk management, improving control effectiveness, and promoting trade facilitation. Ultimately, this contributes to the country's sustainable economic development by optimizing revenue collection and streamlining trade processes.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Boosts Efficiency Security with WCO Upgrade

Jordan Customs Boosts Efficiency Security with WCO Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully piloted a new organizational risk management diagnostic tool within Jordan Customs, aiming to enhance its risk management capabilities in the face of increasingly complex international trade. Through comprehensive assessment and targeted recommendations, the WCO assisted Jordan Customs in developing an action plan to improve both clearance efficiency and security. This initiative serves as a valuable reference for the modernization efforts of other customs administrations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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