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
Read More
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
Read More
Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

A WCO seminar in Tunisia explored advance processing systems and e-commerce challenges to improve customs efficiency. Advance processing uses pre-arrival data for risk assessment, speeding clearance, controlling risks, and facilitating compliance. E-commerce challenges require customs to adopt risk management, technology, and collaboration strategies. Tunisian Customs is actively revising regulations, piloting programs, sharing data, and building capacity to embrace change, ultimately benefiting consumers. This proactive approach aims to streamline processes, enhance security, and adapt to the evolving landscape of international trade in the digital age.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malaysia Boosts Border Security with Wcobacked Risk System

Malaysia Boosts Border Security with Wcobacked Risk System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a risk management workshop in Malaysia to support the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) in strengthening its border security. The workshop focused on risk identification, targeting, postal/express consignment risk management, and international cooperation. By combining theory and practice, it aimed to enhance RMCD's risk management capabilities, laying the foundation for building a smart customs administration and safeguarding national security. The workshop provided valuable insights and practical tools for RMCD to improve its risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global “Green Customs” reflection, exploring revisions to the Harmonized System (HS) code to better integrate environmental considerations and promote a global green economy through a series of workshops. These workshops focus on five key areas: food, chemicals, textiles, basic materials, and green technologies. They provide valuable insights and recommendations for the 'greening' of the HS coding system, aiming to build a more sustainable future. The initiative seeks to leverage trade policies to support environmental protection and sustainable development goals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova, with support from Switzerland and the WCO, has launched the "Mercator Program" to streamline customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, and foster economic growth and regional cooperation. The initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, simplify documentation, and enhance transparency in cross-border trade. By implementing modern customs practices and technologies, Moldova seeks to boost its competitiveness and integrate further into the global economy. The Mercator Program is expected to contribute significantly to Moldova's economic development and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

A regional workshop held by the World Customs Organization in Saudi Arabia focused on coordinating border management, Single Window implementation, and the application of the WCO Data Model in the Middle East and North Africa region. The conference emphasized the importance of strategic planning, business process re-engineering, and data harmonization. The aim is to facilitate regional cross-border trade and economic development by streamlining procedures, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency. This initiative seeks to create a more seamless and effective trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

The 19th Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of French-Speaking Countries was held in Senegal, focusing on trade facilitation, economic competitiveness, and customs cooperation in combating illicit trade. The conference adopted the 'Dakar Declaration,' which proposes ten recommendations aimed at simplifying customs clearance procedures, strengthening information sharing, deepening regional cooperation, and improving personnel skills. The WCO pledged its support and will establish a follow-up monitoring system. The Prime Minister of Senegal expressed appreciation and encouragement for the work of customs officials from French-speaking countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More