WCO Releases Handbook for Customs Performance Excellence

WCO Releases Handbook for Customs Performance Excellence

The WCO has released a Customs Performance Assessment Handbook, providing tools such as assessment guidelines, KPI selection, and data management. It aims to improve the operational efficiency and service levels of customs administrations. The handbook offers a framework for measuring and enhancing performance across various customs functions, ultimately contributing to more effective border management and trade facilitation. It serves as a valuable resource for customs agencies seeking to optimize their processes and achieve strategic goals related to revenue collection, security, and compliance.

WCO Enhances Bahamas Customs Tariff Classification Skills

WCO Enhances Bahamas Customs Tariff Classification Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continuously supports the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department (BCED) in enhancing its customs classification capabilities through technical assistance agreements. The WCO organized several Harmonized System (HS) training workshops to improve the professional skills of Bahamian customs officers and develop internal training capacity. These efforts help the Bahamas to classify goods more accurately and promote international trade development.

WCO Backs Trade Growth for Landlocked Nations

WCO Backs Trade Growth for Landlocked Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) reaffirms its commitment to the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA), assisting Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in overcoming geographical constraints and achieving trade facilitation and economic transformation through simplified customs procedures, capacity building, and international cooperation. WCO's specific actions include developing standards, implementing projects, issuing guidelines, and establishing a pool of experts. These efforts aim to build an efficient, transparent, and secure global trade environment, jointly promoting the sustainable development of LLDCs.

Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

Uzbekistan Strengthens Customs Controls with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), provided remote technical assistance to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. Through theoretical reviews, practical exercises, and case studies, the project significantly improved the auditing skills of Uzbek customs officers and provided recommendations for developing specific customs procedures. This initiative supports Uzbekistan's efforts to improve its trade facilitation level.

WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Trade

WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Trade

The WCO's 'Global Green Customs Conference' brought together experts in trade, customs, and environment to discuss border environmental protection. The conference focused on topics such as the circular economy, waste trade, timber trade, and HS code classification, emphasizing the crucial role and responsibility of customs in promoting green trade, combating illegal trade, and building a sustainable future. The conference aimed to strengthen international cooperation, raise public awareness, and collectively address global environmental challenges.

WCO Aids Liberia in Trade Efficiency Study

WCO Aids Liberia in Trade Efficiency Study

The WCO is supporting Liberia Customs in a Time Release Study (TRS) project aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade. The project focuses on analyzing and streamlining cargo release processes to reduce delays and enhance overall customs operations. Capacity building initiatives are also included to ensure the sustainability of improvements. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, contributing to a more efficient and effective customs environment in Liberia.

Thailand Boosts Crossborder Trade with WCO Backing

Thailand Boosts Crossborder Trade with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Coordinated Border Management (CBM) workshop in Thailand to enhance the Thai Customs' cross-border trade management capabilities. The workshop focused on key areas such as cooperation between border agencies, Single Window implementation, and paperless trade. Participants also conducted a site visit to a border checkpoint to provide expert recommendations for upgrading Thailand Customs' CBM. This initiative aims to help Thailand create an efficient and convenient cross-border trade environment.

WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual workshop on customs valuation for Panama Customs, aiming to enhance its capacity to implement the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. The workshop covered key concepts, latest developments, and post-clearance audit applications of the Agreement. Through a combination of theory and practice, it improved participants' skills in document review, customs clearance, and risk management. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation to support global customs capacity building and promote trade prosperity.

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.

Ghana Customs Officials Attend WCO Leadership Workshop

Ghana Customs Officials Attend WCO Leadership Workshop

The WCO collaborated with the Ghana Revenue Authority to conduct a leadership workshop aimed at enhancing customs management capabilities and promoting modernization. This initiative supports the ongoing efforts to strengthen customs operations in Ghana. The World Bank provides funding to support customs capacity building in Africa, contributing to improved trade facilitation and revenue collection. The workshop focused on developing leadership skills among customs officials, enabling them to effectively manage teams and implement modern customs practices. The ultimate goal is to create a more efficient and effective customs administration in Ghana.