Sri Lanka Customs Enhances Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Sri Lanka Customs Enhances Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in Sri Lanka to enhance the Sri Lankan Customs' PCA capabilities, optimize the trade environment, and increase revenue collection. Through expert guidance and practical exercises, the workshop aimed to help Sri Lankan Customs develop more efficient PCA processes, improve clearance efficiency, enhance corporate compliance awareness, and promote trade development. It focused on building a robust and effective PCA system to ensure accurate revenue collection and streamlined trade procedures.

WCO Backs Madagascars AEO Program to Enhance Trade Growth

WCO Backs Madagascars AEO Program to Enhance Trade Growth

With funding from HM Revenue & Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully supported Madagascar Customs in implementing its AEO program, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and supply chain security. Through technical exchanges and international experience sharing, the WCO assisted Madagascar in optimizing customs clearance procedures, improving business competitiveness, and promoting sustainable economic development. This collaboration represents another significant demonstration of the WCO's ongoing commitment to capacity building and international cooperation.

Philippines Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

Philippines Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

The Philippines has launched a National Time Release Study (TRS) in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to optimize import and export clearance processes for sea cargo. The study aims to identify bottlenecks, enhance efficiency, and provide evidence-based recommendations for reforms, ultimately boosting the Philippines' trade competitiveness and fulfilling its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The final report is expected by the end of 2025, laying the groundwork for sustainable trade facilitation.

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Digitalization

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Digitalization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides crucial support for the modernization of Saudi Customs, facilitating a more efficient and intelligent trade ecosystem through IT diagnostics and WCO Data Model workshops. Saudi Customs is actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives, including the "Fasah" Single Window, "Nebras" system upgrades, and NII equipment integration. The WCO Data Model will assist Saudi Customs in achieving seamless connectivity with international trading partners, streamlining processes and enhancing data exchange for improved trade facilitation and security.

WCO Aids Palestine in Trade Facilitation Through Audit Reforms

WCO Aids Palestine in Trade Facilitation Through Audit Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission to Palestine, aiming to enhance Palestinian Customs' PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Through assessments, discussions, and site visits, the WCO provided targeted capacity-building support to Palestinian Customs. This assistance helps Palestine establish a more efficient and transparent customs system, ultimately fostering economic development. The mission focused on identifying areas for improvement and recommending strategies to strengthen their post-clearance audit processes.

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the ACE Expert Portal to optimize global expert resource management and enhance capacity building efficiency. This platform empowers individual expert development, facilitates knowledge sharing, and supports member-driven development. Through centralized management and permission settings, the ACE Expert Portal helps the WCO build a talent-driven customs organization, contributing to global trade security and facilitation. It aims to streamline expert identification, deployment, and knowledge transfer, ultimately strengthening customs administrations worldwide.

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an Intellectual Property (IP) seminar in Panama, aiming to enhance the capacity of Latin American customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods. The seminar focused on strategic implementation, regional collaboration, digital transformation, and practical exercises. These efforts are designed to lay the foundation for a new landscape of secure trade. The event emphasized the importance of coordinated actions in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of illicit goods across borders within the region.

WCO Launches Scholarships for Small Island Economies Capacity Building

WCO Launches Scholarships for Small Island Economies Capacity Building

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a scholarship program for Small Island Economies (SIEs) to enhance the capacity building of customs officials in these regions. The program provides training in areas such as international economics, trade regulations, data analysis, and risk management to SIEs customs officials through needs assessments, curriculum design, and expert instruction. It aims to help them improve customs management and promote sustainable economic development.

WCO Introduces New Customs Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chains

WCO Introduces New Customs Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chains

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized the importance of global supply chain resilience at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference. He highlighted six key challenges: digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce, environment, and border conflicts. He called for strengthened customs cooperation, simplified clearance procedures, promotion of mutual recognition and interoperability, and support for cross-border e-commerce and green customs. These measures aim to build a more resilient global supply chain ecosystem, helping businesses navigate uncertainties and achieve sustainable development.