WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly released the 'Study Report on Disruptive Technologies (2022),' focusing on the application of seven technologies, including blockchain, IoT, and AI, in the customs domain. The report analyzes technology trends, shares practical case studies, and provides strategic recommendations for customs' digital transformation. It aims to promote global trade facilitation and economic growth by leveraging these disruptive technologies to modernize customs procedures and enhance efficiency.

WCO Conference Global Customs Push for Green Trade Barriers

WCO Conference Global Customs Push for Green Trade Barriers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Green Customs Global Conference highlighted customs' crucial role in environmental protection. Through strategic upgrades, round table discussions, and technological innovations, the conference explored topics such as the circular economy, cross-border waste management, and the greening of the Harmonized System (HS). The aim was to promote green trade, enhance regulatory efficiency, strengthen international cooperation, and collectively address environmental challenges, building a global green barrier.

MENA Customs Boost Data Analytics at WCO Doha Workshop

MENA Customs Boost Data Analytics at WCO Doha Workshop

The World Customs Organization held its first regional workshop on data analysis in Doha, Qatar. The aim was to enhance data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and explore its applications in customs management. The workshop shared best practices and laid the groundwork for developing data analysis strategies in the MENA region. This initiative seeks to improve customs efficiency, promote trade security, and foster economic development by leveraging data-driven insights.

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the World Customs Organization (WCO) undertook a support mission to Cambodia. The mission aimed to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and assist in developing a five-year strategic plan. Through gap analysis and strategic planning, the WCO will help Cambodia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic development. The support focuses on identifying areas needing improvement and providing guidance for a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance trade efficiency.

WCO and OIE Partner to Boost Crossborder Trade Safety

WCO and OIE Partner to Boost Crossborder Trade Safety

The World Customs Organization and the World Organisation for Animal Health are strengthening cooperation to create a safer, more efficient, and equitable cross-border trade environment. This collaboration focuses on enhancing cooperation among border agencies, implementing trade facilitation agreements, coordinating risk management, and building capacity. The goal is to promote global economic development and bring multiple benefits to businesses, consumers, and governments by streamlining processes and reinforcing security measures at borders.

WCO and IDB Partner to Enhance Latin American Trade

WCO and IDB Partner to Enhance Latin American Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) participated in a policy dialogue with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), sharing trade facilitation experiences to support trade development in Latin America. Key initiatives highlighted included the Single Window, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and the Mercator Program. The WCO emphasized the importance of international cooperation in promoting global trade. The dialogue aimed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Latin American region and beyond.

Lebanon Customs Adopts WCO Risk Management for Trade Security

Lebanon Customs Adopts WCO Risk Management for Trade Security

Lebanese Customs, in collaboration with the WCO, held a risk management workshop to enhance Lebanese Customs' risk management capabilities and build a new line of defense for trade security. The workshop covered risk management organization, assessment, targeting, and information intelligence, emphasizing systems thinking and resource optimization. It also introduced relevant WCO tools. This collaboration marks a significant step for Lebanese Customs in risk management, contributing to a new landscape of global trade security. The workshop aimed to improve efficiency and safety in international trade.

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

The Director General of Swedish Customs led a delegation to visit the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on discussions about digital transformation, international cooperation, and trade facilitation. Emphasis was placed on leveraging information technology to enhance customs efficiency, strengthening information sharing, and jointly addressing global challenges. Appreciation was expressed for Sweden's significant support in WCO projects. This meeting injected new vitality into the future development of global customs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions in the international trade landscape.

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.