WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

WTO and WCO Boost Trade Facilitation for Pandemic Recovery

The WCO actively participates in WTO trade facilitation efforts, sharing pandemic response measures to help members promote cross-border trade. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to advance trade facilitation initiatives. It has been instrumental in providing guidance and best practices to its members, enabling them to navigate the challenges posed by the pandemic and maintain essential trade flows. The WCO remains committed to supporting its members in their efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade costs, ultimately fostering economic growth and development.

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS) aims to help customs administrations identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve trade facilitation by quantifying the time taken for goods to clear customs. This article uses the TRS workshop in Kyrgyzstan as an example to detail the implementation steps, benefits, and challenges of TRS. It also looks at future developments, emphasizing that TRS is a key tool for improving customs efficiency and promoting global trade. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their customs procedures and facilitate international commerce.

WCO Updates Global Trade Codes in 20122017 Harmonized System

WCO Updates Global Trade Codes in 20122017 Harmonized System

The WCO's HS Correlation Tables (2012 vs. 2017 versions) are crucial for international trade. They serve as a foundation for countries developing new tariff systems, a bridge for international standards alignment, and a vital tool in WTO negotiations. Businesses should thoroughly study these tables, update internal systems, enhance employee training, and consult professionals to address the impact of HS version updates. This proactive approach will improve trade efficiency and ensure compliance with evolving regulations, minimizing potential disruptions and maximizing opportunities in the global marketplace.

Cameroon Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Backing for Reform

Cameroon Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Backing for Reform

In 2015, Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO, held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop. The aim was to develop managerial talent to address the challenges of reclaiming outsourced functions. The workshop enhanced the strategic management, leadership, and communication skills of managers. It also resulted in a roadmap for reclaiming outsourced functions, demonstrating a commitment to customs reform. Cameroon Customs expressed gratitude for the WCO's support and looked forward to future development.

Gambia Enhances Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Facilitation Support

Gambia Enhances Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Facilitation Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in hosting a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop to enhance trade facilitation. Through expert guidance, practical exercises, and action plan development, Gambia aims to establish a trade facilitation baseline, improve its business environment, and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The TRS will precisely identify customs clearance bottlenecks, optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance business competitiveness.

WCO and WTO Boost Trade Facilitation for Global Businesses

WCO and WTO Boost Trade Facilitation for Global Businesses

This article interprets the key issues discussed at the joint meeting of the WCO Trade Facilitation Agreement Working Group (TFAWG) and the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC). It analyzes the progress of the WTO TFA, the WCO Mercator Program, and Time Release Studies. Furthermore, it provides actionable guidance for businesses, helping them to capitalize on trade facilitation opportunities and enhance their global competitiveness. The article highlights the importance of understanding and adapting to these initiatives to improve efficiency and reduce trade costs for businesses operating internationally.

Global Customs Agencies Adopt Agile Tech at WCO 2026

Global Customs Agencies Adopt Agile Tech at WCO 2026

The 2026 WCO Technology Conference in Abu Dhabi successfully concluded, focusing on "Customs Agility in a Complex World." The conference highlighted the pivotal role of technology in enhancing customs efficiency and ensuring trade security. Discussions covered the application of technologies like non-intrusive inspection, risk management, and cloud computing, emphasizing international cooperation and multi-stakeholder engagement. A hackathon showcased innovative practices, pointing towards the development of smarter, more secure, and efficient customs operations.

WCO Urges Streamlined Data to Boost Global Handicraft Trade

WCO Urges Streamlined Data to Boost Global Handicraft Trade

The World Customs Organization's 2000 recommendation aims to encourage member customs agencies to incorporate handicraft subheadings into their national statistical classifications, simplifying the collection and comparison of related trade data. By clarifying the definition of handicrafts, establishing certification regulations, and adding handicraft subheadings, the recommendation enhances the transparency and comparability of trade data. This provides policymakers and businesses with more accurate market information, thereby promoting the sustainable development of handicraft trade.

Philippines Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO World Bank Aid

Philippines Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO World Bank Aid

Philippine Customs is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank to advance reform and modernization projects. These projects encompass three main objectives: strengthening the information technology infrastructure, revitalizing the human resource management system, and supporting the development of the Customs Academy. Through this international cooperation, Philippine Customs aims to enhance its modernization efforts and contribute more effectively to economic development.

WCO Enhances Ethiopias Tax Revenue with Improved Audit System

WCO Enhances Ethiopias Tax Revenue with Improved Audit System

The WCO is assisting Ethiopian Customs in upgrading its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. This includes updating the PCA manual, optimizing audit procedures, and introducing risk assessment methodologies. These improvements aim to enhance tax revenue collection efficiency. The project focuses on strengthening Ethiopian Customs' ability to effectively conduct post-clearance audits, thereby contributing to improved trade facilitation and overall customs administration performance. The WCO's support is crucial for building a more modern and efficient customs system in Ethiopia.