EU WCO Enhance African Trade Via Customs Initiative

EU WCO Enhance African Trade Via Customs Initiative

The EU-WCO Africa Programme conference was held in Mauritius, assessing achievements and planning for the future. The conference focused on customs, rules of origin, and regional cooperation, aiming to promote trade prosperity in Africa. Key discussions revolved around enhancing customs efficiency, simplifying trade procedures, and fostering collaboration among African nations. The goal is to unlock the continent's trade potential and contribute to sustainable economic growth through improved customs practices and stronger regional partnerships. The meeting served as a platform for sharing best practices and identifying areas for further development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Risk Training in Americas Caribbean

WCO Enhances Customs Risk Training in Americas Caribbean

With the support of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Risk Management Pre-Accreditation Workshop for the Americas and Caribbean region in Guatemala City. The workshop aimed to expand the WCO's pool of experts and enhance member's capabilities in risk management. Participants were assessed on their technical knowledge, presentation skills, and communication abilities. This initiative contributes to building a safer and more efficient global trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Clarifies Customs Codes to Ease Global Trade

WCO Clarifies Customs Codes to Ease Global Trade

The 56th session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Committee (HSC) released its latest classification rulings and opinions, covering items such as powdered alcohol, two-piece garments, and baby carriers. Revisions were also made to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes. These updates aim to provide import and export companies with more accurate HS code guidance, reduce trade costs, and improve customs clearance efficiency. The rulings and notes are crucial for proper commodity classification and compliance.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Advances Global Trade with Tech and Collaboration

WCO Advances Global Trade with Tech and Collaboration

The 221st/222nd sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) focused on technical innovation and cooperation. Discussions covered topics such as railway cooperation, cross-border e-commerce, and indirect tax collection. The meeting also addressed the challenges faced by Small Island Economies and highlighted emerging areas like gender equality and the future direction of customs. The PTC aims to promote global trade facilitation and security through these discussions and collaborative efforts.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

With funding from China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Mozambique Tax Authority in modernizing its human resources management system. Through diagnostic assessments and workshops, the WCO provided recommendations to improve employee competence, enhance organizational efficiency, and ultimately better achieve its strategic goals. This capacity building initiative aims to strengthen the Mozambique Tax Authority's HR practices, leading to improved performance and effectiveness in revenue collection and customs administration. The project focuses on developing skills and knowledge within the organization.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a training manual on preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. This manual aims to enhance the expertise and skills of frontline customs officers, strengthening their role in protecting cultural heritage. The tool's publication contributes to improved global cultural heritage protection and fosters international cooperation among customs administrations. It provides practical guidance and resources to help customs officers identify, detect, and seize illegally traded cultural artifacts, ultimately combating the devastating impact of cultural heritage crime.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

The WCO is assisting Bhutan in developing its advance ruling system and optimizing tariff classification, enhancing customs capacity, facilitating trade, increasing revenue, and improving the business environment. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs procedures and providing traders with certainty regarding tariff treatment before import or export. By implementing a robust advance ruling system, Bhutan aims to streamline trade processes, reduce disputes, and attract foreign investment. The project contributes to the overall modernization of Bhutanese customs and its alignment with international best practices.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and action plan development. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to reduce cargo release times, improve the business environment, and fulfill its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to streamline customs procedures and contribute to economic growth by reducing delays and costs associated with international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conducted a mission to Liberia to enhance the country's customs capacity and facilitation in responding to epidemics and natural disasters. By assessing needs, strengthening cooperation, and developing standard operating procedures, the mission laid the groundwork for improving Liberia's humanitarian relief system. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the customs framework.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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