West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

The online seminar for West and Central African Customs enhanced intelligence analysis capabilities to combat customs fraud and transnational crime. The training focused on WCO intelligence policies, RILO liaison, and other key areas. This initiative aimed to strengthen regional cooperation among customs administrations in the region. By improving information sharing and analytical skills, the seminar contributes to more effective border control and a safer trade environment. The ultimate goal is to disrupt illicit activities and promote legitimate trade flows within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

The 2018 Asia Pacific World Customs Organization Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held in Shanghai, focusing on customs capacity building. Discussions centered on e-learning, training strategy implementation, seminar benefit optimization, and strengthening RTC functions. The meeting fostered regional cooperation, clarified the direction of capacity building, promoted the implementation of the WCO training strategy, and enhanced the international influence of Asia Pacific Customs. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve customs practices and facilitate trade within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini is addressing trade facilitation challenges by reforming its human resource management system. With WCO support, the SRA conducted a 'People Development Diagnostic' to assess capacity gaps and committed to adopting competency-based management. By building competency models, optimizing training programs, improving performance management, and planning career development, Eswatini aims to enhance customs efficiency and promote economic development. This initiative serves as a valuable example for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs operations and leverage human capital for improved trade outcomes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Codes Boost Circular Economy Through Trade Harmonization

HS Codes Boost Circular Economy Through Trade Harmonization

A WCO seminar explored optimizing HS codes to more accurately reflect the life cycle of materials like plastics, metals, and wood. The aim is to support environmentally sustainable trade and the circular economy. Discussions focused on how refined HS classifications can better track and manage resources throughout their lifespan, promoting reuse, recycling, and reduced waste. This initiative aligns with global efforts to foster a more sustainable and resource-efficient global trading system and facilitate the implementation of green customs practices.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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Wcos Green HS Initiative Promotes Sustainable Global Trade

Wcos Green HS Initiative Promotes Sustainable Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the 'Green HS' initiative, aiming to support global sustainable trade by revising the Harmonized System (HS) code. The inaugural workshop focused on agricultural biodiversity and food security, bringing together stakeholders to gather proposals for the 2027 and subsequent HS revisions. This initiative seeks to transform the HS into a powerful tool for promoting sustainable trade practices worldwide. The goal is to ensure that HS codes accurately reflect and facilitate environmentally friendly and socially responsible trade activities.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Codes Boost Green Transition in Textile Industry

HS Codes Boost Green Transition in Textile Industry

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar exploring how the Harmonized System (HS) can support the green transition of the textile industry. Participants emphasized the importance of value chain transparency, industry sustainability strategies, circular economy standardization, and technological innovation. Discussions focused on the role of the HS in identifying environmentally friendly textiles, aiming to foster a greener global trade system. The seminar highlighted the potential of HS codes to promote sustainable practices and contribute to a more environmentally responsible textile sector worldwide.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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2017 HS Code Revisions Impact Global Trade Practices

2017 HS Code Revisions Impact Global Trade Practices

The World Customs Organization (WCO) implemented its fifth major revision to the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature and Coding system in 2017. This revision includes 233 sets of amendments spanning key sectors such as agriculture, chemicals, timber, textiles, base metals, machinery, and transportation. The aim of this revision is to enhance the accuracy and applicability of HS codes, thereby having a profound impact on global trade. These changes are crucial for businesses involved in international trade to ensure compliance and accurate classification of goods.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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