WCO Backs Ugandas Trade Reforms to Boost Economy

WCO Backs Ugandas Trade Reforms to Boost Economy

The WCO assisted Uganda in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, enhancing customs capabilities. This support focused on optimizing strategic planning, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and risk management. A multi-year development plan was also formulated to guide Uganda Customs in its modernization efforts, streamlining processes and improving efficiency in line with international standards. The collaboration aims to facilitate trade and boost economic growth in Uganda through enhanced customs procedures and improved border management.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Harmonized System for Global Trade Classification

WCO Updates Harmonized System for Global Trade Classification

The 59th session of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Committee released commodity classification decisions with significant implications for global trade rules. Import and export companies should closely monitor the revisions, understand their national customs implementation details, and consider utilizing professional organizations for commodity classification advance rulings to ensure trade compliance. This proactive approach minimizes potential risks and ensures smooth international trade operations.

01/22/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Enhances Cambodias Trade Controls to Curb Proliferation

WCO Enhances Cambodias Trade Controls to Curb Proliferation

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) program helps countries like Cambodia enhance their strategic trade control capabilities through online training and other means, preventing the illicit trafficking of weapons of mass destruction and related items. This article introduces the STCE program's focus, the four pillars of a strategic trade control system, and key tools such as the Strategic Trade Atlas. It emphasizes the importance of strategic trade control in maintaining global security by preventing the proliferation of sensitive goods and technologies that could be used for nefarious purposes.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Benin Customs Boosts Gender Equality with WCO Backing

Benin Customs Boosts Gender Equality with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with Benin Customs to promote inclusive customs by implementing Gender Equality and Diversity (GEDC) policies. This follow-up mission included awareness workshops, assessed the progress of the GED action plan implementation, and offered recommendations for improvement. The aim is to establish a more equitable and efficient working environment within Benin Customs. The mission focused on evaluating the effectiveness of current initiatives and identifying areas where further action is needed to ensure a truly inclusive and diverse workforce within the Benin Customs administration.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan Adopts Harmonized System Codes to Boost Trade

Tajikistan hosted its first national workshop on the WCO Harmonized System (HS) to enhance customs commodity classification capabilities and align with international standards. The workshop covered the HS Convention, best practices in tariff classification, and the use of WCO tools. The IFC expressed appreciation for the cooperation between the WCO and Tajik Customs. This workshop marks a significant step for Tajikistan in the field of tariff classification, creating a fairer trading environment for businesses.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Expert Group Boosts Customs Efficiency with Enhanced Audit System

WCO Expert Group Boosts Customs Efficiency with Enhanced Audit System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) expert group workshop in Canada to revise the 2012 WCO PCA Guidelines and enhance global customs audit capabilities. Customs experts from six regions shared experiences and discussed key issues such as risk management and data analysis. The WCO will continue to follow up and utilize the CLiKC! platform to promote communication, helping customs administrations worldwide build more efficient and accurate audit systems.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Global Tech Leaders to Convene at 2026 WCO Conference

Global Tech Leaders to Convene at 2026 WCO Conference

The World Customs Organization (WCO) will hold a technical conference in 2026, bringing together experts and stakeholders from the global customs sector to discuss innovations in customs technology and modernization in management. The conference aims to promote international cooperation and the sharing of experiences, fostering improvements in customs efficiency and transparency.

08/08/2025 Logistics
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WCO and UN Push for Global Trade Data Standardization

WCO and UN Push for Global Trade Data Standardization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommends that its member customs administrations transmit trade data based on the Harmonized System (HS) to the United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD). This aims to promote the standardization and interoperability of global trade data. This initiative is significant for improving data quality, strengthening international cooperation, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering sustainable development. Ultimately, it contributes to building a new landscape for global trade data sharing.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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