EUWCO Project Boosts African Customs Modernization Trade

EUWCO Project Boosts African Customs Modernization Trade

The EU-WCO cooperation project promotes customs modernization in Africa by optimizing the Harmonized System and rules of origin, and strengthening capacity building. This creates a more efficient trade environment, fostering intra-African trade and regional economic integration. The project has yielded significant results and will continue to support African customs development, contributing to the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Its focus on streamlining procedures and enhancing skills will be crucial for unlocking Africa's trade potential and fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

The G7 Trade Ministers' joint statement highlights new trends in global trade, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in enhancing supply chain resilience, regulating e-commerce, and addressing climate change. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively responds, committing to strengthen cooperation with emerging economies and enhance customs capacity building to address modern business challenges and promote efficient, responsible global trade. This includes focusing on streamlined procedures, data sharing, and technology adoption to improve border management and facilitate legitimate trade flows while combating illicit activities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts Trade with Wcobacked AEO Program

Philippines Boosts Trade with Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Through capacity building missions and practical exercises, the initiative aims to improve BOC officials' skills in verifying AEO security standards. This effort seeks to promote trade facilitation in the Philippines, foster a better business environment, and support its cooperation within ASEAN. Further in-depth training will be provided to refine the AEO system, injecting new momentum into the Philippines' trade development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Serbian Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and attract more business participation. Through capacity building, strategic optimization, and dialogue with the private sector, Serbia's AEO program will better align with international standards, providing businesses with a more convenient trading environment and promoting economic development. The upgrades focus on streamlining processes and enhancing security within the supply chain.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Customs experts from the Asia-Pacific region gathered in India to discuss best practices in customs transit. The workshop focused on the WCO Transit Guidelines, shared experiences in railway transit, and explored future development directions. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the application of information technology, improve laws and regulations, enhance capacity building, and foster public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to jointly build a new landscape for customs transit in the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jamaica Introduces Trade Advance Rulings to Boost Business

Jamaica Introduces Trade Advance Rulings to Boost Business

Jamaica is actively implementing an Advance Ruling System to improve trade efficiency and reduce business costs. Supported technically by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the new Customs Act will provide a legal framework for the system. By determining tariff classifications and origin in advance, the system reduces trade risks, optimizes supply chain management, and helps Jamaica integrate into the global economy, ushering in new trade development opportunities. This initiative aims to foster a more predictable and transparent trading environment for businesses operating in or with Jamaica.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in international efforts to protect the ozone layer by strengthening border controls, combating illegal trade, and enhancing customs capacity. These measures effectively enforce multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation, risk management, and technological applications to safeguard human health and the global environment. The WCO's commitment to environmental security ensures a safer and healthier planet for future generations by preventing the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances and promoting sustainable practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released new Advisory Opinion 4.19 on customs valuation, addressing the complex valuation issues related to royalties and license fees under Article 8.1(c) of the Customs Valuation Agreement. This opinion clarifies the valuation principles for single royalties encompassing both patents and trademarks. It assists businesses in accurately calculating import costs, reducing valuation disputes, and promoting the healthy development of international trade. This guidance aims to provide clarity and consistency in the application of customs valuation rules related to intellectual property rights.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

The WCO Asia-Pacific E-commerce Symposium focuses on 15 core standards for cross-border e-commerce, aiming to promote regional e-commerce standardization, ensure smooth trade flows, and boost economic recovery. The symposium highlights the importance of harmonized customs procedures and data standards to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border transactions within the Asia-Pacific region. By adopting these standards, countries can reduce trade barriers, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust among trading partners, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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