WCO Advances Data Standards to Ease Global Passenger Travel

WCO Advances Data Standards to Ease Global Passenger Travel

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Passenger Facilitation and Control Working Group (PFCWG) 2nd Meeting focused on cruise best practices, global data standards, and secure travel. Discussions centered on draft data standards, emphasizing international cooperation and the application of technology to promote global traveler facilitation and control. The aim is to ensure safe, seamless, and sustainable international travel. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among customs administrations to streamline processes and enhance security measures, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure global travel experience.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its Customs Laboratory Guide, adding Annex V, which provides information on Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs) and the procedures and requirements for establishing them. This initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity building, assisting members in upgrading their laboratories and becoming regional benchmarks. The guide, available in English and French on the WCO Members' website, serves as a crucial resource for customs laboratory advancement. It promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing within regions to enhance analytical capabilities and facilitate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and GS1 Collaborate to Enhance Global Trade Data Standards

WCO and GS1 Collaborate to Enhance Global Trade Data Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with GS1 to build a more secure, efficient, and transparent global trade ecosystem through data-driven solutions. Their cooperation spans data standardization, risk management, and technological innovation, addressing global trade challenges and enhancing trade facilitation. This partnership aims to contribute to global economic prosperity by promoting streamlined processes and improved security measures within international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the addition of Spanish and Arabic versions to its PICARD Professional Standards, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of customs officers worldwide and facilitate international trade. The WCO expressed gratitude to the University of Costa Rica and the Saudi Customs for their translation support. The WCO will continue to promote the standards to support global customs capacity building initiatives. This expansion ensures wider accessibility and implementation of best practices in customs administration across diverse linguistic regions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Niger Customs in Trade System Upgrade for Africa

WCO Aids Niger Customs in Trade System Upgrade for Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, launched the project "Harmonized Commodity Classification Based on WCO Standards to Strengthen African Trade," with Niger as one of the first beneficiary countries. WCO experts assessed Niger Customs to enhance its commodity classification and customs valuation capabilities, unify commodity classification standards, and facilitate African trade. This project will provide valuable experience for other African countries, jointly building a new landscape for African trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Bosnia in Ecommerce Customs Reform

WCO Aids Bosnia in Ecommerce Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a cross-border e-commerce workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to enhance BiH Customs' awareness of WCO tools and initiatives, promoting the security and facilitation of cross-border e-commerce. The workshop highlighted the WCO Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce and the Immediate Release Guidelines, and discussed topics such as intellectual property rights protection. BiH Customs officials stated that the workshop deepened their understanding of WCO tools and will contribute to the implementation of the E-Commerce Framework of Standards (FoS).

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

The 2010 SADC Customs Capacity Building Conference fostered regional customs reform and modernized management, strengthening regional coordination. Participants shared capacity-building experiences and identified areas for cooperation based on WCO standards. Significant attention was given to the SACU pilot project and the implementation of the WCO Customs Learning Standards, laying the foundation for future regional capacity-building development. The conference highlighted the importance of harmonized procedures and collaborative efforts in enhancing customs efficiency and regional trade facilitation within the SADC region.

12/30/2025 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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