WCO Enhances Antiillegal Logging Efforts with New Tools

WCO Enhances Antiillegal Logging Efforts with New Tools

On the occasion of the 2024 International Day of Forests, this article highlights the crucial role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in combating illegal timber trade. Through international cooperation, updating the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature, and conducting 'Operation Thunder', the WCO helps customs administrations enhance their enforcement capabilities. By utilizing innovative technologies such as Geographic Information Systems, GPS trackers, and drones, the WCO effectively monitors timber trade, protects forest resources, and collectively safeguards our planet.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adopts Digital Tools to Modernize Global Trade

WCO Adopts Digital Tools to Modernize Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the transformative impact of digital technologies on customs at the Global Trade Conference, emphasizing the WCO Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce, big data, and blockchain applications. Acknowledging challenges such as technology integration and data standardization, the WCO is committed to building an intelligent, secure, and efficient global trade ecosystem, driving the digital transformation of customs worldwide. It aims to facilitate trade while ensuring security and compliance through innovative digital solutions.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases HS 2022 Tools for Customs Compliance

WCO Releases HS 2022 Tools for Customs Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 7th edition of the Harmonized System (HS) supporting tools: the Explanatory Notes and the Compendium of Classification Opinions. These resources aim to help businesses accurately classify goods, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. Both tools are available for subscription through the WCO Trade Tools platform, supporting businesses in compliant international trade operations and enhancing their competitiveness. They provide valuable guidance for navigating the complexities of commodity classification and ensuring adherence to global trade regulations.

01/19/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ Germany, in collaboration with the WCO, is supporting Gambia in enhancing trade facilitation. The project focuses on optimizing risk management, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and utilizing the WCO Time Release Study tool. The aim is to reduce cargo clearance times, improve trade efficiency, and ultimately promote economic development in Gambia. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and create a more competitive trading environment for the country.

01/22/2026 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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WCO Updates Harmonized System for Global Trade Compliance

WCO Updates Harmonized System for Global Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) 7th edition Explanatory Notes and Compendium of Classification Opinions are authoritative references for commodity classification. By subscribing to the WCO Trade Tools platform, users gain access to these tools, enhancing their commodity classification skills, ensuring trade compliance, reducing operational costs, and strengthening market competitiveness. These resources provide crucial guidance for accurate and consistent classification, minimizing delays and penalties associated with incorrect declarations.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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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 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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Montenegro Customs Boosts Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

Montenegro Customs Boosts Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a risk management workshop for Montenegro Customs to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities. Through training, Montenegro Customs officials mastered advanced risk assessment methods and tools, strengthened risk management awareness, and laid a solid foundation for future customs operations. This event promoted information exchange and cooperation, promoted WCO risk management tools, and helped Montenegro Customs establish a sound risk management system. The workshop aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in border control.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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