WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced its 2021 theme as "Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience," highlighting the crucial role of customs in the sustainable recovery of global supply chains. Through digital transformation, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced personnel capabilities, customs administrations can better address future challenges and ensure the smooth and secure flow of global trade. This includes adapting to new technologies and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and adaptable supply chains in the face of disruptions.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Smart Customs Project is fostering global customs cooperation and innovation through an agilely developed community portal. This portal serves as a project information hub, a secure collaboration space, and a platform for exchanging experiences. It gathers technical application guidelines and research findings to help customs administrations address challenges and promote trade facilitation. The active participation of national contact points is crucial for the project's success. The portal aims to be a central point for accessing resources and engaging with the Smart Customs initiative.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) to focus on trade facilitation through a gender equality lens. Through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations, the initiative aims to empower Togolese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women traders. The goal is to build a more equitable, secure, and efficient trading environment, fostering economic growth and social development in Togo. This partnership highlights the importance of inclusive trade practices and the role of customs in promoting gender equality.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and WTO Boost Trade Facilitation Leadership Globally

WCO and WTO Boost Trade Facilitation Leadership Globally

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates closely with the World Trade Organization (WTO) to empower chairs of national trade facilitation committees through initiatives like advanced courses. This partnership aims to enhance their understanding and implementation capabilities regarding the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. The collaboration focuses on simplifying customs procedures, improving border management efficiency, and promoting transparency and sustainable development in global trade. Ultimately, this joint effort contributes to global economic growth by fostering a more streamlined and efficient international trading system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Ehandbook to Streamline Global Customs Clearance

WCO Releases Ehandbook to Streamline Global Customs Clearance

The WCO Data Model e-Handbook is an authoritative guide published by the World Customs Organization, designed to provide a unified data standard for customs, cross-border regulatory agencies, e-commerce architects, and businesses. It aims to break down information barriers, improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce operating costs, and facilitate global trade. The handbook includes the latest WCO Data Model version, data requirements, message implementation guidelines, and implementation documentation, making it a crucial tool for achieving cross-border trade data interoperability.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids African Customs in Enforcing Environmental Agreements

WCO Aids African Customs in Enforcing Environmental Agreements

WCO, in collaboration with the United Nations, is working to enhance the capacity of Kenyan and Tanzanian customs administrations in enforcing environmental agreements. This initiative aims to address climate change and promote green trade by strengthening customs' role in monitoring and controlling the movement of environmentally sensitive goods. The project focuses on providing training, equipment, and technical assistance to customs officers, enabling them to effectively implement relevant regulations and contribute to sustainable development goals. Ultimately, this partnership seeks to foster a more environmentally responsible and economically viable trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) meeting approved several instruments for submission to the Policy Commission (PC) and Council. The meeting focused on topics such as data strategy, trade facilitation, and e-commerce, aiming to improve customs efficiency and promote international trade development. Representatives from the United Kingdom and Indonesia were elected as the new chair and vice-chair, respectively. The approved instruments are expected to further streamline customs procedures and enhance global trade cooperation within the WCO framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Textile Trade

WCO Promotes Green Customs for Sustainable Textile Trade

A WCO seminar explored leveraging the Harmonized System (HS) to identify environmentally friendly textiles at borders, promoting textile sustainability. The meeting focused on value chain transparency, industry practices, technological innovation, and standardization. It aimed to provide insights for building a greener HS system and supporting the global textile industry's transformation. Discussions centered on how HS codes can be better utilized to classify and track sustainable textiles, fostering a more environmentally responsible and transparent global textile trade.

02/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Zimbabwe Fasttracks Trade Single Window with WCO Backing

Zimbabwe Fasttracks Trade Single Window with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Zimbabwe's Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) project by conducting workshops to enhance interaction with cooperating government agencies and improve trade facilitation. The workshops covered key topics such as the single window model and data harmonization, and shared Nigeria's successful experiences. Zimbabwe is committed to following the workshop recommendations to promote the construction of ZeSW and facilitate economic development. The focus is on streamlining processes and data exchange for efficient trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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