WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Chief Visits Dutch Customs to Boost Global Trade Links

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the Netherlands Customs, focusing on information sharing, GNC, data quality, the Multilateral Mutual Assistance Convention, and mutual recognition, discussing global customs cooperation. The Secretary General expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' contribution to WCO technical assistance and looks forward to continued collaboration to build an open, efficient, and secure new global trade landscape. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthened partnerships and innovative solutions for addressing evolving challenges in international trade and customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Costa Rica in Strengthening Supply Chains Via AEO

WCO Aids Costa Rica in Strengthening Supply Chains Via AEO

WCO assists Costa Rica in reviewing its AEO manual and strategy to establish a customs-led AEO program, enhancing trade security and efficiency. AEO certification facilitates customs clearance, improves security, and provides international recognition. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, reduce border delays, and foster a more secure and predictable trading environment for Costa Rican businesses involved in international trade. The focus is on aligning the AEO program with international standards and best practices to maximize its benefits.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WHO WCO Boost Data Tracking to Curb Illicit Tobacco Trade

WHO WCO Boost Data Tracking to Curb Illicit Tobacco Trade

In 2009, the WCO and WHO met to collaborate on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, focusing on a global tracking system, international cooperation, and capacity building. The WCO pledged support for the Protocol's implementation and encouraged member participation. This analysis delves into the challenges and opportunities in combating illicit tobacco trade from a data perspective. It emphasizes the importance of data collection, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, and technological innovation. The article calls for a concerted international effort to address this global issue.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on customs-related matters and enhance global trade efficiency and security. The two organizations will collaborate on technical assistance, information sharing, and combating illicit trade, with a focus on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the application of coordination mechanisms. This partnership aims to address global trade challenges and promote sustainable development by fostering streamlined customs procedures and improved international collaboration in trade-related areas.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a Spanish version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist Spanish-speaking customs administrations in evaluating their gender equality policies, identifying gaps, and implementing reforms. The tool covers core principles such as employment, work-life balance, and governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting policies. It aims to support customs modernization in Latin America and promote trade facilitation by fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within customs organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Oman Customs in implementing the SAFE Framework and AEO program. Through workshops, Oman Customs officials gained a deeper understanding of supply chain security, customs-business partnerships, and the AEO implementation process, leading to the development of action plans. This initiative aims to enhance Oman's trade security and facilitation, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. The implementation of SAFE and AEO will contribute to a more secure and efficient trade environment for Oman.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Data Analytics for Smarter Customs and Trade Growth

WCO Promotes Data Analytics for Smarter Customs and Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) holds data analysis workshops to promote its application in customs and enhance management effectiveness. Through data analysis, customs can achieve goals like risk management, trade compliance, trade facilitation, and revenue collection, ultimately realizing digital transformation and building smart customs. Facing challenges in data quality, security, talent, and technology, customs must actively embrace data analysis and serve national economic development. This includes leveraging data to improve efficiency and effectiveness in various customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Customs is actively adopting the WCO Data Model to enhance clearance efficiency and promote trade development. By standardizing data, system interoperability is achieved, reducing trade costs and improving supply chain security. This initiative brings faster clearance speeds, enhanced competitiveness, and a more secure and reliable supply chain to businesses. This signals a brighter trade future for El Salvador Customs, fostering economic growth and facilitating international commerce.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Proposes Green Shift for Chemical Trade Via HS Codes

WCO Proposes Green Shift for Chemical Trade Via HS Codes

A WCO workshop explored using the Harmonized System (HS) code to identify and manage traded chemicals, supporting environmental sustainability. The discussions emphasized the need for improvements to the HS system and promoted dialogue on a 'Green HS'. This aims to leverage HS codes for better tracking and regulation of chemicals with environmental impacts, ultimately fostering more sustainable trade practices and contributing to global environmental protection efforts. The workshop highlighted the potential of the HS code to play a crucial role in achieving a greener and more responsible chemical trade landscape.

01/16/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the core topics discussed at the 2025 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technical Committee meetings. These topics include the WCO theme, AEO system, intelligent security equipment, free zones, TRS database system, e-commerce, performance evaluation, information technology, certificates of origin, smart customs, green customs, and vulnerable borders. The meetings aim to promote global customs cooperation, enhance trade efficiency and security, and address emerging challenges in the international trade landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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