Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme continues to support Uzbekistan in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through workshops and other initiatives, the program focuses on key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and cooperation between border agencies. Uzbekistan is actively responding, dedicating efforts to process optimization and capacity building to improve trade efficiency and integrate into the global economy. The country aims to streamline procedures and enhance its capabilities to facilitate smoother and faster trade flows, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Scholarship Programme aims to cultivate future customs leaders, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance professional pride within the customs sector. The 85th iteration brought together participants from 15 countries worldwide. Through tailored training courses, field visits, and international collaboration, the program helps participants enhance their capabilities and contribute to the development of their respective customs administrations. The success of this program relies on the support of countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. It's a key initiative for global customs cooperation and development.

Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the Moldovan Customs Service has completed follow-up tasks to optimize SOPs, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities and expedite the clearance of relief goods. By aligning with WCO standards, a national emergency framework is being built, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. Continuous improvement and collaboration will help Moldova become a model for trade facilitation. This initiative strengthens the country's ability to handle crises and ensures the smooth flow of essential goods during emergencies.

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched its Intellectual Property Health and Safety (IPHS) Programme, with the first online training successfully held in Namibia. This initiative aims to enhance customs' ability to combat counterfeiting and piracy, particularly focusing on illicit medical goods during the pandemic. The WCO emphasizes customs' responsibility and provides tools to address these challenges. Funded by Japan Customs, the program seeks to strengthen international cooperation through information sharing, joint enforcement operations, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns, ultimately safeguarding global trade security.

Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

The WCO's PICARD Programme, in collaboration with the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), has developed a set of professional development standards for customs middle and senior managers. These standards aim to enhance the leadership, management capabilities, and professional skills of customs officials. They can be flexibly applied to internal training and recruitment strategies, helping to build high-performing customs management teams capable of addressing increasingly complex international trade challenges. The standards provide a framework for continuous improvement and professional growth within customs administrations worldwide.

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

Supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully conducted an experience exchange focusing on post-clearance audit, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and risk management. The aim was to enhance the NCS's risk management capabilities, promote trade compliance, and contribute to the prosperity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This collaboration underscores the importance of customs cooperation in facilitating trade and strengthening regional economic integration through improved risk assessment and streamlined procedures.

EUWCO Project Boosts African Free Trade with Rules Harmonization

EUWCO Project Boosts African Free Trade with Rules Harmonization

The EU-WTO Rules of Origin Africa Programme will significantly contribute to finalizing the AfCFTA's Rules of Origin by 2025. This initiative aims to harmonize key origin systems across Africa, fostering a unified approach to trade regulations. By promoting a community of practice focused on origin-related issues, the project supports the broader goal of African economic integration. Ultimately, streamlining and standardizing Rules of Origin will reduce trade barriers and facilitate smoother trade flows within the AfCFTA, boosting economic growth and development across the continent.

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

Bolivia Adopts WCO Program to Strengthen Customs Oversight

The Switzerland-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supports Bolivian Customs in enhancing its risk management capabilities. Through workshops, progress is reviewed, recommendations are provided, and continuous technical assistance, capacity building, and experience sharing are offered. The aim is to assist Bolivian Customs in establishing a scientific, efficient, and sustainable risk management system. This system will help safeguard national economic security and promote legitimate trade development. The project focuses on building a robust framework for identifying and mitigating potential risks in cross-border trade.

WCO Eswatini Pilot Enhanced Customs Training Program

WCO Eswatini Pilot Enhanced Customs Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a pilot training evaluation project in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs personnel, processes, and structures. Funded by the EU-HS Africa Programme, the project utilizes a systematic evaluation framework covering five levels: reaction, learning, behavior, results, and return on investment. Emphasizing collaboration and participation, the project's findings were shared with WCO members in February 2022. This initiative aims to strengthen customs capacity and improve overall performance through comprehensive evaluation methodologies.