WCO Committee Outlines Global Customs Modernization Strategy

WCO Committee Outlines Global Customs Modernization Strategy

The 209th/210th sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee focused on the future development of customs, discussing key issues such as e-commerce, information technology, performance measurement, and customs-business partnerships. The meetings aimed to address the challenges posed by emerging technologies and changes in the global trade landscape, building a more efficient, secure, and convenient global trading environment. Discussions centered on how customs administrations can leverage innovation and collaboration to streamline processes and enhance security in the face of evolving trade patterns.

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

WCO Initiative Aims to Ease Smes Global Trade Access

WCO Initiative Aims to Ease Smes Global Trade Access

The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes the "Business Lens Checklist" to help governments streamline policies and remove barriers for SMEs in international trade. This checklist uses a standardized approach to help government departments optimize policy processes, gather more feedback from SMEs, improve customer service, simplify customs policies and procedures, and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. It aims to create a more conducive environment for SMEs to engage in global commerce by making trade processes more efficient and accessible.

Canada WCO Boost Aviation Security and Trade Efficiency

Canada WCO Boost Aviation Security and Trade Efficiency

In 2012, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) met with the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on aviation cargo security, risk management, and trade facilitation. Discussions covered outcomes from the ICAO aviation security conference, emerging risk responses, capacity building, and international cooperation. The CBSA's National Targeting Centre and Border Operations Centre were also examined. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, aiming to enhance security and streamline trade processes through strengthened customs partnerships and shared best practices.

WCO Upgrades Clikc Platform with Enhanced Support Training

WCO Upgrades Clikc Platform with Enhanced Support Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has upgraded the user support system for its CLiKC! platform, introducing a user manual, interactive tutorials, and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to help users quickly get started. A trainer's guide will also be launched in September. All these resources are now available in the "Help" section on the CLiKC! homepage. The enhancements aim to improve user experience and learning efficiency within the CLiKC! platform, providing comprehensive support for customs training initiatives.

WCO Advances Digital Shift with Online Document Meeting

WCO Advances Digital Shift with Online Document Meeting

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully concluded its first fully online document conference, marking an innovation in international cooperation. The conference focused on key issues such as pandemic response, e-commerce development, and the future of customs, facilitating efficient interaction through a digital platform and providing a reference for the global trade digital transformation. Data analysis shows the high feasibility of the fully online model, the crucial role of digital tools, the relevance of the agenda setting, and a clear results-oriented approach.

Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), held a workshop in Madagascar to enhance the country's capacity to respond to pandemics and natural disasters. Through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and practical exercises, Madagascar gained valuable lessons, providing insights for other developing countries facing challenges posed by climate change. The workshop aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through customs facilitation and international collaboration.

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

Lesotho Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Assistance

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively modernizing its human resource management. Through capacity building and process optimization, the LRA aims to establish an efficient and strategically aligned HR system, becoming a model within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region. This article details the LRA's actions, WCO's support, and the challenges and opportunities faced. It also looks ahead to the LRA's future development in the field of human resource management.

Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit goods, particularly in the sporting goods sector. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of customs officials to identify counterfeit products through the promotion of the IPM platform, improved information exchange, and training programs. The initiative seeks to protect consumer rights and maintain market order by preventing the trade of fake sports equipment and other goods.