WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs invited the World Customs Organization (WCO) for a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic to enhance trade facilitation. WCO experts conducted an in-depth assessment of Qatar Customs' departments and offered recommendations for improvement. PCA, recognized as an efficient control method, is crucial for trade facilitation, revenue protection, and risk management. This initiative by Qatar Customs will promote corporate compliance, improve trade efficiency, and contribute to global trade facilitation efforts. The focus on PCA highlights Qatar's commitment to modernizing customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Boost Postclearance Audit Expertise

Americas Caribbean Customs Boost Postclearance Audit Expertise

The World Customs Organization held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in the Americas and Caribbean region to enhance the auditing capabilities of customs administrations. The aim was to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and integrate international standards into customs operations. The workshop focused on the role of risk management in PCA, facilitating the exchange of experiences among customs administrations and the joint development of regional audit plans. This aims to improve compliance control levels and safeguard tax revenue. The future of PCA will increasingly rely on digitization and intelligent technologies.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

Guatemala Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Program, supports Guatemala's Tax and Customs Administration (SAT) in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). This support includes on-site missions, needs analysis, and action plan development. The WCO team engaged with Guatemalan stakeholders, proposing recommendations to optimize customs clearance processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation. The aim is to help Guatemala achieve trade facilitation, thereby promoting economic development. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to assisting member states in streamlining trade procedures and fostering a more efficient global trading environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tool Boosts Customs Training in Eswatini Pilot

WCO Tool Boosts Customs Training in Eswatini Pilot

The WCO piloted an assessment tool to enhance customs capacity building. Working with Eswatini, data was collected to refine the tool. The initiative aims to empower customs officers and improve their professional capabilities. This pilot program provides valuable insights for further development and implementation of the assessment tool, contributing to more effective and efficient customs operations globally. The focus is on providing customs administrations with the means to identify areas for improvement and tailor capacity building programs accordingly.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

WCO Implements New Trade Valuation Rules to Boost Revenue

The WCO Technical Committee on Customs Valuation has adopted two new advisory opinions concerning the valuation treatment of income tax in royalties and the valuation of buyer's own trademarks on imported goods. These new rules aim to enhance certainty and transparency in customs valuation, promote international trade facilitation, optimize customs revenue, and ensure the healthy development of global trade. They provide guidance on complex valuation issues, contributing to a more predictable and equitable international trade environment. The opinions seek to clarify existing valuation principles and address practical challenges faced by customs administrations and traders alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kongs Freight Sector Booms Amid Global Trade Shifts

Hong Kongs Freight Sector Booms Amid Global Trade Shifts

HAFFA, the Hong Kong Air Freight Association, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the standards and development of the air freight industry in Hong Kong. It offers services to its members, fosters industry standardization, protects rights and interests, provides professional training, and engages in international cooperation to enhance Hong Kong's position in global logistics.

08/04/2025 Logistics
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