Malaysia Boosts Border Security with Wcobacked Risk System

Malaysia Boosts Border Security with Wcobacked Risk System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a risk management workshop in Malaysia to support the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD) in strengthening its border security. The workshop focused on risk identification, targeting, postal/express consignment risk management, and international cooperation. By combining theory and practice, it aimed to enhance RMCD's risk management capabilities, laying the foundation for building a smart customs administration and safeguarding national security. The workshop provided valuable insights and practical tools for RMCD to improve its risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Philippine Customs to enhance its capacity to combat counterfeit and pirated goods. The workshop focused on customs challenges under the pandemic, WCO's intellectual property protection tools, and counterfeit goods identification. Rights holders were invited to provide training. The workshop significantly improved the intellectual property protection awareness and counterfeit goods identification skills of Philippine Customs officials, promoting cooperation between customs and rights holders. This initiative aims to strengthen IP enforcement and protect legitimate trade in the Philippines.

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global “Green Customs” reflection, exploring revisions to the Harmonized System (HS) code to better integrate environmental considerations and promote a global green economy through a series of workshops. These workshops focus on five key areas: food, chemicals, textiles, basic materials, and green technologies. They provide valuable insights and recommendations for the 'greening' of the HS coding system, aiming to build a more sustainable future. The initiative seeks to leverage trade policies to support environmental protection and sustainable development goals.

WCO Promotes Sustainable Trade with Green Customs Initiative

WCO Promotes Sustainable Trade with Green Customs Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Green Customs Action Plan (GCAP), aims to transform customs into advocates and practitioners of green trade, contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). GCAP is divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term phases, covering the greening of customs operations, the promotion of green trade, and the exploration of innovative measures. Through these three pillars, customs administrations will actively contribute to achieving the UN SDGs. The plan emphasizes a holistic approach to integrating environmental considerations into customs practices.

Zimbabwe Enhances AEO System Following WCO Review

Zimbabwe Enhances AEO System Following WCO Review

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has completed a review of Zimbabwe's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program, offering recommendations for upgrades to build a 'next generation' AEO program aligned with international standards. This initiative, supported financially and technically by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the UK, collaborates with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to promote trade facilitation and supply chain security in Zimbabwe. The goal is to enhance efficiency and security within Zimbabwe's trade environment through improved AEO program implementation.

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia is actively promoting Coordinated Border Management (CBM) by establishing an inter-agency standard regulatory framework and unified data standards, aiming to reduce border delays and facilitate legitimate trade. This framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Namibia's practice provides valuable experience for other developing countries, contributing to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system. The initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cooperation between various border agencies.

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an upgraded Time Release Study (TRS) CLiKC! course, designed to help customs administrations measure cargo release times, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. The course covers all phases of the TRS methodology, emphasizing practical application through case studies, exercises, and role-playing to enhance participants' skills. This initiative supports trade facilitation and benefits the global economy. WCO members can access the course for free on the CLiKC! platform. It aims to enhance customs efficiency and reduce release times for goods.

Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop in Alexandria, Egypt, for senior officials of the Egyptian Customs Authority. The workshop aimed to enhance their leadership skills and ability to drive reform. Topics covered included leadership, integrity, gender equality, negotiation, personnel management, communication, and change management. The workshop fostered individual and organizational development and provided strong support for the modernization process of Egyptian Customs. It focused on building the capabilities needed to effectively manage and lead the organization through ongoing changes.