Sri Lanka Boosts Nuclear Detection at Customs Via RANDA Training

Sri Lanka Boosts Nuclear Detection at Customs Via RANDA Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy, conducted a RANDA Project national training in Sri Lanka. This training aimed to enhance the capacity of customs officers to respond to nuclear and radiological threats. The curriculum covered risk awareness, detection skills, legal frameworks, transport security, and risk management. The training also included site visits to further improve the professional capabilities of customs personnel and strengthen nuclear security levels in Sri Lanka. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding against illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

South Africa Eswatini Enhance Trade Via Border Efficiency Study

South Africa Eswatini Enhance Trade Via Border Efficiency Study

South Africa and Eswatini jointly launched a Time Release Study (TRS) at the Oshoek-Ngwenya border post. The study aims to improve the efficiency of goods clearance by identifying and addressing bottlenecks in border procedures. Supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the study is expected to release its findings in April 2024. The results will provide both countries with a basis for optimizing border management and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative is crucial for streamlining cross-border trade and enhancing economic cooperation between South Africa and Eswatini.

Bosnia Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Customs Efficiency

Bosnia Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Customs Efficiency

With the support of the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a training program for the Bosnia and Herzegovina Customs Administration on optimizing cross-border e-commerce compliance procedures. The aim was to improve clearance efficiency, ensure trade security, promote compliant trade, and align with international standards. The training focused on the WCO Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards, covering areas such as risk management, data exchange, and intellectual property rights protection. This initiative assists Bosnia and Herzegovina Customs in achieving cross-border e-commerce compliance.

Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

Global Trade Adopts HS Codes for Green Equipment Tracking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a series of workshops exploring the use of the Harmonized System (HS) to support environmentally sustainable trade. The workshops focused on the challenges and opportunities in identifying green technologies, incorporating perspectives from the EU, APEC, BIR, IRENA, and industry representatives. The aim was to promote the green transformation of the HS, facilitate trade in environmentally friendly machinery and equipment, and address classification challenges in the circular economy. The discussions highlighted the importance of accurate HS codes for promoting green trade initiatives and achieving environmental sustainability goals.

WCO Urges Customsbroker Collaboration to Streamline Global Trade

WCO Urges Customsbroker Collaboration to Streamline Global Trade

The WCO Deputy Secretary-General attended the IFCBA World Congress, emphasizing the crucial role of customs-broker cooperation in trade facilitation. The conference highlighted China Customs' proactive efforts under the Belt and Road Initiative and explored areas of cooperation such as information sharing, capacity building, and compliance incentives. The aim is to build a closer customs-business relationship and promote global trade development. This collaboration is essential for streamlining processes, reducing costs, and ensuring security in the international supply chain, ultimately benefiting both customs administrations and the trading community.

Moldova Streamlines Customs to Boost Ecommerce Growth

Moldova Streamlines Customs to Boost Ecommerce Growth

Moldova is actively pursuing customs reform and embracing e-commerce development. In collaboration with the World Customs Organization, Moldova aims to enhance e-commerce trade facilitation by addressing technical, institutional, and legal shortcomings. Specific measures include establishing an e-commerce task force, strengthening risk management capabilities, and deepening public-private partnerships. This initiative will boost Moldova's competitiveness in the global e-commerce market and provide a model for other developing countries. The reforms are intended to streamline processes and reduce barriers to entry for businesses engaged in cross-border e-commerce.

Philippines Launches Study to Streamline Cargo Boost Trade

Philippines Launches Study to Streamline Cargo Boost Trade

The Philippines has launched a National Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks in trade processes through data-driven analysis. The goal is to implement targeted reforms to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance global competitiveness. This project is a collaboration between the Bureau of Customs (BOC) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), with support from Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The final report is expected to be released by the end of 2025. The TRS aims to streamline goods release and contribute to the growth of the Philippine economy.

WCO and ICAO Boost Global Air Cargo Security

WCO and ICAO Boost Global Air Cargo Security

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted air cargo security challenges and the importance of WCO-ICAO cooperation at the inaugural ICAO Global Air Cargo Symposium. Both organizations are committed to building a safer and more efficient global air transport system. Businesses should seize opportunities, embrace new technologies, strengthen compliance, deepen cooperation, improve employee skills, and pay attention to policy trends to gain a competitive edge. This collaborative approach is crucial for navigating the evolving landscape of air cargo and ensuring a robust and secure supply chain.

WCO Enhances Ugandas CITES Enforcement Against Wildlife Trafficking

WCO Enhances Ugandas CITES Enforcement Against Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed the capacity of Uganda Customs to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This assessment aims to strengthen Uganda Customs' ability to combat the illegal wildlife trade. The focus is on identifying areas for improvement in customs procedures, risk management, and international cooperation to effectively prevent the trafficking of endangered species and contribute to the conservation of biodiversity. The findings will be used to develop targeted capacity-building programs and support Uganda's efforts in combating wildlife crime.

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.