WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes customs efficiency, security, and prosperity through Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GED). The 5th WCO Global Conference on Gender Equality and Diversity Network focused on disability inclusion and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of trade-enabling women. The WCO supports its members through the GEOAT tool, training packages, and a pool of experts. It also advocates for enhanced cooperation to collectively build a more equitable and efficient customs system. This collaborative approach aims to foster a customs environment that is both effective and inclusive for all stakeholders.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an intellectual property (IP) workshop in Ghana to enhance the IP protection capabilities of Ghanaian customs officers, combat counterfeit goods, and promote Ghana's economic development. The workshop, through international cooperation, skills training, and practical exercises, injected new impetus into Ghana's IP protection efforts. It focused on strengthening customs officials' ability to identify and seize counterfeit goods, fostering collaboration between agencies, and raising awareness about the importance of IP rights. The goal was to create a more secure and competitive business environment in Ghana.

01/30/2026 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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WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

WCO Boosts Trade Facilitation Efforts in Latin America

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, highlighting customs' crucial role in promoting economic competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO showcased relevant tools and measures, emphasizing the importance of customs-business cooperation. During the event, the WCO also strengthened collaboration with Spanish Customs and the Catalan private sector, aiming to build a more efficient and transparent customs system and promote global trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Group Strengthens Global Trade Ties

Customs Group Strengthens Global Trade Ties

The online annual meeting of the Customs Representatives Association on January 26, 2021, marked its revitalization. WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya congratulated the association's revival, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with customs commissioners. The association aims to modernize, strengthen internal connections, deepen cooperation with the WCO, raise awareness, expand services, build a "customs family" concept, promote global customs cooperation, and address trade challenges. It envisions a more efficient and secure future for international trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Outlines Trade Facilitation Goals for 20222025

WCO Outlines Trade Facilitation Goals for 20222025

This report reviews the WCO's work on trade facilitation, analyzing the implementation of the ECP (presumably an acronym for an existing program) and the PTC (presumably an acronym for an existing program). It looks ahead to the future direction of the PTC, recommending attention to progress reports and endorsement of the new work programme. The report highlights key activities and initiatives undertaken by the WCO to streamline customs procedures and promote efficient cross-border trade. Further details on the ECP and PTC would provide more context.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Strategy to Streamline Global Trade

WCO Unveils Strategy to Streamline Global Trade

The WCO's strategic plan aims to enhance global trade efficiency, focusing on technology, green customs, and governance. Businesses should understand and participate in WCO activities, applying its standards and tools. This includes leveraging WCO instruments for trade facilitation, such as the Revised Kyoto Convention and the SAFE Framework. By embracing WCO initiatives, companies can streamline their customs procedures, reduce costs, and improve their competitiveness in the global market. Active engagement with the WCO is crucial for staying informed about evolving customs practices and contributing to a more efficient and secure international trade environment.

06/11/2024 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Leaders Meet to Simplify Trade Procedures

Global Customs Leaders Meet to Simplify Trade Procedures

This paper interprets the agenda of the WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation, analyzing reports, plans, Mercator Programme progress, donor reports, and joint sessions. The aim is to promote the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and foster international cooperation. The analysis covers key aspects of the meeting agenda, providing insights into the WCO's efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers globally. This contributes to a better understanding of the ongoing initiatives and collaborative efforts within the framework of the TFA.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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