Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

This paper analyzes the current state of the Convention Concerning Customs Facilities for Touring, in particular document PG0134F1 released by the World Customs Organization. Focusing on Haiti's unique position as the sole contracting party, it explores the underlying reasons for its withdrawal from the ECS Convention. By combining data analysis, the study offers insights and lessons for the lifecycle management of international trade agreements. It provides a perspective on the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and adapting such agreements in a changing global landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in international efforts to protect the ozone layer by strengthening border controls, combating illegal trade, and enhancing customs capacity. These measures effectively enforce multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation, risk management, and technological applications to safeguard human health and the global environment. The WCO's commitment to environmental security ensures a safer and healthier planet for future generations by preventing the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances and promoting sustainable practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

New Customs Rules Affect Licensing Fees Royalties

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released new Advisory Opinion 4.19 on customs valuation, addressing the complex valuation issues related to royalties and license fees under Article 8.1(c) of the Customs Valuation Agreement. This opinion clarifies the valuation principles for single royalties encompassing both patents and trademarks. It assists businesses in accurately calculating import costs, reducing valuation disputes, and promoting the healthy development of international trade. This guidance aims to provide clarity and consistency in the application of customs valuation rules related to intellectual property rights.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a report addressing the challenges of customs clearance for low-value cross-border e-commerce parcels. It proposes solutions in five areas: facilitation, risk management, data exchange, anti-counterfeiting regulation, and tax collection. The aim is to improve customs clearance efficiency, maintain market order, and promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. The report provides guidance for customs administrations to streamline processes, enhance security, and ensure fair revenue collection in the rapidly growing e-commerce landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a French-speaking Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Technical and Operational Advisor Certification Program to develop a highly qualified team of experts and enhance PCA capabilities in French-speaking regions. The inaugural seminar was successfully held at WCO headquarters. Through rigorous selection and a combination of theoretical and practical training, this program lays the foundation for customs capacity building in the French-speaking area. The initiative aims to strengthen post-clearance controls and improve overall customs efficiency within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Datadriven Tech for Green Transition

Global Customs Adopt Datadriven Tech for Green Transition

The World Customs Organization report focuses on the impact of data analysis, environmental challenges, and emerging technologies on border management, emphasizing trade facilitation, process transformation, and international cooperation. It highlights the need for customs administrations to leverage data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The report also addresses the growing importance of sustainable trade practices and the role of customs in promoting environmental protection. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering a secure and efficient global trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Launches Customs Program to Train Reformminded Executives

Mongolia Launches Customs Program to Train Reformminded Executives

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership development workshop for Mongolian Customs, aiming to enhance the leadership skills of senior managers and promote customs reform. The workshop emphasized 'knowing yourself' and 'managing yourself', covering topics such as leadership, ethics, and communication. Participants reflected on their management styles and committed to improvements. The workshop prompted Mongolian Customs to improve its training system, laying the foundation for customs modernization. It focused on building the capacity of Mongolian Customs officials to effectively lead and manage change within their organization.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

Malaysia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Audit Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Malaysia, aiming to enhance the customs' PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered PCA concepts, risk management, valuation, and auditing techniques, sharing case experiences from Japan and China. This training will help Malaysian Customs provide more convenient customs clearance services for enterprises while ensuring revenue collection, thereby promoting economic development. The training emphasized practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of post-clearance controls.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

WCO IPPC Align Trade Facilitation with Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) have signed a cooperation agreement to enhance plant health protection while facilitating trade, addressing the challenges of plant pest and disease spread in global trade. The collaboration will focus on areas such as electronic phytosanitary certificates, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, information exchange, and advocacy. The goal is to build a global community for plant health security, ensuring safer and more efficient international trade while safeguarding plant resources from harmful pests and diseases.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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