WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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WCO Workshop Boosts Global Customs Risk Management Skills

WCO Workshop Boosts Global Customs Risk Management Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a pre-accreditation workshop on risk management, aiming to expand the pool of experts and enhance global customs risk control capabilities. Participants from five West African countries attended the workshop and are expected to obtain WCO accreditation, becoming an important force in the global customs field. This will help the WCO provide risk management support to its members.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

The 19th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeit and Piracy Group was successfully held, focusing on two major issues: e-commerce infringement and standardized procedures for goods destruction. New tools were launched to strengthen global customs cooperation in intellectual property protection and jointly combat infringement and counterfeiting. The meeting aimed to safeguard innovation and development by enhancing customs' role in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of counterfeit goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs HR System Sets Benchmark for West Africa

Mali Customs HR System Sets Benchmark for West Africa

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs successfully implemented a competency-based human resources management system. Through broad participation and high-level support, they optimized recruitment, training, and performance management. This experience provides a valuable reference for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of high-level commitment, broad participation, and a gradual approach. The goal is to enhance the professionalism of the customs workforce and contribute to national economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

Eswatini Customs Modernizes Through Skills Training

The Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), undertook a people development diagnostic mission to develop a competency-based customs talent development strategy, aiming to enhance customs modernization. The SRA is committed to adopting relevant management principles and implementing a plan encompassing key elements such as competency model development, job analysis, recruitment and training, and performance management. This initiative is designed to promote trade facilitation and economic development within Eswatini.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO COVID19 Project Ends Reveals Customs Resilience Strategies

WCO COVID19 Project Ends Reveals Customs Resilience Strategies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) COVID-19 Project, funded by the Government of Japan, has successfully concluded, significantly enhancing the disaster response capabilities of its member customs administrations. Key achievements include strengthened risk assessment, optimized standard operating procedures, improved personnel training, enhanced international cooperation, and the promotion of technological applications. The WCO will continue to provide technical assistance and facilitate the exchange of experiences to help global customs build more resilient systems.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Customs Adopts Data Analytics with WCO Backing

Mongolia Customs Adopts Data Analytics with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA) in hosting a data analysis workshop. This initiative aims to enhance MCGA's evidence-based decision-making and build a data-driven customs administration. As part of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), the workshop focused on developing data governance strategies and improving risk management capabilities. These efforts are crucial for enabling trade facilitation and contributing to economic development in Mongolia.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Datadriven Customs Modernize Global Trade for Security Efficiency

Datadriven Customs Modernize Global Trade for Security Efficiency

Interconnected Customs (DRI) is a strategic concept of the World Customs Organization to promote global trade security and facilitation. It aims to enhance collaboration and information sharing among customs administrations worldwide. However, the implementation of DRI faces challenges such as data security and privacy concerns. Strengthening international cooperation and developing robust data governance frameworks are crucial to address these challenges and fully realize the potential of DRI in facilitating legitimate trade and combating illicit activities.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

Sudan Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Sudanese Customs has launched a human resource management modernization transformation, adopting a competency-based model. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of talent selection, training, and performance evaluation, building a more competitive human resource system to contribute more significantly to Sudan's economic development. Through international cooperation, Sudanese Customs is learning from best practices and striving to achieve leapfrog development in its human resource capabilities.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA) are deepening cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and compliance through information sharing, training collaboration, and technological innovation. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance global competitiveness. By fostering a smoother and more efficient trade environment, this partnership will help businesses seize trade opportunities and build a shared future.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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