Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Operation DEMETER V Cracks Down on Illegal Environmental Trade

Global Operation DEMETER V Cracks Down on Illegal Environmental Trade

Operation DEMETER V is a global customs enforcement operation targeting the illegal cross-border movement of environmentally sensitive commodities. Initiated by the World Customs Organization, the operation focuses on the illicit trafficking of hazardous waste (particularly plastic waste) and ozone-depleting substances. Through enhanced international cooperation and information exchange, Operation DEMETER V has successfully seized significant quantities of illegal waste and ozone-depleting substances, effectively upholding the enforcement of international environmental conventions.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases New Ecommerce Crossborder Trade Rules

WCO Releases New Ecommerce Crossborder Trade Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) E-Commerce Package provides a guiding framework for customs administrations in managing cross-border e-commerce, with the core being the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce. It covers trade facilitation, security, revenue collection, and consumer protection. The WCO urges countries to implement the package in phases based on their national circumstances and provides support to promote secure, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Basel Convention Unite Against Illegal Waste Trade

Global Customs Basel Convention Unite Against Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening cooperation with the Basel Convention to combat environmental crimes such as the illegal cross-border trade in waste. This collaboration aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities through developing training materials, utilizing online training platforms, strengthening networking, and conducting joint operations. By working together, the WCO and the Basel Convention seek to build a new landscape of global environmental governance and jointly safeguard the sustainable development of the planet.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolias Customs Reforms Enhance Trade Efficiency

Mongolias Customs Reforms Enhance Trade Efficiency

Mongolian Customs has significantly improved its risk management capabilities under the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s 'Light Touch Intervention' (LTI) project. Through capacity building, strategic upgrades, and standardization, risk management efficiency has increased by 30%, and the physical inspection rate of goods has decreased by 20%. This advancement lays the foundation for a more competitive trade environment in Mongolia, streamlining processes and reducing unnecessary delays for legitimate trade while focusing resources on high-risk areas.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

WCO Revises Trade Rules for Alcohol Powder Apparel Sets

The 56th session of the Harmonized System Committee (HSC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) released the latest commodity classification decisions, covering goods such as powdered alcohol, two-piece suits, and children's carriers. These decisions aim to provide clearer commodity classification criteria for international trade, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and lower trade costs. They offer guidance for consistent application of the Harmonized System, facilitating smoother and more predictable global trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

Under the initiative of the World Customs Organization, West and Central African Customs administrations have jointly developed an action plan to strengthen cultural heritage protection and combat illicit trafficking. The plan encompasses key areas such as raising awareness, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and conducting practical training. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to build a robust barrier against the illegal trade in cultural artifacts and promote the preservation of cultural heritage across the region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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