Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

WCO Initiative Aims to Ease Smes Global Trade Access

WCO Initiative Aims to Ease Smes Global Trade Access

The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes the "Business Lens Checklist" to help governments streamline policies and remove barriers for SMEs in international trade. This checklist uses a standardized approach to help government departments optimize policy processes, gather more feedback from SMEs, improve customer service, simplify customs policies and procedures, and reduce the administrative burden on businesses. It aims to create a more conducive environment for SMEs to engage in global commerce by making trade processes more efficient and accessible.

Canada WCO Boost Aviation Security and Trade Efficiency

Canada WCO Boost Aviation Security and Trade Efficiency

In 2012, Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) met with the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on aviation cargo security, risk management, and trade facilitation. Discussions covered outcomes from the ICAO aviation security conference, emerging risk responses, capacity building, and international cooperation. The CBSA's National Targeting Centre and Border Operations Centre were also examined. The meeting laid the groundwork for future collaboration, aiming to enhance security and streamline trade processes through strengthened customs partnerships and shared best practices.

WCO Upgrades Clikc Platform with Enhanced Support Training

WCO Upgrades Clikc Platform with Enhanced Support Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has upgraded the user support system for its CLiKC! platform, introducing a user manual, interactive tutorials, and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) section to help users quickly get started. A trainer's guide will also be launched in September. All these resources are now available in the "Help" section on the CLiKC! homepage. The enhancements aim to improve user experience and learning efficiency within the CLiKC! platform, providing comprehensive support for customs training initiatives.

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service is actively implementing a national Advance Ruling System aimed at reducing trade costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing trade predictability for businesses by pre-determining commodity classification, tax rates, and other relevant matters. This initiative, part of the EU-World Customs Organization Africa HS project, draws on the successful experiences of Ethiopia and Liberia. It is expected to significantly improve Nigeria's business environment and promote economic development by providing clarity and certainty to traders before importation.

Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Comoros to assist the country in evaluating the feasibility of implementing a Single Window. The assessment will provide Comoros with tailored recommendations and capacity-building support to strengthen effective coordination between customs and other border agencies, enhance trade facilitation reforms, and move towards a Single Window environment. This initiative ultimately aims to promote economic development in Comoros by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs and delays.

WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

WCO Advances Trade Pact to Boost Global Commerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) by establishing working groups, providing technical assistance, and developing guidance tools. These efforts help members improve customs management and facilitate global trade. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya emphasized that the WCO will continue to support the TFA implementation, jointly moving towards a more efficient and transparent trade future. The WCO's commitment aims to streamline processes and reduce trade barriers for its members.

WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first symposium focusing on “Green Customs,” exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in supporting environmentally sustainable trade. The meeting brought together representatives to propose more feasible “green” solutions for the 2027 and subsequent HS versions. It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and innovation in promoting sustainable development within global trade practices. The symposium aimed to identify concrete steps for integrating environmental considerations into the HS nomenclature.

WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a collaboration between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been extended until December 2023 due to its significant achievements. The program aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by simplifying trade procedures and improving customs administration through capacity building. This extension will consolidate gains, address challenges posed by the pandemic, and enhance sustainability, ultimately providing long-term development opportunities for beneficiary countries.

WCO Assessment Enhances Zambias Trade Facilitation Efforts

WCO Assessment Enhances Zambias Trade Facilitation Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a trade facilitation capacity assessment in Zambia, focusing on time release studies, coordinated border management, data harmonization, and single window development. The assessment provided specific recommendations aimed at enhancing internal capabilities within the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and establishing a timeline for implementing the time release study. This supports Zambia's trade facilitation reforms by identifying areas for improvement and offering a roadmap for achieving greater efficiency in customs procedures and border management.