WCO Enhances Customs Risk Training in Americas Caribbean

WCO Enhances Customs Risk Training in Americas Caribbean

With the support of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Risk Management Pre-Accreditation Workshop for the Americas and Caribbean region in Guatemala City. The workshop aimed to expand the WCO's pool of experts and enhance member's capabilities in risk management. Participants were assessed on their technical knowledge, presentation skills, and communication abilities. This initiative contributes to building a safer and more efficient global trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Global Customs Codes Aim to Curb Plastic Waste by 2028

New Global Customs Codes Aim to Curb Plastic Waste by 2028

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System (HS) 2028 edition introduces new subheadings for plastic products, enhancing the visibility of specific polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, plant fiber items, plastic cotton swabs, fishing nets, and balloons. It also introduces a definition of 'single-use'. These adjustments will facilitate customs data collection, enabling governments to develop more effective trade regulations and promote sustainable plastic management. This will contribute to combating plastic pollution on a global scale.

02/06/2026 HS Code Query
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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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WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Enhance Ghanas Trade Facilitation

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Enhance Ghanas Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and UNCTAD are jointly empowering trade facilitation in Ghana through capacity-building workshops, experience sharing, and project proposal preparation. This initiative aims to help Ghana simplify trade procedures and improve trade efficiency. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the collaboration supports Ghana's economic development and its ambition to become a regional trade hub. The focus is on streamlining processes and enhancing Ghana's ability to participate effectively in global trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in building a competency-based human resource management system. Through expert consultations and institutionalization efforts, the GRA is expected to become a benchmark for human resource management in West Africa, offering valuable lessons for other developing countries. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's capabilities and contribute to its overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

Global Customs Agencies Streamline Trade Processes

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial importance of cooperation between customs and phytosanitary authorities, especially within the context of trade facilitation, at the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) meeting. The article elaborates on the necessity of this collaboration, WCO's initiatives, global case studies, and future prospects. It emphasizes policy coordination, technology promotion, and capacity building as key elements for successful cooperation in safeguarding plant health while facilitating international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Global Ecommerce Via Collaboration Innovation

WCO Boosts Global Ecommerce Via Collaboration Innovation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted the 2nd Global Cross-Border E-Commerce Conference, bringing together global experts to discuss key issues such as optimizing regulatory frameworks, improving trade efficiency, and ensuring security and compliance. The conference emphasized data-driven risk management, simplified customs clearance procedures, consumer rights protection, and capacity building and cooperation. It injected new impetus into the WCO's future work, helping cross-border e-commerce become an engine of global economic growth.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Enhance Customs Training in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Enhance Customs Training in Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project successfully held the second working group activity in Mozambique. The aim was to enhance customs valuation capabilities in five Southern African countries and promote regional trade facilitation. The activity focused on improving training skills, with experts sharing experiences and participants actively engaging. This laid the foundation for building a high-quality trainer pool and improving the regional training system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Workshop on Risk Assessment and Targeting, sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and hosted by Qatar Customs, was held in Doha. The workshop aimed to enhance the risk management capabilities of customs administrations in the region. Focusing on risk assessment and profiling, the event facilitated the exchange of experiences through case studies and national reports. The goal was to improve customs' ability to identify and manage risks, enabling them to address the challenges posed by increasingly complex global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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