The article discusses the non-binding recommendations of the World Customs Organization (WCO) regarding the Harmonized System (HS) for customs coordination. It emphasizes the important role these recommendations play in promoting international trade and investment, urging customs authorities in various countries to adopt them to enhance policy consistency and effectiveness.
The World Customs Organization held a national workshop in Ukraine on the HS Nomenclature and the role of Customs Laboratories. The workshop aimed to enhance Ukraine's customs commodity classification capabilities, emphasizing the importance of Customs Laboratories in this process. It also fostered international cooperation and exchange, injecting new impetus into the modernization of Ukrainian customs. The event highlighted the crucial role of accurate classification in trade facilitation and revenue collection, underscoring the need for well-equipped and skilled Customs Laboratories.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Service of Moldova jointly organized a national workshop on the Harmonized System (HS). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of Moldovan Customs in tariff classification. Covering HS coding rules, case studies, and international classification practices, the seminar sought to improve customs operational efficiency, facilitate international trade, and strengthen cooperation between Moldovan Customs and international organizations. The focus was on building expertise and ensuring accurate application of the HS for effective customs administration.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in developing an advance ruling system to enhance customs valuation efficiency and trade facilitation. Through workshops and capacity building, the WCO assists Kyrgyz Customs in building an efficient, transparent, and reliable advance ruling system. This aims to reduce trade risks for businesses, optimize supply chain management, and improve customs control effectiveness, ultimately promoting global trade facilitation. The system is expected to provide clarity and predictability, leading to smoother customs procedures and reduced delays.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to the Ivorian General Directorate of Customs (DGD) to strengthen its tariff classification and valuation control capabilities. During the mission, WCO experts engaged in in-depth discussions with Ivorian customs officials and conducted on-site visits to observe customs operations. The expert team provided targeted recommendations to help Ivorian Customs improve regulatory effectiveness and safeguard national economic development. The aim is to enhance customs procedures and ensure efficient trade facilitation within Côte d'Ivoire.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed a three-phase capacity building assistance program for Togo Customs, aimed at helping the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) reclaim outsourced customs valuation functions and enhance its valuation capabilities. The program, through diagnostic assessments, expert training, and the establishment of an electronic database, helped Togo Customs close tax loopholes and increase fiscal revenue, providing stronger financial support for national development. The initiative strengthened Togo's ability to accurately assess customs duties and improve overall customs administration.
The Jordan Customs Valuation Workshop, jointly organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), aimed to enhance the understanding and application of the Customs Valuation Agreement among Jordanian customs officials. Through theoretical learning and case studies, participants delved into key issues such as the transaction value principle and alternative valuation methods. This initiative laid the foundation for Jordan to build a fair and transparent international trade environment.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation workshop in Moldova to enhance the country's customs expertise in customs valuation and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered topics such as the application of the WTO Valuation Agreement, the establishment and utilization of valuation databases, the valuation of second-hand goods, the treatment of assistance and license fees, and the advance ruling system. This provided valuable learning opportunities for Moldovan customs officials.
Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to learn advanced practices for building a modern laboratory in their country. This visit is part of the EU-World Customs Organization HS-Africa project, which focuses on improving customs management and promoting trade facilitation in Africa. The study tour covered laboratory design, technical equipment, workflow, and tariff classification. The insights gained will provide valuable references for the construction of the Algerian customs laboratory.
With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual workshop on customs valuation for Panama Customs, aiming to enhance its capacity to implement the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. The workshop covered key concepts, latest developments, and post-clearance audit applications of the Agreement. Through a combination of theory and practice, it improved participants' skills in document review, customs clearance, and risk management. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation to support global customs capacity building and promote trade prosperity.
