WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) highlighted their collaboration in addressing environmental and social issues using the Harmonized System (HS) at the BRS COPs in Geneva. The WCO facilitates customs control of goods threatening the environment and human health by introducing HS codes. They shared elements of successful proposals, aiming to strengthen global cooperation and build a sustainable trade future. This partnership demonstrates how the HS can be leveraged for environmental protection and responsible trade practices on a global scale.

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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Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

Customs Valuation and Transfer Pricing Align for Multinationals

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the OECD jointly held a seminar in Pretoria, focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference promoted cooperation between tax and customs authorities, exploring the application of transfer pricing studies in customs valuation. It emphasized information sharing, aiming to build a fairer international trade environment. Discussions centered on how transfer pricing methodologies can inform customs valuation practices, ensuring accurate and equitable assessment of goods for duty purposes. The initiative seeks to enhance transparency and combat illicit financial flows related to trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Boosts Customs Training with Datadriven Strategies

Europe Boosts Customs Training with Datadriven Strategies

A meeting of the World Customs Organization's European region was held in Moscow to strengthen cooperation and coordination in customs capacity building within the region. The meeting reviewed the progress of five major capacity development projects and discussed the development of a database of regional customs education institutions, a logistics manual, an e-journal, and a common learning platform. These initiatives aim to enhance regional customs capacity, promote trade facilitation, and ensure security. The discussions laid the groundwork for future advancements in these areas, contributing to a more efficient and secure customs environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Expands Trade Efficiency with SECOWCO AEO Program

Bolivia Expands Trade Efficiency with SECOWCO AEO Program

The World Customs Organization, under the SECO-WCO framework, conducted a follow-up assessment of Bolivia's AEO program, aiming to optimize its effectiveness and sustainability. By revising the AEO program, communication strategy, and capacity-building training, the number of Bolivian AEO companies doubled, strengthening the program. Future recommendations include strengthening government-private sector cooperation, continuous capacity building, and regular performance evaluations to enhance trade security and facilitation. The assessment highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the AEO program's long-term success and contribution to Bolivia's trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on the enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of member customs agencies to combat the illicit trade of environmentally sensitive goods. Topics covered included an overview of MEAs, global trade trends, risk management, document verification, and cargo inspection. The event fostered regional cooperation and the sharing of best practices, laying a foundation for addressing global environmental challenges. It emphasized the critical role of customs in protecting the environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Ecommerce Framework to Transform Global Trade

Wcos Ecommerce Framework to Transform Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on E-Commerce (WGEC) has finalized a comprehensive e-commerce package, deepening the framework of cross-border e-commerce standards. This package covers key areas such as terminology definitions, technical specifications, and tax administration. It aims to promote the standardization and facilitation of global cross-border e-commerce, providing safeguards for trade growth and consumer rights. The initiative seeks to streamline processes and enhance efficiency in the rapidly evolving landscape of international online trade, fostering a more predictable and secure environment for businesses and consumers alike.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), inviting members to participate in self-assessment. This initiative aims to help national customs administrations identify challenges, improve operations, and receive targeted capacity building assistance from the WCO. The PMM comprehensively evaluates customs performance in areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and enforcement. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs worldwide, thereby fostering international trade development and contributing to a more secure and predictable global trading environment.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs invited the World Customs Organization (WCO) for a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic to enhance trade facilitation. WCO experts conducted an in-depth assessment of Qatar Customs' departments and offered recommendations for improvement. PCA, recognized as an efficient control method, is crucial for trade facilitation, revenue protection, and risk management. This initiative by Qatar Customs will promote corporate compliance, improve trade efficiency, and contribute to global trade facilitation efforts. The focus on PCA highlights Qatar's commitment to modernizing customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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