WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in establishing an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation. Through expert team support, remote guidance, and on-site validation, the WCO assists ZRA in optimizing its AEO program. The WCO also looks forward to future collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and promote regional economic development. This initiative aims to align ZRA's practices with global standards and boost its efficiency in facilitating international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Zimbabwe and Zambia are advancing customs data interconnectivity to facilitate cross-border trade. By standardizing data, establishing data exchange protocols, and creating a change management framework, the two countries aim to reduce clearance times, lower trade costs, and enhance risk management capabilities. This initiative serves as a model for customs cooperation in other African nations, promoting regional economic integration. The project emphasizes streamlined processes and improved efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and integrated trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

A seminar on customs modernization and border management cooperation in Central America was held in Chile, emphasizing the crucial role of public-private partnerships in promoting trade facilitation and economic development. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and expressed confidence in future collaboration. The World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. New member countries also expressed a strong desire to continue advancing relevant cooperation. The event underscored the commitment to modernizing customs procedures and enhancing regional trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Launch Customs Lab Network to Facilitate Trade

Americas Caribbean Launch Customs Lab Network to Facilitate Trade

The Customs Laboratory Network of the Americas and the Caribbean has officially launched, aiming to enhance regional trade facilitation through information sharing, standardization, and technical cooperation. Driven by the World Customs Organization, the network will build a cooperative framework based on existing resources. It is expected to reduce trade costs, shorten clearance times, and promote regional economic development. The initiative emphasizes collaboration among customs laboratories to improve efficiency and accuracy in customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and more efficient trade flows within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jamaica Introduces Trade Advance Rulings to Boost Business

Jamaica Introduces Trade Advance Rulings to Boost Business

Jamaica is actively implementing an Advance Ruling System to improve trade efficiency and reduce business costs. Supported technically by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the new Customs Act will provide a legal framework for the system. By determining tariff classifications and origin in advance, the system reduces trade risks, optimizes supply chain management, and helps Jamaica integrate into the global economy, ushering in new trade development opportunities. This initiative aims to foster a more predictable and transparent trading environment for businesses operating in or with Jamaica.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its Customs Laboratory Guide, adding Annex V, which provides information on Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs) and the procedures and requirements for establishing them. This initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity building, assisting members in upgrading their laboratories and becoming regional benchmarks. The guide, available in English and French on the WCO Members' website, serves as a crucial resource for customs laboratory advancement. It promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing within regions to enhance analytical capabilities and facilitate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

The World Customs Organization has upgraded its Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin. This tool aims to assist national customs administrations in identifying and addressing weaknesses in tariff, valuation, and origin management. By improving management efficiency and reducing trade risks, it ultimately promotes global trade facilitation. The upgraded tool focuses on optimizing the diagnosis of rules of origin and enhancing user-friendliness. The improvements are expected to lead to better compliance and contribute to a more streamlined and predictable international trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

This paper analyzes the current state of the Convention Concerning Customs Facilities for Touring, in particular document PG0134F1 released by the World Customs Organization. Focusing on Haiti's unique position as the sole contracting party, it explores the underlying reasons for its withdrawal from the ECS Convention. By combining data analysis, the study offers insights and lessons for the lifecycle management of international trade agreements. It provides a perspective on the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and adapting such agreements in a changing global landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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