WCO Launches New Global Customs Performance Standards

WCO Launches New Global Customs Performance Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), aiming to enhance strategic decision-making and overall effectiveness of member customs administrations through a standardized assessment framework. The PMM is not only an evaluation tool but also a key instrument supporting capacity building and promoting international cooperation. The WCO encourages all members to actively participate in building an efficient and transparent global trade environment.

Jordan Customs Boosts Efficiency Security with WCO Upgrade

Jordan Customs Boosts Efficiency Security with WCO Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully piloted a new organizational risk management diagnostic tool within Jordan Customs, aiming to enhance its risk management capabilities in the face of increasingly complex international trade. Through comprehensive assessment and targeted recommendations, the WCO assisted Jordan Customs in developing an action plan to improve both clearance efficiency and security. This initiative serves as a valuable reference for the modernization efforts of other customs administrations.

WCO Aids Uganda in Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

WCO Aids Uganda in Crackdown on Wildlife Trafficking

With funding from Sweden, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's (URA) capacity to enforce the CITES Convention. This initiative, under the INAMA project, aims to enhance the URA's ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment included institutional reviews, officer training, and field visits. This lays the foundation for future cooperation to protect endangered wildlife species and combat wildlife trafficking.

Tanzania Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Training on HS Codes

Tanzania Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Training on HS Codes

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Tanzania Revenue Authority has launched a capacity building project aimed at enhancing HS code and valuation capabilities. The project comprehensively improves Tanzania's customs management level through measures such as training of trainers, building risk assessment tools, strengthening government-enterprise cooperation, and laboratory construction. This initiative promotes trade facilitation and fair tax collection, injecting new impetus into the country's economic development.

Uzbekistan Launches Trade Efficiency Program for Businesses

Uzbekistan Launches Trade Efficiency Program for Businesses

The World Customs Organization is assisting Uzbekistan in upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to enhance customs risk management capabilities, provide certified companies with trade facilitation benefits, reduce operating costs, and strengthen customs-business partnerships. The upgraded AEO program offers strategic opportunities for businesses to expand their operations within the Uzbek market by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released guidelines to assist customs officers in combating illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities. The guidelines place particular emphasis on the Basel Convention and aim to strengthen border controls to protect the environment. By focusing on key areas such as waste management and hazardous materials, the WCO seeks to enhance customs' role in preventing the illicit movement of environmentally damaging goods across international borders and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding environmental security and promoting sustainable trade practices.

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.

WCO Boosts Trade Control Enforcement in Albania Kosovo

WCO Boosts Trade Control Enforcement in Albania Kosovo

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its STCE and COPES projects, conducted online training for Albanian and Kosovar Customs, aiming to enhance their enforcement capabilities in strategic trade control and dual-use item management. The training covered strategic item definitions, evidence collection standards, and investigation techniques. It emphasized the application of data analysis in risk assessment and intelligence analysis to build a global strategic trade control system and maintain global security. The training is expected to improve the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit proliferation of sensitive goods.

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.

Ukraine Customs Academy Becomes Key EU Officer Training Hub

Ukraine Customs Academy Becomes Key EU Officer Training Hub

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has established a European Regional Training Center in Ukraine to enhance the capacity of customs officials in the European region, promoting trade facilitation and security. The Ukrainian Customs Academy was designated as the location for the training center, and a Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the WCO. The center will provide high-quality training courses covering various aspects of customs management, helping European customs administrations address international trade challenges and build efficient and secure customs systems. This initiative strengthens regional cooperation and supports effective customs practices.