North Macedonia Boosts Customs with WCO Tariff Training

North Macedonia Boosts Customs with WCO Tariff Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a national workshop on tariff classification in the Republic of North Macedonia. The workshop aimed to enhance the country's customs capacity in classifying goods such as dairy products, food supplements, and high-tech equipment. Sponsored by the German Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts provided theoretical and practical guidance, introducing relevant WCO tools and resources. This initiative supports the modernization of customs administration in North Macedonia, ensuring accurate tariff classification and efficient trade facilitation.

Aviation Industry Must Boost Supply Chain Resilience IATA Says

Aviation Industry Must Boost Supply Chain Resilience IATA Says

IATA highlighted the critical role of air cargo in global supply chain resilience at the World Cargo Symposium in Dubai. They urged for strengthened security, accelerated digital transformation (promoting the ONE Record standard), and a firm commitment to sustainability (expanding SAF production). Furthermore, IATA called on nations to uphold free trade and avoid protectionist measures. The organization emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to navigate current challenges and ensure the continued efficiency and reliability of air cargo operations.

Qatar Customs Boosts Global Competitiveness Through Innovation

Qatar Customs Boosts Global Competitiveness Through Innovation

Qatar Customs has successfully advanced reforms and significantly improved logistics performance through technological upgrades, talent development, and strong leadership. Its experience demonstrates that clear goals, technological innovation, business cooperation, and leadership are key to customs modernization. The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization praised Qatar's achievements and encouraged them to share their experiences. Qatar's commitment to efficiency and modernization serves as a model for other nations seeking to enhance their customs operations and contribute to global trade facilitation.

Comoros Customs Boosts Disaster Resilience with WCO Aid

Comoros Customs Boosts Disaster Resilience with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its COVID-19 Project, supported Comoros Customs in enhancing its disaster management capabilities. This included risk assessment, expedited clearance procedures, facilitation of vaccine transportation, and ensuring supply chain continuity. Workshops fostered international cooperation and provided technical and financial assistance to Comoros Customs. The initiative aims to build a more resilient nation by strengthening its customs' ability to respond effectively to future crises and disruptions, thereby safeguarding trade and protecting the Comorian population.

WCO Enhances Asiapacific IP Protection with New Experts

WCO Enhances Asiapacific IP Protection with New Experts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) Accreditation Workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) in Japan. This initiative aims to strengthen the IPR enforcement capabilities of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. By certifying highly qualified experts, the WCO is committed to building a sustainable IPR protection system, combating cross-border trade in counterfeit and pirated goods, and promoting the construction of an IPR protection community in the Asia-Pacific region.

WCO Enhances Global Trade Security Through Risk Management

WCO Enhances Global Trade Security Through Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a pre-accreditation workshop for risk management experts, aiming to enhance the risk management capabilities of customs officials in the Americas and the Caribbean, and expand the WCO's pool of experts. Through rigorous assessment and field visits, selected experts will join the WCO to provide technical assistance to customs administrations worldwide, contributing to global trade security. This initiative strengthens international cooperation and promotes standardized risk management practices within customs organizations globally.

WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference that global supply chains face multiple challenges including digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. Customs plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain resilience by strengthening risk management, simplifying customs clearance, fostering international cooperation, applying technology, and building personnel capacity. Enhanced cooperation among border agencies is essential to jointly maintain trade security and facilitation.

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to enhance its revenue administration capabilities. This activity, part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, covered topics like risk management and customs valuation. The workshop aims to assist Botswana in increasing tax revenue, combating smuggling, and promoting trade facilitation and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening BURS's ability to effectively conduct PCA and improve overall customs control.

WCO Aids Cte Divoire in Customs Reform

WCO Aids Cte Divoire in Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Ivorian General Directorate of Customs (DGD) in enhancing its customs valuation and commodity classification capabilities. An expert team conducted a diagnostic assessment in Côte d'Ivoire, engaging with customs officials and the private sector to propose improvements. Recommendations include strengthening personnel training, refining regulations, upgrading IT infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation. The aim is to establish an efficient and transparent customs management system, promoting economic development and trade facilitation in Côte d'Ivoire.

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.