New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Cargo Targeting System (CTS) air cargo capability has been piloted in New Zealand, aiming to enhance global air cargo risk assessment and pre-inspection capabilities. The New Zealand Customs Service will comprehensively test and evaluate the system, providing customs agencies worldwide with smarter, more efficient risk management tools. This initiative contributes to building a safer and more convenient global trade environment by improving the ability to identify and mitigate potential threats in air cargo shipments before they reach their destination.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Philippine Customs to enhance its capacity to combat counterfeit and pirated goods. The workshop focused on customs challenges under the pandemic, WCO's intellectual property protection tools, and counterfeit goods identification. Rights holders were invited to provide training. The workshop significantly improved the intellectual property protection awareness and counterfeit goods identification skills of Philippine Customs officials, promoting cooperation between customs and rights holders. This initiative aims to strengthen IP enforcement and protect legitimate trade in the Philippines.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

Global Trade Adopts Green Customs Codes for Sustainability

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global “Green Customs” reflection, exploring revisions to the Harmonized System (HS) code to better integrate environmental considerations and promote a global green economy through a series of workshops. These workshops focus on five key areas: food, chemicals, textiles, basic materials, and green technologies. They provide valuable insights and recommendations for the 'greening' of the HS coding system, aiming to build a more sustainable future. The initiative seeks to leverage trade policies to support environmental protection and sustainable development goals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an upgraded Time Release Study (TRS) CLiKC! course, designed to help customs administrations measure cargo release times, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. The course covers all phases of the TRS methodology, emphasizing practical application through case studies, exercises, and role-playing to enhance participants' skills. This initiative supports trade facilitation and benefits the global economy. WCO members can access the course for free on the CLiKC! platform. It aims to enhance customs efficiency and reduce release times for goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization issued Advisory Opinion 23.1, clarifying that low-price transactions of flash sale goods can be used as a basis for customs valuation, provided they comply with the Valuation Agreement and the transaction is genuine and valid. This opinion guides cross-border e-commerce enterprises in compliant declaration, reduces trade risks, and provides customs authorities with scientific valuation methods, promoting the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. It emphasizes adherence to existing valuation principles while acknowledging the unique characteristics of flash sales.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Inter-State School for Customs of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (ISSC-CEMAC) in reshaping its development strategy, aiming to modernize its training system through capacity building. The WCO's diagnostic assessment provided recommendations for ISSC improvements, and a new development strategy was jointly formulated to enhance the professional competence of regional customs officers and promote trade facilitation. The focus is on strengthening the ISSC's role as a key training hub for customs administrations in the CEMAC region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Boosts Border Efficiency with WCO Trade Partnership

Peru Boosts Border Efficiency with WCO Trade Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a follow-up mission to Peruvian border agencies to strengthen cooperation and improve border control efficiency. By introducing the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) concept and developing a roadmap, focusing on enhanced information sharing, standardized procedures, risk management, and capacity building, Peru aims to establish an efficient and collaborative border control system. This initiative is expected to facilitate trade, boost economic development, and create new opportunities for growth. The mission highlights the importance of international collaboration in modernizing border operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Belarus Advances Trade with Wcobacked AEO Recognition

Belarus Advances Trade with Wcobacked AEO Recognition

The World Customs Organization held a national workshop on AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangements in Minsk, Belarus, to help the country improve its AEO mutual recognition processes and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered all aspects of mutual recognition arrangements, emphasizing international standards and technical applications, and sharing practical experiences from other countries and regions. Belarus has implemented the AEO program and signed a mutual recognition arrangement with China. In the future, it will further optimize the AEO program to achieve seamless mutual recognition with other countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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