WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

WTO Marks 50 Years of Fair Trade Rules Under Customs Pact

This paper reviews the 50-year development of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, emphasizing its crucial role in maintaining fair trade and promoting international cooperation. It examines the agreement's impact on global trade practices and its contributions to reducing trade barriers. Furthermore, the paper looks forward to future development directions, considering emerging challenges and opportunities in the international trade landscape. It highlights the agreement's continued relevance in ensuring transparent and predictable customs valuation procedures, fostering trust among trading partners, and facilitating efficient cross-border trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cambodia Boosts Customs Valuation Skills with WCO Japan Aid

Cambodia Boosts Customs Valuation Skills with WCO Japan Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported a customs valuation workshop in Cambodia to enhance the valuation capabilities of officers from the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE). The workshop covered the WTO Valuation Agreement, key technical issues, and valuation control measures, sharing case studies and experiences. Through this workshop, Cambodian Customs is expected to improve revenue collection, promote trade facilitation, and inject new vitality into the national economic development. The focus was on practical application and knowledge transfer to improve valuation accuracy and efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the World Customs Organization (WCO) undertook a support mission to Cambodia. The mission aimed to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and assist in developing a five-year strategic plan. Through gap analysis and strategic planning, the WCO will help Cambodia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic development. The support focuses on identifying areas needing improvement and providing guidance for a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Boosts Customs Efficiency With New Systemic Tools

WTO Boosts Customs Efficiency With New Systemic Tools

This article explores a series of tools and frameworks introduced by the World Customs Organization to assist developing countries in enhancing customs capacity building. It emphasizes the importance of standardized diagnostics, data analysis capabilities, and performance measurement, aiming to facilitate the security and ease of international trade.

08/07/2025 Logistics
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Hong Kong Files WTO Complaint Over US Tariffs

Hong Kong Files WTO Complaint Over US Tariffs

The Hong Kong SAR government has filed a complaint with the WTO regarding the US's imposition of tariffs, citing violations of WTO rules and disregard for Hong Kong's status as a separate customs territory. This action aims to protect Hong Kong's trade interests, defend multilateral trade principles, and promote the resolution of international trade disputes. Hong Kong will closely monitor developments, safeguard its trade position, and calls on the international community to jointly uphold WTO rules.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides follow-up strategic planning support to the Bolivian National Customs Administration (AN). This aims to assist AN in developing a multi-year strategic plan to enhance customs effectiveness and promote trade facilitation. This online workshop assessed the progress of AN's strategic plan development. WCO experts provided professional guidance, optimizing key performance indicators to support the modernization of Bolivian customs and contribute to national economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova Boosts Trade Via Mercator Program WTO Deal

Moldova, with support from Switzerland and the WCO, has launched the "Mercator Program" to streamline customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, and foster economic growth and regional cooperation. The initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, simplify documentation, and enhance transparency in cross-border trade. By implementing modern customs practices and technologies, Moldova seeks to boost its competitiveness and integrate further into the global economy. The Mercator Program is expected to contribute significantly to Moldova's economic development and strengthen its position as a reliable trading partner.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Egypt Boosts Customs Skills Via WTO Training Program

Egypt Boosts Customs Skills Via WTO Training Program

The World Customs Organization and the Commercial Law Development Program jointly held a customs valuation workshop in Cairo to enhance Egyptian customs officials' understanding and application of the WTO's Customs Valuation Agreement. The workshop covered a review of the agreement's principles, analysis of key technical issues, sharing of US customs experiences, and practical case studies. This initiative aims to support Egypt in building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Rwanda Boosts Trade Compliance with WTO Customs Pact

Rwanda Boosts Trade Compliance with WTO Customs Pact

Rwanda is actively strengthening customs cooperation within the WTO framework. By developing a cross-border agency procedures manual, it promotes compliance and collaboration, enhancing information exchange and declaration data verification. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency and compliance levels, serving as a reference for other developing countries. The efforts focus on streamlining border processes and fostering a more transparent and efficient trade environment through enhanced cooperation and data sharing amongst relevant agencies.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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