Global Customs Adopt Luxor Resolution for Ecommerce Compliance

Global Customs Adopt Luxor Resolution for Ecommerce Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) adopted the Luxor Resolution, providing a guiding framework for cross-border e-commerce regulation. It encompasses eight key principles, including advance data, facilitation, security, and taxation. The WCO also reaffirmed its leading role in cross-border e-commerce management to the WTO, pledging support for the WTO's Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. The Luxor Resolution aims to promote trade facilitation, address security challenges, and foster the healthy and sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through a workshop, technical assistance, and an action plan. This aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The initiative focuses on strengthening the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)'s customs risk management, improving control effectiveness, and promoting trade facilitation. Ultimately, this contributes to the country's sustainable economic development by optimizing revenue collection and streamlining trade processes.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Bahamas Customs has launched its first Time Release Study (TRS). This initiative aims to quantify the time taken at each stage of the customs clearance process, identify bottlenecks, and optimize procedures. The goal is to improve customs efficiency, reduce trade costs, enhance the business environment, and prepare for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WCO provides technical assistance and training to help Bahamas Customs modernize and promote trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

Armenia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

The WCO assessed Armenia's customs risk management and post-clearance audit (PCA) systems to enhance trade facilitation and compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The assessment aimed to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for strengthening these critical functions. Armenia expressed its gratitude for the WCO's support and looks forward to continued collaboration in further developing its customs practices and procedures. The focus is on aligning with international standards and best practices to promote efficient and secure trade flows.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cape Verde Boosts Trade Through Stakeholder Engagement

Cape Verde Boosts Trade Through Stakeholder Engagement

Cabo Verde has made significant progress in trade facilitation through the WCO-WACAM project, with effective stakeholder engagement being key. The project supports Cabo Verde in implementing measures related to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhancing customs management capabilities. Through collaboration, Cabo Verde successfully completed a Time Release Study at Praia Port, laying the foundation for improved national port efficiency and demonstrating the value of a collaborative approach. This initiative highlights Cabo Verde's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Zealand Proposes Trade Reforms to Ease Business Operations

New Zealand Proposes Trade Reforms to Ease Business Operations

This article provides an in-depth analysis of New Zealand's latest proposals in the WTO Trade Facilitation negotiations. These suggestions cover key areas such as regional integration, information publication, advance rulings, appeal procedures, and freedom of transit. Businesses should closely monitor the negotiation developments, actively participate in policy-making, optimize trade processes, strengthen compliance management, enhance risk awareness, and seize the opportunities presented by trade facilitation. Staying informed and proactive is crucial for businesses to benefit from the evolving trade landscape.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey Calls for Global Cooperation on Transit Trade Sanctions

Turkey has submitted a proposal to the WTO aimed at regulating transit trade penalty measures and preventing abuse that hinders trade flows. The proposal suggests applying penalty constraints applicable to import and export trade, with modifications, to transit trade. This aims to ensure fair and transparent penalty principles, promote trade facilitation, enhance efficiency, guarantee fairness, and ultimately promote economic development and global supply chain stability. The proposal seeks to prevent disproportionate penalties that disrupt transit routes and negatively impact landlocked developing countries.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Push to Simplify Trade by Ending Consular Authentication

Global Push to Simplify Trade by Ending Consular Authentication

This paper explores the hindering effect of consular authentication on international trade, arguing for its abolishment and highlighting the benefits. It introduces initiatives by the United States and Uganda within the WTO framework to eliminate consular authentication. The analysis covers the challenges associated with this removal and proposes corresponding solutions. Finally, the paper looks ahead to future trends in global trade facilitation, emphasizing the positive impact of removing unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles like consular authentication to improve efficiency and reduce costs for international businesses.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Customs Modernization Reforms

WCO Backs Cambodias Customs Modernization Reforms

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an assistance mission to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and help develop a five-year strategic plan. This initiative aims to promote customs modernization in Cambodia, enhance trade facilitation, and inject new impetus into economic development. The WCO will continue to support Cambodia's customs capacity building and strengthen international cooperation to jointly address global trade challenges.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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