WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on customs-related matters and enhance global trade efficiency and security. The two organizations will collaborate on technical assistance, information sharing, and combating illicit trade, with a focus on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the application of coordination mechanisms. This partnership aims to address global trade challenges and promote sustainable development by fostering streamlined customs procedures and improved international collaboration in trade-related areas.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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 and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Clarifies undertaken in Customs Rules to Ensure Fair Trade

WTO Clarifies undertaken in Customs Rules to Ensure Fair Trade

In 1983, the Customs Valuation Committee clarified that the term "undertaken" in Article 8 of the Customs Valuation Agreement should be interpreted as "carried out" in the English context. This interpretation aimed to standardize understanding and prevent trade disputes arising from linguistic differences. However, this clarification does not affect the French and Spanish versions of the Agreement. The ruling emphasizes the importance of consistent interpretation in international trade agreements to ensure fair and predictable application across different language versions.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO WTO Train Trade Committee Chairs to Boost Global Commerce

WCO WTO Train Trade Committee Chairs to Boost Global Commerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the World Trade Organization (WTO), empowers National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) Chairs through capacity building, enhancing their understanding and implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The WCO's Mercator Program and related tools are highlighted within the curriculum, aiming to assist countries in improving trade efficiency. This multi-stakeholder cooperation model provides an effective pathway for global trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Talks Seek Faster Trade Deals to Boost Global Business

WTO Talks Seek Faster Trade Deals to Boost Global Business

This meeting aimed to assess the latest progress in multilateral trade negotiations and integrate achieved results into the negotiating text to accelerate the process. International organizations were invited to enhance the professionalism and authority of the negotiations, and the next steps were clarified. Businesses should continue to monitor the negotiation progress, actively participate in industry associations, adjust their development strategies, seize opportunities, and win the future. This requires proactive engagement and adaptation to the evolving global trade landscape.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Updates Global Trade Guidelines with Expanded Single Window System

WTO Updates Global Trade Guidelines with Expanded Single Window System

The WCO Single Window Guidelines need updating to reflect evolving trade practices. Recommendations include integrating technology, strengthening risk management, learning from best practices, and collaborative updates. This aims to build an efficient, secure, and inclusive system that facilitates seamless cross-border trade. The updated guidelines should address emerging challenges and opportunities in the global trade landscape, ensuring that Single Window systems remain relevant and effective in promoting trade facilitation and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burundi Customs in building a national risk management framework to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. By developing risk management policies, strategies, and action plans, and aligning them with regional frameworks, Burundi will be better positioned to implement its AEO program and fulfill its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to contribute to Burundi's sustainable economic development by enhancing customs operations and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

A high-level virtual workshop on Post-Clearance Audit was successfully conducted for the Lesotho Revenue Authority under the joint framework of HMRC, WCO, and UNCTAD. The workshop aimed to support developing countries in effectively implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. It enhanced the professional skills of Lesotho Revenue Authority officials and fostered cooperation between customs and businesses, contributing to Lesotho's economic development. The training focused on modern PCA techniques and risk management strategies to optimize revenue collection and improve trade compliance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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