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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Saudi Arabia Hosts WCO Seminar on Trade Facilitation Reforms

Saudi Arabia Hosts WCO Seminar on Trade Facilitation Reforms

The WCO held a workshop in Saudi Arabia focusing on Advance Ruling systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop aimed to assist the region in fulfilling WTO agreements, improving trade efficiency, and promoting trade facilitation. The event highlighted the importance of advance rulings in providing predictability and transparency for traders, ultimately contributing to increased regional trade and economic growth. Discussions centered on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing advance ruling systems within the MENA region.

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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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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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 Customs Survey Aims to Fasttrack Tech Adoption

Global Customs Survey Aims to Fasttrack Tech Adoption

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global survey to assess the application of disruptive technologies in customs, identify capacity-building needs, and promote the exchange of experiences. The survey results will update the 'WCO/WTO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies,' providing guidance for customs' digital transformation. The WCO encourages member administrations to actively participate and collectively shape the future of customs. This initiative aims to understand the impact of emerging technologies and help customs administrations leverage them effectively for improved efficiency and security.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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