WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

WCO Revises Trade Rules to Enhance WTO Pact Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Implementation Guidance on Trade Facilitation,' integrating the latest tools and member practices to enhance the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The new guidance covers areas such as transparency, customs-business cooperation, advance rulings, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), border management, single window, customs brokers, transit, Globally Networked Customs, and National Trade Facilitation Committees. It provides more practical and comprehensive guidance for global trade facilitation, aiming to streamline processes and reduce trade costs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ADB and WTO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Facilitation

ADB and WTO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Facilitation

The President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) headquarters, engaging in in-depth discussions on the global economic situation, Sustainable Development Goals, international technical issues, regional integration, and the current trade environment. Both parties pledged to deepen cooperation to jointly address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the ADB and WCO in navigating the evolving global trade landscape and fostering sustainable economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Aid for Trade Review Boosts Global Customs Cooperation

WTO Aid for Trade Review Boosts Global Customs Cooperation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively showcases its contribution to enhancing supply chain efficiency and harmonizing border management in the WTO's Aid for Trade Global Review, emphasizing the importance of trade facilitation. Through its tools, projects, and capacity building programs, the WCO consistently supports its members in simplifying customs procedures, strengthening supply chain security, and promoting global trade facilitation, thus contributing to the prosperity of global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

Uzbekistan Enhances Trade Via WTO Pact with SECOWCO Backing

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme continues to support Uzbekistan in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through workshops and other initiatives, the program focuses on key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and cooperation between border agencies. Uzbekistan is actively responding, dedicating efforts to process optimization and capacity building to improve trade efficiency and integrate into the global economy. The country aims to streamline procedures and enhance its capabilities to facilitate smoother and faster trade flows, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Serbian Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and attract more business participation. Through capacity building, strategic optimization, and dialogue with the private sector, Serbia's AEO program will better align with international standards, providing businesses with a more convenient trading environment and promoting economic development. The upgrades focus on streamlining processes and enhancing security within the supply chain.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

WCO WTO Release Tech Guide to Streamline Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) jointly released the 'Study Report on Disruptive Technologies (2022),' focusing on the application of seven technologies, including blockchain, IoT, and AI, in the customs domain. The report analyzes technology trends, shares practical case studies, and provides strategic recommendations for customs' digital transformation. It aims to promote global trade facilitation and economic growth by leveraging these disruptive technologies to modernize customs procedures and enhance efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO WTO Partner on Tech to Boost Crossborder Ecommerce

WCO WTO Partner on Tech to Boost Crossborder Ecommerce

A joint WCO-WTO Public Forum session highlighted the crucial role of disruptive technologies and e-commerce in post-pandemic trade recovery. The meeting explored topics such as e-commerce, public-private partnerships, and data applications. It emphasized the importance of technological innovation and data-driven approaches in customs modernization, and looked ahead to future trends in global trade. The discussions underscored how these elements are vital for streamlining processes, enhancing efficiency, and fostering sustainable growth in the evolving international trade landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a collaboration between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been extended until December 2023 due to its significant achievements. The program aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by simplifying trade procedures and improving customs administration through capacity building. This extension will consolidate gains, address challenges posed by the pandemic, and enhance sustainability, ultimately providing long-term development opportunities for beneficiary countries.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UK Trade Project Enhances Efficiency in Middleincome Nations

UK Trade Project Enhances Efficiency in Middleincome Nations

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office-funded 'Trade Facilitation Project in Middle-Income Countries' aims to assist Brazil, India, Nigeria, the Philippines, and South Africa in better implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). With technical support from the World Customs Organization and the World Bank Group, the project seeks to enhance these countries' trade efficiency and competitiveness, ultimately fostering economic growth. The project focuses on capacity building and streamlining trade processes to reduce costs and delays associated with cross-border trade, enabling these nations to fully benefit from the TFA.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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