Brazil Study Reveals Trade Facilitation Opportunities

Brazil Study Reveals Trade Facilitation Opportunities

Brazil's first national Time Release Study (TRS) revealed an average release time of 7.5 days, with customs clearance accounting for less than 10% and private sector processes exceeding half. The study, following the WCO methodology, aims to enhance transparency and promote trade facilitation, with plans to publicly release the raw data. The research underscores the critical role of data-driven approaches in optimizing customs procedures and fostering trade facilitation. It highlights areas for improvement within both public and private sectors to streamline the overall import/export process.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

The Americas and Caribbean Customs-Postal Strategy Conference highlighted the crucial role of customs-postal cooperation in fostering cross-border e-commerce. The WCO emphasized data-driven approaches and standardized frameworks, while the UPU and PUASP focused on process optimization and combating smuggling. Participants committed to strengthening collaboration to build a more efficient and secure global postal supply chain, laying the groundwork for the future development of cross-border trade. This includes enhanced data exchange and harmonized procedures to facilitate smoother and safer international transactions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Free Data Model Boosts Global Trade Standardization

Wcos Free Data Model Boosts Global Trade Standardization

The WCO Data Model version 3.11.0 has been released as a free, interactive app, marking a significant step towards global trade data standardization. This new version includes IMO and UPU message implementation guidelines, aiming to streamline maritime and postal processes, and improve trade efficiency. The freely available WCO DM empowers businesses, reduces compliance costs, promotes data interoperability, and helps build a more efficient and secure global trade ecosystem.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Cuba Fasttracks AEO Program to Boost Trade Security

Cuba Fasttracks AEO Program to Boost Trade Security

Cuba is actively promoting the AEO program to enhance trade facilitation and security. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides crucial support, conducting workshops to improve Cuban Customs' capacity in AEO certification and mutual recognition arrangements. Cuba plans to fully implement the AEO program by the end of 2019 and actively seeks mutual recognition agreements with other countries. This will significantly improve Cuba's trade competitiveness and promote international trade cooperation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases New Ecommerce Crossborder Trade Rules

WCO Releases New Ecommerce Crossborder Trade Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) E-Commerce Package provides a guiding framework for customs administrations in managing cross-border e-commerce, with the core being the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce. It covers trade facilitation, security, revenue collection, and consumer protection. The WCO urges countries to implement the package in phases based on their national circumstances and provides support to promote secure, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Group Targets Doubled Customs Efficiency with Inspection Tech

WCO Group Targets Doubled Customs Efficiency with Inspection Tech

The 8th meeting of the World Customs Organization's Technical Expert Group on Non-Intrusive Inspection (TEG-NII) focused on the development of the Unified File Format (UFF) and NII-related matters, aiming to enhance customs supervision efficiency. The meeting emphasized the application of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, and discussed topics including radiation detection, data analysis, and centralized image analysis. The goal is to promote the modernization of global customs supervision and facilitate trade security and facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Data Standards to Ease Global Passenger Travel

WCO Advances Data Standards to Ease Global Passenger Travel

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Passenger Facilitation and Control Working Group (PFCWG) 2nd Meeting focused on cruise best practices, global data standards, and secure travel. Discussions centered on draft data standards, emphasizing international cooperation and the application of technology to promote global traveler facilitation and control. The aim is to ensure safe, seamless, and sustainable international travel. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among customs administrations to streamline processes and enhance security measures, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure global travel experience.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

The 63rd meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team was successfully held, focusing on the progress of WCO Data Model V4, data maintenance request processing, and supporting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) new dataset. The meeting utilized the WCO Data Model application for the first time, improving data maintenance efficiency. The launch of WCO Data Model V4 will further enhance the standardization of customs data exchange and promote global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Maldives Customs Modernizes Risk Management After WCO Report

Maldives Customs Modernizes Risk Management After WCO Report

The World Customs Organization (WCO) presented a diagnostic report to the Maldives Customs Service, highlighting areas for improvement in customs valuation, post-clearance audit, and risk management. The report recommended establishing a robust risk management system, optimizing valuation processes, and upgrading audit methodologies. The Commissioner General of Maldives Customs pledged to develop an action plan based on the recommendations to enhance customs efficiency and transparency, ultimately fostering economic development. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations and facilitate smoother trade flows for the Maldives.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a study visit for customs experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries, aiming to enhance their application of the Harmonized System (HS) and promote regional trade development. The activities included participation in the HS Committee (HSC) meeting, meetings with representatives of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and planned capacity-building workshops to strengthen tariff classification and customs cooperation. The visit focused on improving skills and fostering collaboration to facilitate trade and ensure accurate classification practices within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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