Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

In 2017, the WCO conducted a tariff classification capacity building project in Laos to improve its classification skills, establish an advance ruling system, and implement HS 2017. Through workshops, tool applications, and expert guidance, the capacity of Lao Customs officials was enhanced, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. The experience of Chinese Customs also provided a reference for Laos. This initiative serves as a model of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and contributes to the economic development of Laos.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Trade Facilitation Support

Bolivian Customs, with WCO support, is upgrading its AEO program. This includes optimizing standards, expanding the program's scope, strengthening risk management and service provision, and promoting mutual recognition arrangements. The aim is to enhance trade facilitation, foster economic growth for businesses, and improve overall customs efficiency. The upgraded AEO program is expected to contribute significantly to Bolivia's trade competitiveness and its integration into the global trading system. The focus is on creating a more secure and predictable trade environment for authorized economic operators.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos HS Review Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Wcos HS Review Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the HS Strategic Review study at the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) 30th Anniversary Conference. The review aims to optimize the global system for classifying goods in international trade, addressing changes in the trade environment and technological innovation. The IFCBA actively participated and provided feedback, which the WCO pledged to consider. The HS Strategic Review is expected to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and enhance international competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

The World Customs Organization's midterm report affirms the HS's central role and recommends improvements to its usability and functionality to address evolving trade patterns. The report encourages active participation from all parties in the assessment process. The focus is on ensuring the Harmonized System remains a relevant and effective tool for international trade classification and customs procedures in a rapidly changing global landscape. This will involve streamlining processes and adapting to new technologies to enhance its overall effectiveness and accessibility.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Mercator Programme, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). A national workshop was held to raise awareness of the TFA among stakeholders, identify implementation priorities, and promote the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). The workshop focused on the technical measures of the TFA and provided recommendations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future trade facilitation efforts. This initiative aims to help Bosnia and Herzegovina integrate into the global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Joins Istanbul Convention to Enhance Trade

Iran Joins Istanbul Convention to Enhance Trade

Iran has officially joined the Istanbul Convention, becoming the 68th contracting party, marking a significant step in its international trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, and its core ATA Carnet system, aims to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border movement of goods. This accession is of great importance for Iran itself and the development of global trade by streamlining temporary import/export processes and fostering economic cooperation. The ATA Carnet simplifies customs procedures for temporary admission of goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Customs Supports WCO in Global Trade Valuation Standards

China Customs Supports WCO in Global Trade Valuation Standards

The WCO Revenue Package aims to enhance customs revenue collection capabilities of member countries. China Customs actively participates in this initiative, providing valuation control case studies and sharing its experiences. China's customs valuation control system, characterized by comprehensive laws and regulations, advanced risk management techniques, a robust valuation database, and effective inter-departmental collaboration, offers valuable lessons for other nations. This participation underscores China's commitment to supporting global efforts in securing customs revenue and promoting best practices in valuation control.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Palestinian Customs Modernization Efforts

WCO Backs Palestinian Customs Modernization Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Palestine Customs in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM) through a workshop held in Tunis. This support focuses on building a competency-based HRM system, including developing a job directory, competency framework, competency dictionary, and job descriptions. WCO experts will provide remote support to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency and international competitiveness of Palestine Customs by strengthening its workforce and aligning HR practices with international standards.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Tunisia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

With Tunisia's accession, the Revised Kyoto Convention now has 112 contracting parties, signaling accelerated global trade facilitation. This convention, a blueprint for modern customs, aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying procedures, optimizing risk management, and utilizing information technology. It promotes global trade growth and complements the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, jointly building an open and prosperous trade system. The convention's focus on streamlined processes and technological advancements is crucial for enhancing customs efficiency worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Reform

Cameroon Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Cameroon's customs valuation control system to enhance trade efficiency and compliance. Through in-depth discussions with customs officials and business representatives, the WCO proposed recommendations to strengthen valuation capacity, optimize processes, and enhance information sharing. These efforts aim to help Cameroon better implement the WTO Valuation Agreement, promote trade facilitation, and foster economic growth. The assessment focuses on improving customs valuation practices to streamline trade procedures and ensure fair revenue collection.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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