WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Adopts Wcobacked Preruling System to Boost Trade

Bahamas Customs Adopts Wcobacked Preruling System to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Bahamas in establishing a commodity classification advance ruling system to enhance trade facilitation. Through national workshops and technical assistance, the WCO assists the Bahamas Customs in its modernization efforts, establishing a pre-ruling system to resolve trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and promote economic development. While challenges exist in establishing the advance ruling system, the WCO's support and cooperation will help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative aims to create a more predictable and efficient trade environment for businesses operating in the Bahamas.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

The World Customs Organization successfully held a Mercator Programme Advisor certification workshop for the Spanish-speaking Americas region. The aim was to cultivate a group of high-quality MPA experts and promote the coordinated implementation of trade facilitation measures globally. This initiative helps relevant countries optimize customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency, injecting strong momentum into regional trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the WCO's Mercator Programme, ultimately contributing to streamlined trade procedures and economic growth.

01/22/2026 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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Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly launched by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been officially extended for another year. The program aims to simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen international cooperation, and build capacity to promote global trade development. This extension provides beneficiary countries with more opportunities to further advance trade facilitation reforms and improve their competitiveness in global trade. It allows for continued support in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient and predictable trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) assessment reveals Palestine's active participation in the Mercator Programme, which supports the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and simplifies trade procedures. The Palestinian Customs Administration has benefited significantly in areas such as tariffs and risk management, maintaining close ties with the private sector and neighboring customs administrations. The assessment lays the groundwork for future tailored support, and the WCO will continue to provide assistance to promote Palestinian economic development and regional trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to further streamline customs processes and enhance trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Zimbabwe to enhance its customs' post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities, implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and strengthen customs-private sector cooperation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of PCA processes, ensuring compliance and promoting legitimate trade. By building capacity in PCA, Zimbabwe customs can better manage risks, optimize revenue collection, and contribute to a more efficient and secure trading environment. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and businesses in achieving trade facilitation goals.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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St Lucia Aims to Enhance Trade Via AEO Program

St Lucia Aims to Enhance Trade Via AEO Program

Saint Lucia initiated its AEO program exploration in 2009, aiming to simplify customs procedures and enhance business competitiveness by certifying secure and reliable trade operators. A workshop shared Jamaica's experience, emphasizing the importance of swift action. While the private sector expressed concerns, it pledged support. AEO certification is a global trend, and Saint Lucia needs to overcome challenges and seize opportunities to achieve trade facilitation and economic development. The program seeks to streamline processes and improve efficiency for authorized economic operators, fostering a more competitive and attractive trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Central American Customs Boost Global Trade with New Partnerships

Central American Customs Boost Global Trade with New Partnerships

The Heads of Customs Administrations of the Americas and the Caribbean Conference was held in Guatemala, focusing on global connectivity, risk management, and customs-business cooperation. The importance of the Revised Kyoto Convention was emphasized. Guatemala was elected as the new WCO Regional Vice-Chair. The conference promoted regional customs cooperation and pointed the way for global trade facilitation. It addressed key challenges and opportunities in the region, aiming to enhance efficiency and security in international trade flows. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to streamline customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in launching its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes, ultimately improving trade efficiency. Through the TRS and the development of a Single Window system, the Bahamas aims to significantly improve its business environment, enhance international competitiveness, and lay the groundwork for joining the World Trade Organization. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative is crucial for economic growth and integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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