Namibia Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Stakeholder Talks

Namibia Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Stakeholder Talks

WCO held a workshop in Namibia to support its implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhance its National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) capabilities. The workshop emphasized the importance of stakeholder engagement and leveraging international best practices to promote trade facilitation. It aimed to provide Namibia with the necessary tools and knowledge to streamline its trade processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately boosting its economic competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
ATA Carnet Marks 50 Years Easing Global Trade

ATA Carnet Marks 50 Years Easing Global Trade

As the World Customs Organization celebrates the 50th anniversary of the ATA Carnet system, stakeholders emphasized its importance as a model of customs-business partnership in promoting trade and investment. Discussions focused on developing a paperless ATA Carnet, reaffirming the crucial role of customs-business collaboration in enhancing system efficiency. By simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade costs, the ATA Carnet system significantly contributes to global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

Philippines Enhances Trade with Wcobacked National Team

The WCO is assisting Philippine Customs in building a trade facilitation team to improve trade efficiency and support the work of the Philippine Trade Facilitation Committee. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the overall competitiveness of the Philippines in the global market. By strengthening the capacity of Philippine Customs, the WCO is contributing to the country's efforts to implement trade facilitation measures and promote economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supported Bolivia in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to improve trade efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through expert guidance, questionnaire optimization, and pilot testing, the GTFP helped Bolivia identify bottlenecks in goods release and optimize operational procedures. This support contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by streamlining processes and improving efficiency within Bolivia's trade system. The TRS provides valuable insights for further improvements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Latin America Enhances Trade with Crossborder Partnerships

Latin America Enhances Trade with Crossborder Partnerships

The World Customs Organization supported a Trade Facilitation Committee meeting for Latin American countries, focusing on issues such as expedited customs clearance, transit, and cooperation among border agencies. The meeting emphasized strengthening collaboration between border agencies and the private sector, as well as monitoring the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) to ensure the sustainability and success of trade facilitation efforts. These discussions aim to streamline processes and foster a more efficient and collaborative trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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
Read More
Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Moldova Simplifies Customs to Boost Trade Emergency Aid

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the Moldovan Customs Service has completed follow-up tasks to optimize SOPs, aiming to enhance emergency response capabilities and expedite the clearance of relief goods. By aligning with WCO standards, a national emergency framework is being built, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. Continuous improvement and collaboration will help Moldova become a model for trade facilitation. This initiative strengthens the country's ability to handle crises and ensures the smooth flow of essential goods during emergencies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

The Executive Program in Commerce and Business Administration (EPCBA) aims to enhance the strategic thinking and practical skills of customs managers from developing countries. The program covers key topics such as international trade theory, business management knowledge, WCO international standards, and the WTO TFA, helping participants address customs challenges and promote global trade facilitation. It provides a comprehensive understanding of modern customs practices and equips participants with the tools necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective roles.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Review

Qatar Customs invited the World Customs Organization (WCO) for a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic to enhance trade facilitation. WCO experts conducted an in-depth assessment of Qatar Customs' departments and offered recommendations for improvement. PCA, recognized as an efficient control method, is crucial for trade facilitation, revenue protection, and risk management. This initiative by Qatar Customs will promote corporate compliance, improve trade efficiency, and contribute to global trade facilitation efforts. The focus on PCA highlights Qatar's commitment to modernizing customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More