WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade

WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade

On International Women's Day 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlights its 'Women in Customs' initiative, emphasizing the vital role of women in the customs domain. By showcasing exemplary female figures, the WCO aims to promote gender equality and diversity. Initiatives like the 'Customs Gender Equality and Diversity Framework' are being introduced to foster a fairer, more inclusive, and efficient customs administration system. The WCO is committed to building a future where women can thrive and contribute fully to the success of customs worldwide.

Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova, with the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual Time Release Study (TRS) workshop to assess clearance times and develop a national implementation roadmap. The goal is to complete the TRS report by January 2026, covering import and export processes, and to make it available to all stakeholders. The WCO pledged continued technical support to help Moldova improve trade facilitation and promote economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline border procedures.

WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

Participants of the 91st World Customs Organization (WCO) training program have completed the second phase of their training. This program aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials from developing countries and promote the modernization of their respective national customs administrations. The participants attended leadership workshops at the WCO headquarters and had exchanges with the Secretary-General. They are currently undertaking study visits in China, Japan, or Korea.

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

In January 2025, the WCO and Tonga Customs jointly held a workshop on tariff rulings in Nuku'alofa, aiming to enhance Tonga Customs' tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered WCO guidelines, Tonga Customs practices, action plan development, and expert experience sharing. Through capacity building, institutional improvement, technical support, and international cooperation, Tonga Customs will be better positioned to serve national economic development.

Namra Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Namibias Trade

Namra Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Namibias Trade

The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) is fully implementing the AEO program to enhance supply chain security, streamline trade processes, and improve business competitiveness. Through pilot verification training and continuous optimization, NamRA is committed to working with businesses to build an efficient and convenient trade environment, promoting national economic prosperity. The AEO program aims to simplify customs procedures for trusted traders, reducing clearance times and costs. This initiative is expected to boost Namibia's trade performance and attract foreign investment.

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Honduras Customs in enhancing its cross-border e-commerce management capabilities. Through workshops and the WCO Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards, the initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, strengthen risk management, promote tax compliance, and create a more favorable environment for SMEs to participate in international trade. A work plan will be developed to build a framework of security, control, and facilitation, ultimately promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce in Honduras.

Ivory Coast Launches Trade Transparency System

Ivory Coast Launches Trade Transparency System

Côte d'Ivoire, with support from organizations like the World Customs Organization, is actively implementing the Advance Ruling System to enhance trade transparency, predictability, and customs clearance efficiency. This system allows businesses to obtain customs rulings in advance of importing or exporting goods, reducing trade risks. Chinese companies should pay attention to and utilize this system to improve their competitiveness in the Côte d'Ivoire market. The system aims to streamline processes and create a more predictable environment for international trade.

WCO Outlines Plan for Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Outlines Plan for Postpandemic Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online meeting with customs representatives in Geneva to discuss how customs can contribute to global supply chain recovery in the post-pandemic era. The meeting highlighted the cooperation between the WCO and the WTO, clarified the work priorities for 2021 regarding pandemic response and technology empowerment, and emphasized the importance of building resilient supply chains. The global customs community looks forward to strengthening communication and cooperation to jointly address challenges.

Latin American Brokers Praise WCO Trade Reforms

Latin American Brokers Praise WCO Trade Reforms

At the Latin American Association of Customs Brokers Congress, the WCO was lauded for its efforts in advancing customs modernization and fostering cooperation. The WCO's Economic Competitiveness Package aims to streamline customs procedures, strengthen international collaboration, promote technology adoption, and deepen public-private partnerships to enhance global trade efficiency. Latin America is actively implementing modernization measures like e-declaration. Customs brokers need to improve their professionalization, digitalization, and cooperation to jointly promote global trade.

Angolas Customs Reforms Boost Trade Efficiency

Angolas Customs Reforms Boost Trade Efficiency

Angola implements Binding Tariff Information (BTI) to enhance trade facilitation, predictability, and customs efficiency, attracting foreign investment and promoting economic development. This advance ruling system provides traders with certainty regarding the classification of goods before importation, streamlining customs procedures and reducing delays. By offering clarity and transparency, the BTI system fosters a more conducive environment for international trade and investment in Angola, ultimately contributing to the country's economic growth and diversification.