World Customs Organization Outlines Global Trade Strategy

World Customs Organization Outlines Global Trade Strategy

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is shaping the future of global trade for 2022-2025 through strategic foresight. Leveraging regional workshops, the WCO gathers insights from its members to explore emerging trends, risks, and opportunities. The methodology and key elements of strategic foresight, contributions from the OECD and the EU, and the future global vision and actions are all contributing to shaping the future of customs. This proactive approach aims to equip customs administrations to navigate the evolving landscape of international commerce and ensure effective border management in a dynamic world.

Customs Agencies Tackle Global Waste Trade Crisis

Customs Agencies Tackle Global Waste Trade Crisis

A World Customs Organization report highlights the serious global waste trade situation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in border control. The report analyzes the regional characteristics of waste trade and major illegal trade targets. It proposes strengthening risk management, increasing resource investment, enhancing international cooperation, and applying technology to address the issue. The aim is to build a new global waste governance framework. The report underscores the importance of effective customs procedures to combat illegal waste shipments and protect the environment.

Global Customs Network Boosts Cooperation During Pandemic

Global Customs Network Boosts Cooperation During Pandemic

The Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) network held its second virtual meeting to strengthen international cooperation during the pandemic. The meeting highlighted RILO's crucial role in data quality and combating illegal wildlife trade. Participants also discussed involvement in WCO meetings and preparations for the global RILO conference. Facing global challenges, the RILO network will continue to enhance cooperation and capabilities to contribute to global trade security and economic development. The focus remains on improving information sharing and coordinated efforts to address evolving threats.

Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

The WCO's STCE Project provided training support to the Philippine Customs on strategic goods control. Through online training, Philippine Customs officers enhanced their capabilities in strategic trade control, risk management, and the application of the Strategic Trade Atlas. The project strengthened cooperation between Philippine Customs and domestic agencies as well as international partners, contributing to national security and the international trade order. This initiative improved the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit trafficking of sensitive items and promoting responsible trade practices.

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

Moldova Adopts International Standards for Customs Modernization

Moldova Adopts International Standards for Customs Modernization

Moldova, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, organized a workshop to improve its national customs classification system. The aim was to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, facilitate trade, and actively participate in the development of international trade rules. This initiative is crucial for Moldova's integration into the global trading system and enhancing its economic competitiveness. Other developing countries can learn from Moldova's experience by strengthening international cooperation and improving their own customs classification capabilities.

Global Customs Body Unites Against IP Crime

Global Customs Body Unites Against IP Crime

The World Customs Organization (WCO) strengthens global cooperation in combating counterfeit goods by signing Memoranda of Understanding with various industry associations. The collaboration focuses on promoting IPM tools, enhancing information exchange, and training customs officers. This aims to improve global intellectual property protection capabilities, build a bridge between customs and rights holders, and jointly address the increasingly complex challenges posed by counterfeit goods. The partnerships seek to streamline enforcement efforts and create a more secure global trade environment.

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

Ghana Customs Advances Modernization with WCOWACAM Project

Ghana Customs Advances Modernization with WCOWACAM Project

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed the impact of the WCO-WACAM project's support to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), revealing significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO will continue to deepen its cooperation with the GRA, assisting its modernization efforts and enhancing trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to contribute to Ghana's economic development by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient trading environment. The WCO remains committed to supporting the GRA in achieving its strategic goals.

World Customs Organization Boosts Modernization Advisor Team

World Customs Organization Boosts Modernization Advisor Team

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continues to expand its pool of Customs Modernization Advisors (CMAs) and Mercator Programme Advisors (MPAs) by holding certification workshops, such as the one in Pretoria, South Africa. This initiative aims to assist members in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The workshop assessed participants, with 15 officials successfully completing the first step of certification. This effort will accelerate TFA implementation, improve customs efficiency, and promote global trade growth.