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.

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCO-JICA cooperation is helping East African customs authorities cultivate customs audit experts, enhancing regional customs audit capabilities, and promoting trade development. The initiative focuses on strengthening the skills and knowledge of customs officers in conducting effective audits, thereby improving compliance and revenue collection. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother trade flows within the East African region by ensuring fair and transparent customs procedures and combating illicit trade activities through improved audit practices. Ultimately, this contributes to economic growth and regional integration.

Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Talent Development

Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Talent Development

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Madagascar Customs is implementing a competency-based human resource management system to improve the quality of customs personnel and promote trade facilitation and economic development. By building tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks, and formulating change management plans, Madagascar Customs is moving towards the goal of building a high-performance organization. The initiative focuses on modernizing customs operations through talent development and streamlined processes to enhance trade efficiency.

WCO Boosts Oman Customs Data Analysis Capabilities

WCO Boosts Oman Customs Data Analysis Capabilities

At the request of Oman Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop to enhance their data analysis capabilities. The workshop focused on developing a data mobilization strategy, cultivating data analysis talent, and recommending a phased implementation of data analysis projects. It also emphasized strengthening external cooperation and building a data-driven culture to support Oman Customs' data-driven transformation. This aims to improve efficiency in areas such as risk assessment, revenue collection, and trade facilitation, ultimately leading to better customs operations.

WCO JICA Boost Pacific Island Customs Training

WCO JICA Boost Pacific Island Customs Training

The WCO-JICA MTP project empowers Pacific Island customs administrations by developing local trainers and regional training materials to enhance customs capabilities. The third working group activity was held in Fiji, focusing on strengthening regional collaboration and ensuring sustainable capacity building within the customs administrations of the Pacific Island countries. The project aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through tailored training programs and resources, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security in the region.

Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

Colombia Customs Businesses Collaborate to Streamline Trade

With the support of SECO-WCO GTFP, Colombian Customs hosted a trade facilitation forum. The forum focused on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, shared experiences from Abu Dhabi's customs reform, and explored the impact of disruptive technologies on the future of customs. The goal was to support DIAN's customs transformation, creating an efficient, transparent, and modern customs system. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trade development in Colombia by streamlining processes and embracing innovation within the customs framework.

Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Mongolia Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

At the request of the Mongolian Customs General Administration, a World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team conducted a diagnostic review of its valuation system and provided recommendations for improvement. The aim is to assist Mongolian Customs in building a more efficient and transparent valuation system by strengthening internal cooperation, developing talent, and keeping abreast of international best practices. This will enhance revenue collection, optimize the business environment, and promote trade development in Mongolia.

Tunisia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Tunisia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop on Post Clearance Audit (PCA) in Tunisia, aiming to enhance the Tunisian Customs' PCA capabilities. The workshop covered WCO guidelines interpretation, human resource management, case studies, and group discussions. It assisted Tunisian Customs in optimizing audit processes, addressing risks in complex trade environments, and promoting economic development. The training sought to improve efficiency and effectiveness in identifying and addressing compliance issues after goods have been released, contributing to a more secure and predictable trade environment.

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces New Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization released Advisory Opinion 4.19, clarifying how to handle royalties that include both patent rights for imported raw materials and trademark rights for the final product in customs valuation. This opinion aims to enhance valuation certainty, reduce trade friction, and assist businesses in tax planning. It offers valuable guidance for cross-border e-commerce and import-export enterprises, particularly regarding the treatment of royalties in determining customs value. The advisory opinion provides a framework for consistently applying valuation principles to complex licensing agreements.