Brazil Study Reveals Trade Facilitation Opportunities

Brazil Study Reveals Trade Facilitation Opportunities

Brazil's first national Time Release Study (TRS) revealed an average release time of 7.5 days, with customs clearance accounting for less than 10% and private sector processes exceeding half. The study, following the WCO methodology, aims to enhance transparency and promote trade facilitation, with plans to publicly release the raw data. The research underscores the critical role of data-driven approaches in optimizing customs procedures and fostering trade facilitation. It highlights areas for improvement within both public and private sectors to streamline the overall import/export process.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

The Americas and Caribbean Customs-Postal Strategy Conference highlighted the crucial role of customs-postal cooperation in fostering cross-border e-commerce. The WCO emphasized data-driven approaches and standardized frameworks, while the UPU and PUASP focused on process optimization and combating smuggling. Participants committed to strengthening collaboration to build a more efficient and secure global postal supply chain, laying the groundwork for the future development of cross-border trade. This includes enhanced data exchange and harmonized procedures to facilitate smoother and safer international transactions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Data Standards to Ease Global Passenger Travel

WCO Advances Data Standards to Ease Global Passenger Travel

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Passenger Facilitation and Control Working Group (PFCWG) 2nd Meeting focused on cruise best practices, global data standards, and secure travel. Discussions centered on draft data standards, emphasizing international cooperation and the application of technology to promote global traveler facilitation and control. The aim is to ensure safe, seamless, and sustainable international travel. The meeting highlighted the importance of collaboration among customs administrations to streamline processes and enhance security measures, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure global travel experience.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Initiative Enhances Trade Efficiency in Central Asia Caucasus

WCO Initiative Enhances Trade Efficiency in Central Asia Caucasus

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Central Asia and Caucasus region in Georgia, aiming to improve regional trade efficiency. Through theoretical learning, field visits, and technical training, participants gained in-depth knowledge of the TRS methodology and developed national action plans. The WCO is committed to promoting connectivity across the Trans-Caspian Corridor, injecting new vitality into regional economic development. The workshop emphasized the importance of streamlined customs procedures for boosting trade along the Central Asia Corridor.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Trade Security with Training for Francophone Nations

WCO Boosts Trade Security with Training for Francophone Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) project held a 'Train the Trainer' workshop for French-speaking countries. The aim was to enhance customs enforcement capabilities in strategic goods trade control and prevent the illicit cross-border movement of weapons of mass destruction and related items. Participants acquired core knowledge of strategic trade controls, enforcement skills, and training techniques, laying the foundation for a multilingual team of experts. This initiative strengthens global efforts to combat proliferation and secure international trade supply chains.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts Trade with Wcobacked AEO Program

Philippines Boosts Trade with Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Through capacity building missions and practical exercises, the initiative aims to improve BOC officials' skills in verifying AEO security standards. This effort seeks to promote trade facilitation in the Philippines, foster a better business environment, and support its cooperation within ASEAN. Further in-depth training will be provided to refine the AEO system, injecting new momentum into the Philippines' trade development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Border Security with Trade Control Training

WCO Enhances Border Security with Trade Control Training

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Expert Training and Certification Program aims to develop a professional workforce and enhance member customs' enforcement capabilities to combat the illicit trade of items related to weapons of mass destruction. Through systematic training and rigorous certification, the program builds a sustainable training system, promotes international cooperation, and drives the unification of STCE standards, contributing to global security. This initiative fosters a global network of trained experts dedicated to preventing the proliferation of sensitive goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Audit Guidelines to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Updates Audit Guidelines to Strengthen Trade Security

A WCO expert group seminar focused on revising the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Guidelines to address evolving international trade rules, combat tax fraud, and enhance customs efficiency. The revised guidelines will optimize PCA processes, strengthen international cooperation, and improve the professional capabilities of PCA personnel, ultimately promoting trade facilitation, strengthening border security, and increasing revenue collection. Technological advancements will further drive the intelligence and efficiency of PCA. This update ensures PCA remains a vital tool for modern customs administrations in a dynamic global trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

The WCO held a workshop in Namibia to enhance intellectual property rights enforcement capabilities of Customs administrations in Eastern and Southern Africa. The workshop focused on risk management, information sharing, and the identification of counterfeit medicines. Participants explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and combat the trade in illicit goods that infringe on intellectual property rights. The aim was to improve the effectiveness of Customs administrations in protecting intellectual property at the border and fostering a safer and more secure trading environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UK Border Force WCO Boost Global Trade Security

UK Border Force WCO Boost Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UK Border Force (UKBF), is upgrading the WCO Cargo Targeting System (WCO CTS) to enhance risk identification and response capabilities for customs administrations worldwide. This collaboration will leverage combined expertise to create more robust data processing and risk assessment functionalities. The upgraded system will support the WCO SAFE Framework, contributing to a more secure and efficient global trade system. The focus is on improving pre-arrival cargo inspection and bolstering overall trade security through advanced risk assessment techniques.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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