Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Customs enhanced commodity classification skills and promoted customs modernization by hosting a Harmonized System (HS) workshop. The workshop, jointly organized by the WCO and the Georgian Revenue Service, covered the HS Convention, tariff classification practices, and advance ruling systems. It aimed to establish a tariff classification system compliant with international standards and facilitate trade. The experience of Georgia provides a valuable reference for other developing countries seeking to improve their customs procedures and ensure accurate commodity classification according to the HS.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

The 19th meeting of the Customs Management Council of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region focused on trade facilitation and capacity building. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Discussions covered regional cooperation, financial management, and the appointment of the WCO Director. The meeting aimed to promote African trade growth and regional economic integration through innovative customs procedures. Furthermore, the goal was to enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities within the ESA region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica Boosts Customs Efficiency Via HS Training

Costa Rica Boosts Customs Efficiency Via HS Training

The WCO, with the support of the Korea CCF, co-organized an HS workshop with Costa Rican Customs to enhance officials' HS skills. The workshop covered classification systems, rules, laboratory practices and other relevant topics. This initiative aims to improve the application of the Harmonized System, ensuring accurate classification of goods and ultimately contributing to trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures and reducing potential delays. The training provided customs officers with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement HS regulations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and OASIS Collaborate to Standardize Global Trade Tech

WCO and OASIS Collaborate to Standardize Global Trade Tech

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organization for the Advancement of Structured Information Standards (OASIS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote the adoption of technical standards by governments and the public sector worldwide, particularly in customs. This collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures and enhance trade efficiency using open IT technologies, ultimately building a secure and efficient supply chain. This signifies the dawn of a new era in trade driven by technical standards, fostering greater interoperability and transparency in global commerce.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Benin Port Upgrade Boosts Trade with Customs Reforms

Benin Port Upgrade Boosts Trade with Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Benin Customs with reform and modernization efforts to improve the efficiency of the Port of Cotonou. By providing expert guidance, overseeing strategic implementation, and coordinating resources, the WCO aims to optimize customs procedures, introduce advanced technologies, and enhance personnel skills, ultimately fostering Benin's economic development. A key aspect of the reform involves tailored measures addressing the port's specific circumstances and establishing an efficient information-sharing mechanism. This collaboration seeks to streamline operations and boost trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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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.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Beginners Guide to Streamlining Export Customs Clearance

Beginners Guide to Streamlining Export Customs Clearance

This article, from the perspective of an exporter, explains the process, required documents, and key considerations for foreign trade export customs clearance in a clear and accessible manner. It emphasizes the importance of compliance and thorough document preparation. The article also provides practical tips to avoid common pitfalls, aiming to help newcomers in foreign trade quickly master customs clearance techniques and successfully complete the import and export of goods. It serves as a guide for navigating the complexities of export customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the WCO, is actively promoting the establishment of an advance ruling mechanism to improve trade efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance trade transparency. Through capacity-building workshops, customs officers have gained a deeper understanding of the Harmonized System and advance ruling regulations. The implementation of the advance ruling mechanism will have a positive impact on the trade development of Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Iran Adopts Wcobacked Audit System to Boost Customs Efficiency

Iran Adopts Wcobacked Audit System to Boost Customs Efficiency

The WCO held a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in Iran to assist the country in introducing PCA concepts, improving the efficiency of customs controls, and optimizing the trade environment. The workshop aimed to enhance Iran's capacity in conducting effective post-clearance audits, which are crucial for ensuring compliance with customs regulations and facilitating legitimate trade. By adopting PCA, Iran can streamline its customs procedures, reduce delays, and promote a more transparent and predictable trading system, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenia in developing a Mercator Implementation Plan. This plan aims to comprehensively improve customs clearance efficiency and trade facilitation in Armenia by optimizing key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and the single window system. The initiative is expected to inject new vitality into Armenia's economic development by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs. The focus is on modernizing customs procedures to align with international best practices and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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