Iran Joins Istanbul Convention to Enhance Trade

Iran Joins Istanbul Convention to Enhance Trade

Iran has officially joined the Istanbul Convention, becoming the 68th contracting party, marking a significant step in its international trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, and its core ATA Carnet system, aims to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote cross-border movement of goods. This accession is of great importance for Iran itself and the development of global trade by streamlining temporary import/export processes and fostering economic cooperation. The ATA Carnet simplifies customs procedures for temporary admission of goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

Revised Kyoto Convention Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

The Kyoto Declaration highlights the central role of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP) in global trade facilitation. The WCO is committed to enhancing global trade efficiency and competitiveness by simplifying customs procedures, strengthening international cooperation, and providing technical assistance. This aims to create a more convenient and secure trading environment for businesses. The WCO's efforts contribute significantly to streamlining international trade flows and fostering economic growth worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Albania's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention brings the number of contracting parties to 86, further promoting global trade facilitation. The Convention aims to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, applying information technology, implementing risk management, and strengthening international cooperation. This provides new impetus for global economic development. The revised Kyoto Convention is a key instrument for harmonizing and simplifying customs procedures worldwide, contributing to a more efficient and predictable international trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

Haiti Exits ECS Convention Raising Trade Concerns

This paper analyzes the current state of the Convention Concerning Customs Facilities for Touring, in particular document PG0134F1 released by the World Customs Organization. Focusing on Haiti's unique position as the sole contracting party, it explores the underlying reasons for its withdrawal from the ECS Convention. By combining data analysis, the study offers insights and lessons for the lifecycle management of international trade agreements. It provides a perspective on the challenges and considerations involved in maintaining and adapting such agreements in a changing global landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Joins Istanbul Convention to Boost Trade

Armenia Joins Istanbul Convention to Boost Trade

Armenia's accession to the Istanbul Convention aims to simplify international trade procedures, reduce costs, and expand access to overseas markets, ultimately fostering economic development. By adopting the ATA Carnet system, Armenia streamlines customs procedures for temporary imports, benefiting businesses involved in exhibitions, fairs, and professional equipment movement. This move is expected to enhance trade facilitation, making it easier and more efficient for Armenian companies to engage in global commerce and attract foreign investment. The convention's implementation promises to boost Armenia's competitiveness in the international arena.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

WCO Enhances Madagascar Trade with Advanced Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System in Africa, provides comprehensive support to Madagascar Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. This includes capacity building workshops, technical assistance, experience sharing, and laboratory construction. The initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation in Madagascar, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, and increase trade certainty, ultimately injecting new vitality into the country's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japan Fund Enhances Fiji Customs Training

Japan Fund Enhances Fiji Customs Training

Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, Fiji hosted a sub-regional HS Harmonized System training course aimed at enhancing the commodity classification skills of customs officers from Pacific Island countries. The training emphasized practical application and communication. It recommended that countries continuously strengthen capacity building, improve classification infrastructure, introduce advance ruling systems, and enhance internal and cross-border communication to promote regional trade development. The course focused on improving skills to correctly classify goods under the HS system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Somalia Modernizes Customs System to Boost Global Trade

Somalia Modernizes Customs System to Boost Global Trade

Somalia is actively implementing the Harmonized System (HS) to integrate into the global trading system. International organizations, such as the EU and the World Customs Organization (WCO), are providing support to modernize Somali Customs. Despite challenges, the implementation of the HS will facilitate trade, attract investment, and promote economic development in Somalia. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and aligning Somalia with international standards, ultimately contributing to its economic growth and integration into the global marketplace.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Rules

HS Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Rules

The World Customs Organization released the outcomes of the 52nd session of the Harmonized System Committee, including commodity classification decisions and amendments to the Explanatory Notes. Businesses should pay attention to the new regulations and adjust their declaration strategies to avoid trade frictions. Customs authorities will strengthen supervision to maintain trade order. The HS code system is constantly updated, requiring timely learning and mastery. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for smooth international trade operations and compliance.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
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Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs actively embraces international standards and enhances tariff classification capabilities by hosting WCO Harmonized System workshops, thus improving the business environment. Through digital transformation and international cooperation, Kazakhstan Customs is committed to building an efficient and compliant customs system, promoting trade facilitation, attracting investment, and driving economic development. This contributes to the prosperity of global trade. The focus is on aligning with international best practices to streamline processes and foster a more attractive investment climate.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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