WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines. The workshop aimed to enhance strategic alignment, teamwork, and individual growth, thereby promoting trade facilitation reforms and improving trade efficiency. Focusing on key challenges, the workshop emphasized the importance of Time Release Studies. This initiative supports the BOC in achieving modernization and sustainable development within the Philippine customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru hosted a virtual forum to discuss risk management in customs valuation. Participating countries shared their experiences, highlighting best practices and challenges. The Peruvian Customs Service outlined plans to strengthen value verification processes and deepen public-private partnerships to improve compliance and combat fraud. The forum emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing valuation-related risks and ensuring fair trade practices. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and data analysis to enhance risk assessment and improve the efficiency of customs operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and JICA Boost Customs Risk Management in Central Asia Caucasus

WCO and JICA Boost Customs Risk Management in Central Asia Caucasus

The WCO and JICA are conducting a Customs Risk Management Master Trainer Program (MTP) in the Central Asia and Caucasus region to enhance regional self-training capabilities. The second phase of the activity was held in Kazakhstan, focusing on lecturing skills and experience sharing. This initiative aims to strengthen customs risk management practices and promote sustainable training expertise within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Advances nostop Border Plan to Boost Trade

Eswatini Advances nostop Border Plan to Boost Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Eswatini is accelerating its vision of 'borders without stopping' through Coordinated Border Management and data standardization. This project integrates multi-sectoral efforts to optimize border processes, enhance information sharing, and develop inter-agency Standard Operating Procedures, laying the foundation for digitalization and interoperability. The initiative aims to promote trade facilitation and achieve sustainable economic development by streamlining border operations and fostering collaboration among various government agencies involved in cross-border trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Issues New Customs Valuation Guidance for Trade Compliance

WCO Issues New Customs Valuation Guidance for Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization is set to release new Explanatory Note 7.1, aiming to clarify the meaning of 'price actually paid or payable' and assist businesses in more accurately performing customs valuation. Companies should thoroughly understand the new regulations, optimize their valuation strategies, reduce trade costs, and improve compliance levels, thereby gaining a competitive edge in cross-border trade. This updated guidance is crucial for navigating the complexities of international trade and ensuring accurate declaration of goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho South Africa Enhance Trade to Advance Afcfta

Lesotho South Africa Enhance Trade to Advance Afcfta

Lesotho and South Africa, with the support of the World Customs Organization, jointly released a Time Release Study report to optimize border management and enhance cross-border trade efficiency. Focusing on the Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge border posts, the study aims to reduce non-tariff trade barriers through coordinated border management and the implementation of one-stop service. This initiative supports the development of the African Continental Free Trade Area and promotes regional economic prosperity by streamlining processes and improving the flow of goods between the two countries.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Expands Performance Measurement Initiative

World Customs Organization Expands Performance Measurement Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), encouraging members to enhance customs effectiveness through data self-assessment. The meeting highlighted the PMM's crucial role in capacity building, fostering cooperation, and driving institutional modernization. All members were invited to actively participate in the initiative. This round aims to further improve customs operations globally by leveraging data-driven insights and promoting best practices among member administrations. The PMM serves as a valuable tool for identifying areas for improvement and measuring progress towards achieving trade facilitation goals.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia has established a Customs-Business Round Table to enhance trade facilitation through data-driven collaboration. Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the initiative brings together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, and businesses to address customs operational challenges and optimize trade policies. The goal is to build a more efficient business environment. By focusing on data sharing, policy optimization, and risk prediction, Serbia aims to become a regional leader in trade facilitation. This collaborative approach is expected to streamline processes and boost economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Arabia Hosts WCO Seminar on Trade Facilitation Reforms

Saudi Arabia Hosts WCO Seminar on Trade Facilitation Reforms

The WCO held a workshop in Saudi Arabia focusing on Advance Ruling systems in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop aimed to assist the region in fulfilling WTO agreements, improving trade efficiency, and promoting trade facilitation. The event highlighted the importance of advance rulings in providing predictability and transparency for traders, ultimately contributing to increased regional trade and economic growth. Discussions centered on best practices, challenges, and opportunities for enhancing advance ruling systems within the MENA region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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