WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

WCO Businesses Collaborate to Counter Global Trade Protectionism

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) convened to discuss addressing trade protectionism, promoting trade facilitation, and regulating e-commerce. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and the private sector to jointly tackle global trade challenges and support economic and social development. Key topics included streamlining customs procedures, enhancing data exchange, and fostering a more predictable and transparent trading environment. The discussions highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in navigating the evolving landscape of international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Explains Global Trade Classification System

World Customs Organization Explains Global Trade Classification System

The 59th session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Committee (HSC) reviewed and released a series of commodity classification opinions, Harmonized System Explanatory Notes revisions, and classification rulings. These decisions directly impact global trade. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the meeting's outcomes, focusing on newly added commodity classification cases. It also offers practical advice for import and export companies on utilizing HS classification decisions, aiming to help businesses better understand HS codes and enhance their global trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Iran Accelerates HS 2017 Translation to Facilitate Trade

Iran Accelerates HS 2017 Translation to Facilitate Trade

Iran Customs is translating the World Customs Organization's HS 2017 Explanatory Notes into Persian. This initiative aims to reduce trade barriers, improve customs clearance efficiency, and provide clearer commodity classification guidance for Iranian import and export businesses. The first two volumes have been released, and translation of the remaining chapters is underway. This effort will facilitate international trade, enhance Iran's trade participation, and revitalize economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Enhances Crossborder Trade with Risk Management Training

Zimbabwe Enhances Crossborder Trade with Risk Management Training

The Zimbabwe Revenue Authority, with support from the WCO and HMRC, successfully conducted a risk management workshop. This initiative empowered cross-border regulatory agencies, enhanced risk management capabilities, and promoted trade facilitation. By strengthening risk management practices and coordinating border management efforts, Zimbabwe is building a more efficient and secure environment for cross-border trade. The workshop aimed to equip officials with the necessary skills to identify and mitigate risks associated with international trade, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved border security.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Sierra Leone Customs' valuation capabilities to support its WTO commitments and enhance trade facilitation and revenue management. This assessment aims to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted capacity building initiatives. By strengthening customs valuation procedures, Sierra Leone can ensure accurate revenue collection, streamline trade processes, and promote a more transparent and efficient trading environment. The WCO's support is crucial for Sierra Leone to effectively implement its WTO obligations and achieve sustainable economic growth through improved trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts Coordinated Border Management for Security

Global Trade Adopts Coordinated Border Management for Security

Coordinated Border Management (CBM) aims to enhance trade efficiency while ensuring security and compliance. It requires inter-agency cooperation, risk management, and political support to address challenges and achieve mutual benefits for all stakeholders. CBM seeks to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve the overall competitiveness of international trade. Effective implementation necessitates a holistic approach that considers both economic and security imperatives, fostering a collaborative environment between border agencies and trading communities. Ultimately, CBM contributes to sustainable economic growth and enhanced national security.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Online Training for Strategic Trade Controls

WCO Launches Online Training for Strategic Trade Controls

The WCO STCE project held an online Train-the-Trainers workshop to enhance experts' remote teaching skills, enabling them to effectively deliver strategic trade control courses. The course was divided into two phases, covering online teaching techniques, new curriculum experience, and practical exercises. Participants from 14 customs administrations actively participated, improving their online teaching skills and contributing to global strategic trade control. The workshop strengthens the capacity of trainers to deliver high-quality STC training remotely, expanding the reach and impact of the STCE program.

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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Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

Africa Customs Modernizes with EUWCO Trade System Update

The EU-WCO Harmonized System (HS) Africa Programme aims to enhance customs management in Africa by standardizing commodity classification, facilitating regional trade, and supporting the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The inaugural meeting of the Steering Committee marks the substantial advancement of the project. All parties will collaborate to build a new landscape for African trade. The program seeks to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and promote economic growth across the continent through harmonized standards and improved efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos HS Code Guide Eases Global Vaccine Trade

Wcos HS Code Guide Eases Global Vaccine Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly released a new HS Code Reference Guide to provide clear coding guidance for the cross-border transportation of vaccines and related medical supplies. This guide aims to simplify customs clearance procedures, improve transportation efficiency, and ensure the smooth progress of global vaccination efforts. It covers HS codes for key areas such as vaccine products, medical consumables, storage, and transportation equipment, helping businesses operate in compliance and reduce trade risks.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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