This article explores how customs and related departments can enhance collaboration and efficiency through the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Revised Kyoto Convention, promoting smooth international trade and reducing cargo clearance times.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Costa Rica's customs in enhancing the implementation of trade facilitation agreements. By providing resources and training, it aims to strengthen customs capabilities and optimize cross-border trade processes, leading to improved international trade compliance and economic growth.
Since April 20, Tianjin Customs has integrated inspection and quarantine functions to achieve business transparency and simplify processes. Enterprises can now handle customs declaration and inspection simultaneously at one window, significantly enhancing service efficiency and supporting the development of international trade.
This article explores the importance of enhancing the transparency and predictability of customs regulation and its impact on trade facilitation. It proposes effective improvement measures such as information disclosure, regulatory standardization, feedback mechanisms, technology application, and training, aimed at promoting stability in global trade.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes the safe and efficient circulation of goods and enhances international trade facilitation by establishing unified policies. Its core initiatives include the WCO SAFE Framework, the Revised Kyoto Convention, and data models, effectively coordinating collaboration between customs and other government agencies to create a favorable environment for legitimate trade.
The Free Trade Zone has enhanced trade facilitation and customs efficiency through innovative regulation and experience replication, successfully lowering warehousing and logistics costs. The pilot free trade zones in Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Sichuan have implemented effective measures to support various types of trade, significantly boosting enterprise competitiveness and market participation. The simplification of customs processes and the application of technology have made import and export trade increasingly efficient, driving regional economic development and changing the market landscape.
Palau will host a WCO National Workshop in July 2025, aimed at strengthening tariff classification work and enhancing customs efficiency and international competitiveness. This event offers valuable experience and learning opportunities for customs officials and stakeholders, promoting the facilitation of global trade.
The pilot project of the 'Three Mutuals' customs reform has officially launched at the Erenhot port, marking a significant optimization of customs procedures. The new model has achieved customs and inspection cooperation, simplified exit procedures, and significantly improved customs efficiency, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation.
To simplify the process of returning imported goods, businesses can download a standardized "Direct Return Approval Form for Imported Goods" template and opt for associated customs declaration and inspection services. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce operational costs for businesses, and promote trade facilitation.
The Philippines has launched a National Customs Time Study at the Manila International Container Port, aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency in maritime trade. Supported by the WCO and the UK's HMRC, the project will employ a data-driven approach to identify bottlenecks, with the final report expected by the end of 2025. This study will serve as a foundation for future trade facilitation and national coordination.
