Global Customs Network Boosts Cooperation During Pandemic

Global Customs Network Boosts Cooperation During Pandemic

The Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) network held its second virtual meeting to strengthen international cooperation during the pandemic. The meeting highlighted RILO's crucial role in data quality and combating illegal wildlife trade. Participants also discussed involvement in WCO meetings and preparations for the global RILO conference. Facing global challenges, the RILO network will continue to enhance cooperation and capabilities to contribute to global trade security and economic development. The focus remains on improving information sharing and coordinated efforts to address evolving threats.

Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova, with the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual Time Release Study (TRS) workshop to assess clearance times and develop a national implementation roadmap. The goal is to complete the TRS report by January 2026, covering import and export processes, and to make it available to all stakeholders. The WCO pledged continued technical support to help Moldova improve trade facilitation and promote economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline border procedures.

Mongolia Enhances Customs Audits with Wcobacked System

Mongolia Enhances Customs Audits with Wcobacked System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Mongolian Customs in building an effective Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system to enhance regulatory efficiency, increase revenue collection, and promote trade facilitation. Through diagnostic missions and workshops, the WCO is tailoring solutions for Mongolian Customs, emphasizing internal process optimization, multi-agency cooperation, and voluntary compliance by businesses. This initiative aims to modernize Mongolian Customs and improve its overall performance in line with international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and transparent trade environment.

WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance on risk management to Madagascar Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation by optimizing risk assessment, clearance procedures, and inter-agency collaboration. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs of the UK, the project involved an expert team analyzing the current situation and proposing improvements. This initiative supports Madagascar Customs in achieving sustainable development and economic growth by strengthening its risk management capabilities and streamlining trade processes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trading environment.

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a delegation from Uzbekistan Customs visited the Maldives to study post-clearance audit. Through experience exchange and practical exercises, Uzbekistan learned about the Maldives' best practices in risk management and trader compliance. Adapting these practices to their own context, Uzbekistan developed reform plans to improve its national post-clearance audit system and promote trade facilitation. The visit focused on building capacity and understanding practical implementation of modern audit techniques for enhanced efficiency.

Global Customs Experts Address Ecommerce Valuation Hurdles

Global Customs Experts Address Ecommerce Valuation Hurdles

The World Customs Organization's inaugural E-commerce and Customs Valuation Symposium addressed the challenges of valuing cross-border e-commerce goods. Representatives from international organizations, customs administrations, and businesses discussed data acquisition, valuation methodologies, compliance costs, and fraud risks. The symposium emphasized international cooperation, technological innovation, and process simplification to foster a fair, transparent, and efficient cross-border e-commerce environment. The aim is to promote global trade development by addressing valuation complexities and ensuring accurate revenue collection while facilitating legitimate trade flows.

WCO Asiapacific Seminar Enhances Customs Risk Management

WCO Asiapacific Seminar Enhances Customs Risk Management

The WCO Asia-Pacific Risk Management and Enforcement Analysis Workshop was held in Japan, aiming to enhance customs risk management capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The workshop covered topics such as risk assessment, target setting, and the establishment of national targeting centers. It emphasized the crucial role of data analysis in risk management and contributed to regional trade security and facilitation. Participants discussed best practices and strategies for identifying and mitigating potential threats to trade and supply chains within the region.

WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burundi Customs in building a national risk management framework to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. By developing risk management policies, strategies, and action plans, and aligning them with regional frameworks, Burundi will be better positioned to implement its AEO program and fulfill its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to contribute to Burundi's sustainable economic development by enhancing customs operations and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an Intellectual Property (IP) seminar in Panama, aiming to enhance the capacity of Latin American customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods. The seminar focused on strategic implementation, regional collaboration, digital transformation, and practical exercises. These efforts are designed to lay the foundation for a new landscape of secure trade. The event emphasized the importance of coordinated actions in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of illicit goods across borders within the region.

Global Customs and Rights Holders Strengthen IP Protections

Global Customs and Rights Holders Strengthen IP Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its 9th Rights Holders Consultation Group Meeting, focusing on the current state of intellectual property infringement and discussing challenges such as IP protection in the e-commerce environment and environmentally sound disposal of infringing goods. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and rights holders, building information exchange platforms, and jointly combating counterfeit goods to maintain fair trade practices and promote global economic prosperity. This collaborative approach aims to effectively address IP infringements and safeguard legitimate trade.