Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With support from the Sida-WCO program, Zambia and Botswana are advancing customs system interconnectivity and data exchange. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and promote regional integration. By linking their customs systems, both countries seek to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency. The improved data exchange will also contribute to better risk management and security. This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its customs efficiency by hosting a Time Release Study workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize clearance procedures and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on identifying bottlenecks and implementing strategies to improve the speed and predictability of customs processes. The project was funded by the UK's HMRC, demonstrating international collaboration in supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to streamline trade and boost economic growth through more efficient customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Tonga Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga, aiming to enhance customs modernization and facilitate trade. The WCO expert team engaged with various departments within Tonga Customs and external stakeholders to assess the existing system, provide recommendations for improvement, and share international best practices. This initiative is expected to help Tonga establish an efficient, transparent, and compliant PCA system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation and economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

New Guide Aims to Streamline Customs Valuation Processes

This guide aims to help import and export companies understand the customs valuation intelligence exchange mechanism. By clarifying the importing country's customs self-assessment checklist, the golden rules of intelligence exchange, and upgraded measures, it helps businesses mitigate risks, accelerate customs clearance processes, and enhance international trade competitiveness. It provides practical guidance on leveraging intelligence exchange to ensure accurate valuations and avoid potential penalties, ultimately leading to more efficient and compliant trade operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Power of Attorney Eases Usnetherlands Customs Trade

Power of Attorney Eases Usnetherlands Customs Trade

This article discusses the significance of Power of Attorney (POA) in customs brokerage and its role in imports to the United States and the Netherlands. It details the signing process of the POA, the required signatories, and its legal effectiveness in customs clearance. The aim is to assist businesses in managing customs affairs more efficiently in international trade.

08/07/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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