Costa Rica Boosts Customs Efficiency Via HS Training

Costa Rica Boosts Customs Efficiency Via HS Training

The WCO, with the support of the Korea CCF, co-organized an HS workshop with Costa Rican Customs to enhance officials' HS skills. The workshop covered classification systems, rules, laboratory practices and other relevant topics. This initiative aims to improve the application of the Harmonized System, ensuring accurate classification of goods and ultimately contributing to trade facilitation by streamlining customs procedures and reducing potential delays. The training provided customs officers with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively implement HS regulations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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UN Adopts GOVCBR Standard to Simplify Global Trade

UN Adopts GOVCBR Standard to Simplify Global Trade

The new UN/EDIFACT message GOVCBR aims to provide a unified data submission standard for cross-border trade, simplifying processes and improving efficiency. The WCO is developing implementation guidelines, aligning with the UN/CEFACT Core Component Library. The promotion of GOVCBR will drive global trade facilitation and provide a foundation for trade data analysis. It streamlines information exchange between traders and government agencies, reducing redundancies and promoting transparency. This standardized approach is crucial for fostering a more efficient and secure global trading environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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ISSA and AEO Certification Boost Global Trade Security

ISSA and AEO Certification Boost Global Trade Security

The ISSA Council discussed the integration of the ISSA Standard with the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) concept. By combining ISSA's quality standards with AEO certification, the aim is to enhance supply chain security, customs clearance efficiency, and business competitiveness, thereby facilitating global trade and healthy development. This collaboration will contribute to establishing a more transparent, efficient, and secure international trade environment. The synergy aims to streamline processes and foster trust among stakeholders within the global supply chain.

12/30/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

Francophone Customs Chiefs Meet in Dakar to Boost Trade Curb Smuggling

The 19th Conference of Heads of Customs Administrations of French-Speaking Countries was held in Senegal, focusing on trade facilitation, economic competitiveness, and customs cooperation in combating illicit trade. The conference adopted the 'Dakar Declaration,' which proposes ten recommendations aimed at simplifying customs clearance procedures, strengthening information sharing, deepening regional cooperation, and improving personnel skills. The WCO pledged its support and will establish a follow-up monitoring system. The Prime Minister of Senegal expressed appreciation and encouragement for the work of customs officials from French-speaking countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 23rd session of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee marked a crucial second phase in the RKC review. The meeting approved the WGRKC's final report and discussed the business case for the RKC review, laying the groundwork for subsequent revisions. The RKC's revision will streamline customs procedures, enhance transparency, and promote global trade facilitation, significantly impacting businesses. This update aims to modernize customs practices and adapt to evolving global trade patterns, ultimately reducing costs and delays for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Streamline Global Trade Customs

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Streamline Global Trade Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting a comprehensive revision of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) to simplify and harmonize customs procedures across countries. The 7th RKC Review Working Group meeting established a 'four-step framework' for the revision process and discussed revisions to rules of origin. The RKC revision presents both opportunities and challenges for import and export companies. Businesses should closely monitor progress, actively participate, and adapt to the new trade environment. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Upgrades SEZ Customs to Meet Global Standards

Papua New Guinea Upgrades SEZ Customs to Meet Global Standards

Papua New Guinea Customs Service (PNGCS) is actively improving its management of Special Economic Zones. A workshop organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) helped PNGCS benchmark against international standards, identify gaps, and learn from other countries' experiences. The outcomes of the discussions will be used to revise laws and regulations, aiming to establish a more efficient and transparent SEZ management system and promote economic development. This initiative underscores PNG's commitment to aligning with global best practices in customs administration and fostering a favorable investment climate.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Brazil Study Reveals Trade Facilitation Opportunities

Brazil Study Reveals Trade Facilitation Opportunities

Brazil's first national Time Release Study (TRS) revealed an average release time of 7.5 days, with customs clearance accounting for less than 10% and private sector processes exceeding half. The study, following the WCO methodology, aims to enhance transparency and promote trade facilitation, with plans to publicly release the raw data. The research underscores the critical role of data-driven approaches in optimizing customs procedures and fostering trade facilitation. It highlights areas for improvement within both public and private sectors to streamline the overall import/export process.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

Americas Caribbean Boost Crossborder Ecommerce Supply Chains

The Americas and Caribbean Customs-Postal Strategy Conference highlighted the crucial role of customs-postal cooperation in fostering cross-border e-commerce. The WCO emphasized data-driven approaches and standardized frameworks, while the UPU and PUASP focused on process optimization and combating smuggling. Participants committed to strengthening collaboration to build a more efficient and secure global postal supply chain, laying the groundwork for the future development of cross-border trade. This includes enhanced data exchange and harmonized procedures to facilitate smoother and safer international transactions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Teams Push Digital Rail Transport Overhaul

Global Customs Teams Push Digital Rail Transport Overhaul

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first Global Railway Symposium, focusing on the digital transformation of rail transport and exploring customs data collaboration and intelligent supervision. The symposium brought together global experts to address challenges in rail transport, promote the application of standardized datasets, and foster international cooperation. The aim was to enhance efficiency, security, and trade facilitation, ultimately developing guidelines for customs procedures in global rail transport. The event highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall performance.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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