Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit goods, particularly in the sporting goods sector. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of customs officials to identify counterfeit products through the promotion of the IPM platform, improved information exchange, and training programs. The initiative seeks to protect consumer rights and maintain market order by preventing the trade of fake sports equipment and other goods.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Boosts Customs Efficiency With HS Reforms Global Partnerships

Georgia Customs enhanced commodity classification skills and promoted customs modernization by hosting a Harmonized System (HS) workshop. The workshop, jointly organized by the WCO and the Georgian Revenue Service, covered the HS Convention, tariff classification practices, and advance ruling systems. It aimed to establish a tariff classification system compliant with international standards and facilitate trade. The experience of Georgia provides a valuable reference for other developing countries seeking to improve their customs procedures and ensure accurate commodity classification according to the HS.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

The 19th meeting of the Customs Management Council of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region focused on trade facilitation and capacity building. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Discussions covered regional cooperation, financial management, and the appointment of the WCO Director. The meeting aimed to promote African trade growth and regional economic integration through innovative customs procedures. Furthermore, the goal was to enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities within the ESA region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bosnia Strengthens Customs IP Protections Against Counterfeits

Bosnia Strengthens Customs IP Protections Against Counterfeits

A workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection was held in cooperation between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH). The aim was to enhance the capacity of Bosnian customs officers in combating counterfeit goods. The workshop covered legal and regulatory learning, IPM platform application, promotion of public-private partnerships, and strengthening customs control capabilities. This is significant for improving the fight against counterfeiting in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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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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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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West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is implementing a Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) capacity-building project in West Africa. Through workshops, assessments, and action plans, the project aims to enhance the GED awareness and practical capabilities of customs administrations in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This initiative seeks to promote a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient customs system, ultimately facilitating trade and fostering economic development in the region. The project focuses on improving internal policies and practices within the customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Streamlines Trade with Wcobacked Clearance Reforms

Jordan Customs Streamlines Trade with Wcobacked Clearance Reforms

With WCO support, the Jordan Customs Department held a workshop focused on optimizing fast clearance processes and enhancing trade facilitation. By establishing new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), Jordan Customs aims to standardize the expedited release of imported goods at air cargo facilities, fostering trade development. The GTFP project assists Jordan Customs in improving its fast clearance capabilities through various support activities, reducing trade costs and increasing trade efficiency. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and promoting economic growth in Jordan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

The WCO's SMART Borders workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the MENA region, highlighted the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain in customs processes. Through WCO best practice sharing and guidance from ZATCA, participants explored how to leverage technology to enhance border management efficiency, injecting new momentum into the MENA region's digital transformation. The event fostered discussions on optimizing customs procedures and improving security through innovative digital solutions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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