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.
At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.
The WCO's 'Global Green Customs Conference' brought together experts in trade, customs, and environment to discuss border environmental protection. The conference focused on topics such as the circular economy, waste trade, timber trade, and HS code classification, emphasizing the crucial role and responsibility of customs in promoting green trade, combating illegal trade, and building a sustainable future. The conference aimed to strengthen international cooperation, raise public awareness, and collectively address global environmental challenges.
The Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) serves as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue and cooperation between the WCO and the private sector. The 47th session focused on the Revised Kyoto Convention review, performance measurement, disruptive technologies, non-negotiated tariffs, and the Framework of Standards on E-Commerce. By participating in policy development, standard setting, capacity building, and promoting collaboration, the PSCG makes significant contributions to building an efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade system.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides technical assistance to Azerbaijan Customs to enhance its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Through workshops, WCO experts and Azerbaijani Customs representatives discussed the effectiveness of the AEO program, expansion opportunities, and alignment with the SAFE Framework. The goal is to promote trade facilitation, improve supply chain security, and contribute to Azerbaijan's economic growth. The assistance aims to elevate the operational standards of Azerbaijan Customs.
The WCO is supporting Liberia Customs in a Time Release Study (TRS) project aimed at improving efficiency and facilitating trade. The project focuses on analyzing and streamlining cargo release processes to reduce delays and enhance overall customs operations. Capacity building initiatives are also included to ensure the sustainability of improvements. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, contributing to a more efficient and effective customs environment in Liberia.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Coordinated Border Management (CBM) workshop in Thailand to enhance the Thai Customs' cross-border trade management capabilities. The workshop focused on key areas such as cooperation between border agencies, Single Window implementation, and paperless trade. Participants also conducted a site visit to a border checkpoint to provide expert recommendations for upgrading Thailand Customs' CBM. This initiative aims to help Thailand create an efficient and convenient cross-border trade environment.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a cross-border e-commerce workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) to enhance BiH Customs' awareness of WCO tools and initiatives, promoting the security and facilitation of cross-border e-commerce. The workshop highlighted the WCO Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce and the Immediate Release Guidelines, and discussed topics such as intellectual property rights protection. BiH Customs officials stated that the workshop deepened their understanding of WCO tools and will contribute to the implementation of the E-Commerce Framework of Standards (FoS).
The World Customs Organization (WCO) E-Commerce Package provides a guiding framework for customs administrations in managing cross-border e-commerce, with the core being the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce. It covers trade facilitation, security, revenue collection, and consumer protection. The WCO urges countries to implement the package in phases based on their national circumstances and provides support to promote secure, efficient, sustainable, and inclusive cross-border e-commerce development.
With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual workshop on customs valuation for Panama Customs, aiming to enhance its capacity to implement the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. The workshop covered key concepts, latest developments, and post-clearance audit applications of the Agreement. Through a combination of theory and practice, it improved participants' skills in document review, customs clearance, and risk management. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation to support global customs capacity building and promote trade prosperity.
