Revised Kyoto Convention Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

Revised Kyoto Convention Enhances Global Trade Competitiveness

The Kyoto Declaration highlights the central role of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the Economic Competitiveness Package (ECP) in global trade facilitation. The WCO is committed to enhancing global trade efficiency and competitiveness by simplifying customs procedures, strengthening international cooperation, and providing technical assistance. This aims to create a more convenient and secure trading environment for businesses. The WCO's efforts contribute significantly to streamlining international trade flows and fostering economic growth worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Namibia in completing a capacity assessment for its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The aim is to assist Namibia in launching an AEO pilot project and its full implementation by 2018 through work plans in key areas such as risk management, post-clearance audit, legal reform, and IT upgrades. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and economic development within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Boosts Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Global Customs Body Boosts Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) signed Memorandums of Understanding with several industry associations at the 7th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy. The aim is to combat counterfeit goods more effectively and protect consumer rights and brand reputation by strengthening information sharing, promoting the Public Members Interface (IPM), and providing training for customs officers. This international cooperation seeks to disrupt the flow of fake products across borders and ensure legitimate trade practices are upheld.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Costa Rica in upgrading its customs system, with a focus on implementing an Advance Ruling System to enhance commodity classification and origin management, thereby facilitating trade. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and increase trade certainty by providing businesses with clearer expectations. This approach is a valuable model for other countries and businesses seeking to streamline their customs processes and improve trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Postclearance Audit Strategy

Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Postclearance Audit Strategy

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance the country's customs control and promote trade compliance. The workshop emphasized the importance of risk management, information sharing, and cooperation, assisting Kazakhstan Customs in building a more efficient and intelligent control system. This contributes to trade facilitation and security by strengthening Kazakhstan's ability to effectively manage post-clearance activities and ensure compliance with customs regulations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Joins SECOWCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan joined the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme to enhance customs efficiency and optimize the business environment. The project supports capacity building and organizational development, strengthens post-clearance audits, and conducts release time studies, promoting economic growth and regional connectivity. This initiative aligns with global trade facilitation trends and is expected to modernize Uzbekistan's customs, optimize regulations, and improve services. It aims to contribute significantly to the country's economic development and regional cooperation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Oman Strengthens Customs Audits to Improve Trade Compliance

Oman Strengthens Customs Audits to Improve Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Oman Customs in enhancing its post-clearance audit capabilities. Through workshops, Omani customs officials are empowered with key skills such as risk-oriented auditing and document interpretation. This improved audit capacity of Oman Customs will have a significant impact on companies engaged in import and export trade in Oman. Businesses need to strengthen compliance management and proactively address the new challenges and opportunities arising from these enhancements.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and China Strike Tentative Deal on Tiktoks Future

US and China Strike Tentative Deal on Tiktoks Future

The Ministry of Commerce announced a preliminary framework agreement between China and the US regarding TikTok's US operations. This involves establishing a new joint venture responsible for data security and content management, while ByteDance retains control over commercial operations. China urges the US to provide a fair business environment and promote the stable development of China-US economic and trade relations. This move aims to address US concerns about data security while allowing TikTok to continue operating in the US market under a restructured framework.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Maldives Boost Customs Audits in Joint Workshop

Uzbekistan Maldives Boost Customs Audits in Joint Workshop

Under the World Customs Organization framework, Uzbekistan and Maldives Customs successfully held an online seminar focusing on the exchange of Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) experiences. The Maldives shared their practices in organizational structure, legal framework, operating procedures, and IT systems, aiming to enhance Uzbekistan's capabilities in PCA. This exchange also strengthened customs cooperation between the two countries, fostering trade facilitation and improving customs administration efficiency. The seminar provided a platform for knowledge sharing and best practice adoption in the area of post-clearance audit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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