The WCO held a customs valuation workshop in Rwanda to enhance the capabilities of tax authority officials. The workshop covered topics such as the WTO Valuation Agreement and transfer pricing. The initiative aims to promote trade development by improving understanding and application of customs valuation principles, ultimately facilitating smoother and more efficient trade processes for Rwanda.
WCO, in collaboration with JICA and Japan Customs, is supporting Pacific Island Countries in building a pool of customs experts through training programs. This initiative aims to enhance their customs enforcement capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The project focuses on strengthening regional cooperation and improving customs administration in the Pacific region, ultimately contributing to economic growth and security.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) donated €3,320 to the Reine Marie-Henriette Children's Home in Brussels to purchase playground equipment, enhancing children's cognitive and motor skills. This action demonstrates the WCO's commitment to social responsibility and its care for vulnerable groups. It also reflects the important social responsibilities that international organizations bear while promoting global development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the upgrade of the Albanian Customs Laboratory by introducing Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) technology. This enables precise analysis of solvents and chemicals, improving tariff collection efficiency. Through international cooperation and technological advancements, Albanian Customs is committed to combating smuggling and maintaining a fair trade order, building a robust national border defense.
This article introduces several tools and services provided by the World Customs Organization (WCO), including trade tools, a publication store, customs enforcement networks, an online learning platform, and a single window interactive map. These resources aim to promote the standardization and efficiency of international trade, enhance the capabilities of customs professionals, and ultimately contribute to the sustainable development of the global economy.
Finland is funding a WCO project to support customs modernization and enhance trade capacity in East and Southern Africa. The project is progressing well, focusing on five key areas including leadership and enforcement. The initiative aims to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering regional economic growth and integration by strengthening customs administrations in the region.
Bahamas Customs, in collaboration with the WCO, significantly enhanced its capacity to combat counterfeit goods through TRIPS/IPR workshops and practical exercises. Customs officers not only acquired new skills but also strengthened their awareness of intellectual property protection. This initiative lays the foundation for building a secure and fair market environment, contributing to the overall effort of safeguarding legitimate trade and consumer rights.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) jointly released guidelines on Electronic Advance Data (EAD) exchange between postal operators and customs, aiming to improve customs clearance efficiency for cross-border e-commerce parcels. The guidelines clarify process standards, provide technical support, and emphasize cooperation and communication. This initiative helps businesses enhance their operational efficiency in international trade.
The Philippines has launched a National Customs Time Study at the Manila International Container Port, aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency in maritime trade. Supported by the WCO and the UK's HMRC, the project will employ a data-driven approach to identify bottlenecks, with the final report expected by the end of 2025. This study will serve as a foundation for future trade facilitation and national coordination.
With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Comoros has upgraded its national commodity nomenclature to the HS 2012 version and signed the instrument of accession to the HS Convention. This aims to improve Comoros' trade efficiency, tariff revenue, and international image, bringing new opportunities for its economic development. Capacity building will follow to enhance customs officers' understanding and application of the HS.
