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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Smart Security Devices Transform Global Customs Trade

Smart Security Devices Transform Global Customs Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) report highlights the significant potential of Smart Security Devices (SSDs) in facilitating trade and enhancing supply chain security. The report analyzes the application of SSDs in customs risk management and cargo clearance, emphasizing the importance of interoperability and standardization. International cooperation is crucial to overcome technical and regulatory challenges and optimize the widespread adoption of SSDs. The report underscores the role of SSDs in modernizing customs operations and fostering a more secure and efficient global trading environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), held a workshop in Madagascar to enhance the country's capacity to respond to pandemics and natural disasters. Through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and practical exercises, Madagascar gained valuable lessons, providing insights for other developing countries facing challenges posed by climate change. The workshop aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through customs facilitation and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Network Boosts Cooperation During Pandemic

Global Customs Network Boosts Cooperation During Pandemic

The Regional Intelligence Liaison Office (RILO) network held its second virtual meeting to strengthen international cooperation during the pandemic. The meeting highlighted RILO's crucial role in data quality and combating illegal wildlife trade. Participants also discussed involvement in WCO meetings and preparations for the global RILO conference. Facing global challenges, the RILO network will continue to enhance cooperation and capabilities to contribute to global trade security and economic development. The focus remains on improving information sharing and coordinated efforts to address evolving threats.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCO-JICA cooperation is helping East African customs authorities cultivate customs audit experts, enhancing regional customs audit capabilities, and promoting trade development. The initiative focuses on strengthening the skills and knowledge of customs officers in conducting effective audits, thereby improving compliance and revenue collection. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother trade flows within the East African region by ensuring fair and transparent customs procedures and combating illicit trade activities through improved audit practices. Ultimately, this contributes to economic growth and regional integration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

Malawi Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

In July 2018, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Blantyre to support Malawi in enhancing trade facilitation by implementing the advance ruling system and optimizing its customs classification system. Through expert training, current state analysis, and action plan development, Malawi aims to improve its legal framework, establish an advance ruling body, and strengthen personnel training. These efforts are designed to increase customs clearance efficiency, enhance trade certainty, and improve the business environment, ultimately promoting economic development in Malawi.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Adopts Advance Ruling to Boost Trade Efficiency

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the WCO, is actively promoting the establishment of an advance ruling mechanism to improve trade efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance trade transparency. Through capacity-building workshops, customs officers have gained a deeper understanding of the Harmonized System and advance ruling regulations. The implementation of the advance ruling mechanism will have a positive impact on the trade development of Burkina Faso. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held the 3rd Regional Workshop on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Bahrain, aiming to promote understanding and implementation of the TFA in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop brought together customs and trade experts to discuss key TFA provisions, technical assistance, institutional cooperation, and member case studies. During the event, Japan announced its ratification of the TFA, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation efforts in the MENA region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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