Source: WCO

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, and the Japanese Ambassador to Belgium, H.E. Mr. Makita Shimokawa virtually exchanged Notes Verbales on 4 June 2020, on the Government of Japan’s financial support of the WCO’s project to improve the capacity of developing countries’ Customs administrations respond to the impact of COVID-19” (COVID-19 Project).

Source: WCO

In support of trade facilitation during the COVID-19 pandemic, the WCO Secretariat has further enhanced the usefulness of the joint WCO/WHO HS Classification List for COVID-19 Medical Supplies by publishing a new edition with an updated goods list and links to Member’s lists.

Source: XINHUANET

BEIJING, June 2 (Xinhua) -- China's top customs authority has released new data on its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) credit system, which the authority is employing to enhance the country's foreign trade and strengthen credit supervision over enterprises.

The AEO system, initiated by the World Customs Organization, aims at facilitating customs clearance through the authentication by customs of trade firms with a high level of law compliance, credit status and safety.

Source: Institute of Export & International Trade

British traders preparing for the end of the Brexit transition have been warned to secure brokerage capacity “before it’s too late” by a former customs official and trade expert.

Speaking on a UK Customs Academy webinar yesterday (27 May), a director of customs consultancy at KGH Customs Services said border controls for goods moving between the UK and EU “are a certainty” from the start of next year.

Source: WTO

The WTO’s Annual Report, published today (28 May), provides a comprehensive account of the organization’s activities in 2019 and early 2020. The Report opens with a message from Director-General Roberto Azevêdo and a brief overview of the year. This is followed by in-depth accounts of the WTO’s main areas of activity over the past 12 months.

The Report is available on the WTO website.

Source: WCO

Recognizing the specific challenges faced by Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs), on 29 May 2020 the United Nations High Representative for the Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries and Small Island Developing States (HRLLS), Ms. Fekitamoeloa Katoa ‘Utoikamanu, and the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, issued a joint statement calling upon LLDCs and transit countries to maintain the continuity of international and regional supply chains during the COVID-19 pandemic.

IFCBA members may be interested in the following IATA seminar:

What is the effect of COVID-19 on special cargo transportation?
2 June 2020, 13:30-14:30 CET 

Source: WCO

Source: The New York Times

FRANKFURT — The head of the organization charged with bringing a semblance of order to international trade relations resigned unexpectedly Thursday, adding another element of uncertainty to commerce in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic and escalating trade conflicts.

Source: EABW News

COMESA will develop an online platform for exchanging information on the availability of essential products within the COMESA Member States as part of the response measures to the COVID-19 pandemic.

This was among key decisions made by the extraordinary meeting of the COMESA Council of Ministers.