WCO Familiarization National Workshop on Rules of Origin in Gambia- a crucial step towards AfCFTA implementation
The World Customs Organization (WCO), with financial support from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), held a national workshop on Rules of Origin, from 18 to 20 June 2025 in Banjul, Gambia. This workshop was a result of the collaborative efforts of the WCO/JICA Joint Project, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Gambia Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE). It formed part of a series of national workshops designed to strengthen the capacity of African Customs administrations to administer preferential Rules of Origin, particularly for the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The workshop brought together Customs officials from various units and border posts of the GRA, representatives from the MOTIE as well as private sector stakeholders. In addition to enhancing technical knowledge on preferential Rules of Origin, the workshop fostered a collaborative platform for participants to identify and address common challenges, discuss potential policy enhancements, and built a network of professionals committed to derive benefits from the implementation of AfCFTA. Source: WCO
WCO: Jamaica becomes the 163rd Contracting Party to the Harmonized System Convention
Jamaica deposited its instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (Harmonized System) with WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders, becoming the 163rd Contracting Party to the Convention. The Harmonized System Convention will enter into force in Jamacia on 1 June 2026. The accession will not impact Jamaica’ Customs tariff and statistical nomenclature as it is already based on the Harmonized System (HS). However, it will enable Jamaica to participate in the maintenance and the review of the instrument. As a Contracting Party, Jamaica gains the ability to be represented on the Harmonized System Committee and the Harmonized System Review Sub-Committee as they examine amendment proposals and questions on the scope and application of the HS. The WCO is pleased to welcome Jamaica as the and looks forward to its active participation with respect to HS-related matters. Source: WCO
WCO: The Philippines Launches its Time Release Study with support of the WCO Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme
The Philippines officially kicked off its National Time Release Study (TRS) at the Manila International Container Port (MICP), focusing on sea cargo import and export clearance processes. The TRS capacity building is part of the multi-year partnership of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) with the World Customs Organization (WCO) Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, supported by the United Kingdom’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC). The two-week initiative, held from 30 June to 11 July 2025, marked a major step in the country’s efforts to enhance trade facilitation through collaborative and data-driven reforms. Organised under the auspices of the Philippines Trade Facilitation Committee (PTFC), the official launch event on 3 July 2025 convened senior officials from the BOC, Trade Regulatory Government Agencies (TRGAs), and the Private sector. The significance of the TRS as both a diagnostic and performance measurement tool to identify bottlenecks and enhance clearance efficiency was emphasized. The high-level representatives appreciated the opportunity that the TRS provides to the MICP as the country’s largest container port and for more efficient seaborne trade to further boost the Philippines’ national competitiveness in the region. Source: WCO
WCO Expands Pool of Accredited Origin Expert Trainers in the MENA Region to Meet Growing Demand
In a significant step toward strengthening technical assistance in the area of Rules of Origin (RoO), the World Customs Organization (WCO), in close cooperation with the Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), successfully conducted a Pre-Accreditation Workshop for Expert Trainers (ETs) in the MENA region. The event took place from 27 to 31 July 2025 at the WCO Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. This initiative, sponsored by ZATCA, is part of the WCO's broader strategy to expand its global pool of accredited Expert Trainers. The goal is to ensure more agile and tailored responses to member-driven requests for capacity building in RoO, a critical component of international trade facilitation. The workshop brought together eleven participants from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Over five intensive days, candidates were evaluated on a comprehensive range of competencies, including technical proficiency, practical application of RoO, communication and facilitation skills, advisory capabilities, and teamwork. Familiarity with WCO tools and instruments was also a key assessment criterion. Source: WCO
WTO: Brazil initiates WTO dispute regarding US tariff measures
Brazil has requested WTO dispute consultations with the United States concerning US tariff measures which it says impose a 10% duty on all Brazilian products and an additional 40% duty on certain products of Brazilian origin. The request was circulated to WTO members on 11 August. Source: WTO
WTO: China initiates WTO dispute regarding Canadian surtaxes, quotas on steel, aluminium goods
China has requested WTO dispute consultations with Canada regarding Canadian measures imposing a surtax in the form of tariff rate quotas on the importation of certain steel goods originating from Canada’s non-free trade agreement partners, including China, as well as a surtax on certain steel and aluminium goods that contain steel or aluminium originating from China. The request was circulated to WTO members on 20 August. Source: WTO
WTO: Nepal accepts WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, three remaining for entry into force
On 18 August, WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Nepal’s instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies from Nepal’s WTO Ambassador Ram Prasad Subedi. Just three more acceptances are needed for the Agreement to enter into force. Source: WTO
WTO: South Africa launches safeguard investigation on certain flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel
On 30 July 2025, South Africa notified the WTO's Committee on Safeguards that it initiated on 25 July 2025 an investigation on certain flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel. Source: WTO
WTO: Items proposed for consideration at the next meeting of Dispute Settlement Body
The WTO Secretariat has circulated a meeting notice and list of items proposed for the next meeting, on 25 July 2025, of the Dispute Settlement Body, which consists of all WTO members and oversees legal disputes among them. The meeting notice is circulated in the form of a document officially called an “airgram”. Source: WTO
WTO panel issues report regarding EU duties on imports of biodiesel from Indonesia
On 22 August the WTO circulated the panel report in the case brought by Indonesia in “European Union — Countervailing Duties on Imports of Biodiesel from Indonesia” (DS618). Source: WTO