WCO Extends Technical Support to Zambia Revenue Authority in Establishing Free Zones
The World Customs Organization (WCO), with the support of the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) of Korea, provided technical assistance to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) through a national workshop focused on the development and management of Free Zones. The workshop was held from 2 to 6 June 2025 at the ZRA Training Centre in Lusaka, with the aim of equipping Zambian Customs and key stakeholders with the knowledge and tools necessary to implement Free Zones in line with international best practices.
WCO Strengthens Viet Nam Customs Capacity on Rules of Origin
From 20 to 22 May 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Viet Nam Customs, conducted a national workshop on rules of origin in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. This workshop was funded by the Customs Cooperation Fund of Korea (CCF-Korea) and aimed to enhance the competencies of Viet Nam Customs officials through in-depth training on rules of origin and advance rulings, both essential for the correct application and implementation of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The workshop brought together 55 participants from the headquarters and 20 Regional Customs Branches of Viet Nam Customs.
WTO: Members review farm policies, food security, technology transfer and transparency issues
At a meeting of the Committee on Agriculture on 23-24 June, WTO members reviewed developments on various topics, including food security, technology transfer and efforts to enhance transparency. Members also engaged in their routine examination of each other's agricultural policies, with a view to gaining a fuller understanding of their implementation of WTO agricultural obligations. Diego Alfieri of Brazil was appointed as the new Chair of the Committee.
WTO: Panels established to review Canadian surtaxes, Chinese duties on farm and fish products
The Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) agreed at its meeting on 23 June to establish two new dispute panels. At the request of China, a panel will examine surtax measures imposed by Canada on certain products of Chinese origin, including electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products. At the request of Canada, a panel will review additional import duties imposed by China on certain Canadian agricultural and fisheries products.
WTO: Members advance Bosnia and Herzegovina's WTO accession negotiations closer to conclusion
At the 14th meeting of the Working Party on the Accession of Bosnia and Herzegovina, held on 19 June, WTO members noted the advanced stage of the accession process and reaffirmed their support for the conclusion of the negotiations. The meeting marked the first formal gathering of the Working Party in seven years, underlining renewed momentum in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s accession process. The country started its WTO accession negotiations in July 1999.
WTO: Members consider request for panel to examine Chinese duties on agriculture, fish products
At a special meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 5 June, WTO members considered a request from Canada for the establishment of a dispute panel to review additional import duties imposed by China on certain Canadian agricultural and fisheries products.
WTO: Members consider China’s request for panel to examine Canadian surtax measures
At a meeting of the Dispute Settlement Body (DSB) on 23 May, WTO members considered a request from China for the establishment of a dispute panel to review surtax measures imposed by Canada on certain products of Chinese origin, including electric vehicles and steel and aluminium products.