The WTO Secretariat has published a new information note looking at how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected e-commerce, including the implications for cross-border trade. It notes the increased use of e-commerce as consumers adapt to lockdowns and social distancing measures and draws attention to several challenges, such as the need to bridge the digital divide within and across countries.

UNCTAD proposes 10 policy measures to cover maritime transport, customs operations, transit, transparency and legal issues, as well as technology to enhance paperless trade processes.

Announcing an important notice on the proposed working arrangements for the meetings impacted by Covid-19, the World Customs Organization (WCO) stated that focus has been placed on exploring alternative arrangements that would allow the WCO to continue advancing its work as international travel will very likely remain restricted for the following months.

Croatia Customs warns that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a greater influx of banned and non-compliant goods, especially face masks, into the European Union. In many cases, these are also infringements of intellectual property rights in relation to face masks.

In view of the global health emergency situation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretariat has published a “WCO Guidance on how to communicate during a crisis” to assist its Members in reacting to communication challenges posed by the global crisis.

European Commission adopted a regulation on 23 April 2020 which makes the exportation of certain products subject to the production of an export authorisation. The regulation entered into force on 26 April 2020 and it will be in force for a period of 30 days.

The Vice-Chair of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Europe Region, Mr. Safar Mehdiyev, the Chairman of the State Customs Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, attended the high-level video conference on 22 April 2020.

Export-import processes are being intensified at the customs post of Termez in Uzbekistan during the conditions of pandemic.

This month, Border Force has introduced a new process for prioritising checks on medical equipment to ensure it reaches the National Health Service (NHS) more quickly.

Even in the time of the coronavirus pandemic, the Bratislava customs officers must ensure smooth service.

It is absolutely no secret that the current Coronavirus (Covid-19) spread has also affected the global trade. Even though there is no halt, international trade carries on its way within the frame of certain precautions and measures in the face of the disease.

Given the current Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, the WCO Secretariat has postponed/arrenged new dates for the meetings in May at the WCO Headquarters.