Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

The 19th Heads of Asia/Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting focused on the challenges and opportunities of remote training under the pandemic. Centers shared experiences and discussed key initiatives like digital transformation, international cooperation, talent development, and data analysis. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance customs capacity, and collectively respond to the rapidly changing international trade environment. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting training methodologies and fostering collaboration to ensure effective customs operations in the new normal.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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SECO WCO Enhance Americas Customs Via IMF Program

SECO WCO Enhance Americas Customs Via IMF Program

The SECO-WCO GTFP supports the IMF's advanced course on tax and customs administration, aiming to enhance the strategic planning and risk management capabilities of tax and customs officials in the Americas, enabling them to address new trends in international trade. This course, a collaborative effort, provides a comprehensive learning experience and emphasizes the importance of customs and tax administration for national competitiveness, ultimately promoting sustainable economic development. It equips officials with the tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective fields.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Fiji Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Fiji Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and its stakeholders in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS). This study aims to assess and optimize cargo release processes, thereby enhancing trade facilitation. With WCO's guidance and training, Fiji is expected to better fulfill its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and inject new vitality into its economic development. The TRS will provide valuable insights for streamlining customs procedures and improving efficiency.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Labs Boost Trade Efficiency Via Training

Asiapacific Customs Labs Boost Trade Efficiency Via Training

Under the cooperation of the World Customs Organization and China Customs, Qingdao successfully hosted the Asia-Pacific Regional Customs Laboratory Affairs Workshop. The aim was to enhance the professional capabilities of customs laboratories in the region and promote trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered topics such as commodity classification, analytical techniques, and laboratory management, and included field visits. It strengthened regional cooperation and laid the foundation for future development. The event fostered collaboration and knowledge sharing among participating customs administrations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Palau Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Customs Training

Palau Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Customs Training

Palau hosted a WCO tariff classification workshop to enhance customs officials' skills and promote trade facilitation. Through international cooperation, Palau Customs will better align with international standards, contributing to national development goals. This event offers valuable lessons for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of strengthening customs capacity building. The training aims to improve the accuracy and efficiency of tariff classification, reducing delays and costs associated with international trade. Ultimately, this contributes to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment for Palau.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau Adopts WCO Standards to Modernize Customs Tariffs

Palau, with support from the WCO and the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, successfully hosted a National Harmonized System (HS) Workshop. The aim was to enhance the tariff classification skills of customs officials, facilitating trade and promoting customs modernization. This event marks a significant step for Palau in integrating into global trade and achieving sustainable economic development. The workshop underscores the importance of accurate tariff classification for efficient customs procedures and compliance with international standards, ultimately benefiting Palau's economic growth and trade competitiveness.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Boost Customs Efficiency

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Boost Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization conference emphasized inclusive customs practices, advocating for gender equality and diversity. The focus was on empowering women and vulnerable groups to enhance trade efficiency. The discussions highlighted the importance of creating a fair and equitable environment within customs administrations and across international trade. This approach aims to leverage the talents of all individuals, fostering innovation and collaboration to improve customs operations and contribute to sustainable economic development. Ultimately, inclusive customs practices lead to more effective and efficient trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Enhances Trade Efficiency with Crossborder Agency Reforms

Zimbabwe Enhances Trade Efficiency with Crossborder Agency Reforms

With support from the UK government and the World Customs Organization, the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority successfully held a cross-border regulatory agency seminar. The seminar aimed to enhance risk management capabilities and collaborative cooperation, ultimately promoting trade facilitation. The goal is to create an efficient and convenient trading environment and inject momentum into economic development. The workshop focused on best practices and strategies for streamlining customs procedures and mitigating potential risks, contributing to a more secure and predictable trade landscape for Zimbabwe.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Supported by the Swedish-funded WACAM project, The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is pioneering the WCO-promoted competency-based HRM model in West and Central Africa. By reviewing key HRM tools and strengthening institutional capacity, GRA aims to become a regional benchmark, leading industry development and providing valuable experience and lessons for other customs agencies. This initiative represents a significant step towards modernized customs administration and enhanced talent management within the region, potentially setting a new standard for customs operations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA Customs College Enhances Training with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Enhances Training with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Inter-State Customs Higher School of ECCA (ISSC) in reshaping its training system. Through diagnostic assessments, the WCO provided recommendations for improvement and jointly developed a new development strategy. The core of this strategy is building a competency-based training system to enhance the professional skills of regional customs officers, facilitate trade, and combat smuggling and other illegal activities. The WCO will continue to provide support to help ISSC achieve training modernization.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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