Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Niger Customs to enhance its commodity classification and valuation capabilities, aiming to boost African trade. The assessment covered legal frameworks, organizational structures, personnel skills, information technology, and cooperation mechanisms, proposing improvements incorporated into an EU-funded action plan. This initiative aims to harmonize commodity classification standards, facilitating trade and economic development in Niger and across Africa. The focus is on improving efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to promote regional integration and economic growth.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Spain China Ease Visa Rules for Malaysian Travelers

Spain China Ease Visa Rules for Malaysian Travelers

This article details the visa policies for Malaysian citizens traveling to Spain, covering both short-term (up to 90 days) visa-free entry and the application process and required documents for long-term visas exceeding 90 days. It also highlights the risks of overstaying. Furthermore, it introduces the 15-day visa-free policy for Malaysian citizens visiting mainland China for tourism. This provides a practical guide for Malaysian citizens planning trips to Spain or China.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts East and Southern Africa Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Boosts East and Southern Africa Customs for Trade Growth

The 36th WCO ESA Regional Steering Group Meeting focused on customs modernization, emphasizing capacity building, regional cooperation, and strategic guidance. The ROCB's report highlighted its contributions to capacity building and technical assistance. The WCO Secretariat presented strategic plans and emerging issues. Businesses should focus on policies, strengthen compliance, participate in capacity building initiatives, communicate with customs authorities, and embrace technological innovation to seize opportunities and achieve business growth. This meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic alignment for effective trade facilitation in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Switzerland WCO Aid Bolivias Customs Modernization for Trade

Switzerland WCO Aid Bolivias Customs Modernization for Trade

The WCO conducted an assessment of Bolivia Customs' implementation of the Mercator Agreement, recommending improvements in areas such as risk management and advance rulings. Bolivia expressed its gratitude and appreciation for the recommendations. The assessment highlighted the need for enhanced efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to further facilitate trade and economic growth. Bolivia acknowledged the value of the WCO's expertise and committed to implementing the suggested improvements to strengthen its customs operations and better align with international standards. This collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held the inaugural meeting of the Customs Working Organization Forum (CWOF), bringing together global experts to discuss innovative customs working methods in the “new normal.” The meeting approved the CWOF's terms of reference and outlined future work directions, including the collection of case studies and the development of best practice guidelines. The aim is to build a more resilient and efficient customs working system, adapting to the evolving challenges of international trade and ensuring effective border management in a rapidly changing world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

With the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an e-commerce workshop for the Moldovan Customs Service (MCS) to enhance its cross-border e-commerce processing capabilities. By streamlining procedures, promoting information sharing, and aligning with WCO standards, the MCS aims to accelerate customs clearance, reduce costs, and integrate into the global e-commerce ecosystem. Follow-up technical assistance focusing on relief consignments will be provided to further improve customs efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

WCO Backs Gambias Customs Reform for West African Leadership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in building a competency-based human resource management system. Through expert consultations and institutionalization efforts, the GRA is expected to become a benchmark for human resource management in West Africa, offering valuable lessons for other developing countries. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's capabilities and contribute to its overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

DR Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

The WCO is assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Customs to enhance its valuation capabilities, addressing challenges following contract termination to safeguard revenue and ensure fair trade. This initiative is part of the WCO's West and Central Africa assistance program. The support aims to strengthen customs procedures and improve the accuracy of valuation processes, thereby contributing to increased revenue collection and a more transparent trading environment in the DRC.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts Staff Training with WACAM Partnership

Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts Staff Training with WACAM Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization Project, supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in implementing competency-based human resource management modernization. The expert team assisted the GRA in refining key tools such as the competency directory and job directory, laying the foundation for subsequent communication, change management, and system implementation. This initiative aims to improve tax collection efficiency and promote national economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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