Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

Namibia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

At the request of Namibia, the WCO conducted an assessment of its TFA implementation. The objective was to identify challenges and provide recommendations for improvement. This diagnostic aims to pave the way for future collaboration to enhance Namibia's trade facilitation performance. The WCO will work with Namibia to address identified weaknesses and build capacity, ultimately contributing to smoother and more efficient trade processes. The assessment covers various aspects of TFA implementation, offering a comprehensive overview of Namibia's current standing and potential for growth in trade facilitation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Adopts WCO Audit System to Boost Trade Compliance

Jordan Customs Adopts WCO Audit System to Boost Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Jordan Customs' Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system to help Jordan establish an efficient and compliant trade system aligned with international standards. The assessment covered areas such as risk management, information technology, and personnel training, and provided recommendations for improvement. This report will serve as a crucial reference for Jordan Customs in modernizing its PCA system and enhancing its international competitiveness. It aims to support Jordan in achieving trade facilitation goals through improved customs procedures and compliance.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Workshop on Risk Assessment and Targeting, sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and hosted by Qatar Customs, was held in Doha. The workshop aimed to enhance the risk management capabilities of customs administrations in the region. Focusing on risk assessment and profiling, the event facilitated the exchange of experiences through case studies and national reports. The goal was to improve customs' ability to identify and manage risks, enabling them to address the challenges posed by increasingly complex global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Expands Trade Efficiency with SECOWCO AEO Program

Bolivia Expands Trade Efficiency with SECOWCO AEO Program

The World Customs Organization, under the SECO-WCO framework, conducted a follow-up assessment of Bolivia's AEO program, aiming to optimize its effectiveness and sustainability. By revising the AEO program, communication strategy, and capacity-building training, the number of Bolivian AEO companies doubled, strengthening the program. Future recommendations include strengthening government-private sector cooperation, continuous capacity building, and regular performance evaluations to enhance trade security and facilitation. The assessment highlights the importance of ongoing efforts to ensure the AEO program's long-term success and contribution to Bolivia's trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) assessment reveals Palestine's active participation in the Mercator Programme, which supports the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and simplifies trade procedures. The Palestinian Customs Administration has benefited significantly in areas such as tariffs and risk management, maintaining close ties with the private sector and neighboring customs administrations. The assessment lays the groundwork for future tailored support, and the WCO will continue to provide assistance to promote Palestinian economic development and regional trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to further streamline customs processes and enhance trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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2026 Competencybased Training Aims to Improve Dangerous Goods Handling

2026 Competencybased Training Aims to Improve Dangerous Goods Handling

This paper delves into the 2026 version of the Dangerous Goods Training Program (DGTP), emphasizing the critical role of Competency-Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) in enhancing employee skills and reducing accident risks. The article elaborates on the CBTA framework's training design, competency models, and assessment systems. It also explores the practical application of the 2026 DGTP, aiming to provide companies with a reference for improving dangerous goods safety management. The focus is on ensuring personnel possess the necessary skills and knowledge to handle dangerous goods safely and effectively.

01/20/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Capacity with Upgraded Contact System

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Capacity with Upgraded Contact System

The second meeting of National Contact Points for Customs Capacity Building in the Americas and the Caribbean aimed to deepen understanding of WCO capacity building programs, strengthen the role of National Contact Points, and promote regional cooperation. The meeting emphasized the importance of National Contact Points in needs assessment, project coordination, and experience sharing, as well as the ROCB's role as an engine for regional capacity building. Future efforts will focus on strengthening the National Contact Point network, optimizing needs assessment processes, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing customs capacity.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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