WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

The WCO's PICARD Programme, in collaboration with the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), has developed a set of professional development standards for customs middle and senior managers. These standards aim to enhance the leadership, management capabilities, and professional skills of customs officials. They can be flexibly applied to internal training and recruitment strategies, helping to build high-performing customs management teams capable of addressing increasingly complex international trade challenges. The standards provide a framework for continuous improvement and professional growth within customs administrations worldwide.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

Supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully conducted an experience exchange focusing on post-clearance audit, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and risk management. The aim was to enhance the NCS's risk management capabilities, promote trade compliance, and contribute to the prosperity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This collaboration underscores the importance of customs cooperation in facilitating trade and strengthening regional economic integration through improved risk assessment and streamlined procedures.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Air Cargo Adopts Digital Tools Amid Safety Challenges

Asiapacific Air Cargo Adopts Digital Tools Amid Safety Challenges

The Singapore Air Cargo Day event highlighted digital transformation and safety risk management in the air cargo industry. Singapore Airlines received CEIV Fresh certification, and SAAA@Singapore was recognized as a CBTA Center of Excellence. Industry experts emphasized that digitalization, safety, cold chain management, and sustainability are crucial for the future of air cargo. The event underscored the importance of embracing technology while mitigating potential security threats to ensure efficient and reliable air freight operations. Focus was also given to maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Faced with rising freight costs and driver shortages, shippers are actively adjusting their strategies. Six major trends in freight management are emerging: portfolio freight management, collaborative efforts to address driver shortages, reducing detention time, increasing private fleets, adopting technology to manage fleets, and developing autonomous trucks. These trends will reshape the future of freight, helping businesses manage logistics more efficiently. The adoption of autonomous driving especially promises to revolutionize long-haul transportation and alleviate driver scarcity, offering a potential solution to current industry challenges.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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LTL Logistics Shifts Toward Valuedriven Partnerships

LTL Logistics Shifts Toward Valuedriven Partnerships

This paper explores the significance of business relationships in the Less-than-Truckload (LTL) sector. It emphasizes that value co-creation, transparent communication, shared goals, and long-term commitment are crucial elements for building strong LTL relationships. The paper also analyzes the importance of multi-layered relationship management and proposes strategies to overcome challenges in LTL relationships. Furthermore, it looks ahead to the future impact of technological advancements on LTL relationship management, suggesting that technology will play a vital role in enhancing efficiency and collaboration.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Tax Modernization with Talent Initiative

Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Tax Modernization with Talent Initiative

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively implementing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance operational efficiency and tax collection capabilities. Supported by the World Customs Organization through the EPCB-HRMP project, the initiative aims to assist LRA in building a strategic HR management system. This system focuses on aligning talent with roles, ultimately contributing to LRA's modernization goals. This endeavor offers valuable lessons and best practices for other African tax administrations seeking to modernize their HR practices and improve overall performance.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kewills Express Platform Boosts SME Logistics Efficiency

Kewills Express Platform Boosts SME Logistics Efficiency

Kewill launches Flagship Express, a cloud-based supply chain management solution designed for SMEs. This cost-effective solution requires no hardware, is easy to integrate, and helps improve logistics competitiveness. By leveraging the cloud, SMEs can access powerful supply chain capabilities without significant upfront investment. Flagship Express aims to empower smaller businesses to optimize their logistics processes and compete more effectively in the market. It offers a streamlined and accessible approach to supply chain management, tailored to the specific needs and budgets of SMEs.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Poplar Hill Airports YHP Code Explained

Poplar Hill Airports YHP Code Explained

This article provides a detailed analysis of Poplar Hill Airport's IATA code, YHP. From a data analysis perspective, it reveals the underlying airport information, geographical location, and explores the significant role of IATA codes in air transport. Furthermore, it discusses the value of IATA codes for data analysis purposes, highlighting their importance in understanding and interpreting airport-related data and trends.

01/20/2026 Airport Codes
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Kapal Airport Air Freight and Customs Trends in Papua New Guinea

Kapal Airport Air Freight and Customs Trends in Papua New Guinea

This article analyzes air freight data at Kapar Airport (KPL) in Papua New Guinea from a data analyst's perspective. It focuses on the unique aspects of this non-customs airport and the essential customs clearance considerations. The efficient use of three-letter code lookup systems is also introduced. The importance of air freight data analysis for decision-making is highlighted, and practical resources like West Coast Cargo are recommended. The aim is to improve air freight efficiency by providing insights into KPL operations and relevant data analysis techniques.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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