MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

The WCO's SMART Borders workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the MENA region, highlighted the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain in customs processes. Through WCO best practice sharing and guidance from ZATCA, participants explored how to leverage technology to enhance border management efficiency, injecting new momentum into the MENA region's digital transformation. The event fostered discussions on optimizing customs procedures and improving security through innovative digital solutions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

The Malawi Revenue Authority, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, conducted advanced Harmonized System training. This initiative aimed to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, with a focus on tariff classification for pharmaceuticals, food products, and general-purpose parts. The goal was to improve the accuracy and consistency of commodity classification, ensuring correct tax collection and accurate trade data statistics. This contributes positively to trade facilitation and economic development in Malawi.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkmenistan Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade Security

Turkmenistan Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade Security

Turkmenistan Customs, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), held a national workshop on risk management. The workshop aimed to assess and optimize the existing risk management system, enhancing trade security and customs clearance efficiency. It covered the WCO Risk Management Compendium, the latest tools and techniques, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. In-depth discussions were held on risk assessment processes, response measures, information sharing, and cooperation. The workshop provides strong support for the modernization of Turkmenistan Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

WCO Urges Global Trade Resilience at BASC Congress

The WCO Deputy Secretary General highlighted the importance of international trade resilience at the 10th World BASC Congress. He presented the WCO's work in standardizing customs procedures, promoting international cooperation, and building capacity, with specific mention of the SAFE Framework and its positive impact on AEO programs. The WCO will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to address international trade challenges and promote global economic prosperity. The speech underscored the critical role of customs in ensuring secure and efficient global supply chains.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos HS Review Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Wcos HS Review Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the HS Strategic Review study at the International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA) 30th Anniversary Conference. The review aims to optimize the global system for classifying goods in international trade, addressing changes in the trade environment and technological innovation. The IFCBA actively participated and provided feedback, which the WCO pledged to consider. The HS Strategic Review is expected to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and enhance international competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Logistics Sector Faces Rising Costs Tight Capacity LMI Report

Logistics Sector Faces Rising Costs Tight Capacity LMI Report

The latest LMI report indicates continued expansion in the logistics industry, but rising costs, warehousing constraints, and trade policy uncertainty pose challenges. High inventory costs, tight warehouse space, and a weak transportation market are observed. Businesses need to closely monitor market dynamics and flexibly adjust their strategies. Despite overall growth, these factors are creating significant headwinds for logistics operations. Addressing these issues will be crucial for maintaining profitability and efficiency in the current economic climate. Careful planning and adaptive approaches are essential.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Aviation Industry Advances Pilot Competency Assessment for Safety

Aviation Industry Advances Pilot Competency Assessment for Safety

This paper explores the pilot competency assessment system, emphasizing its importance for safety, cost, and efficiency in aviation. It covers the content, methods, applications, and future development of such assessments, with a focus on IATA's guidance. The paper highlights how effective pilot selection and competency assessment contribute to enhanced aviation safety and operational excellence. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges and opportunities in refining these systems to meet the evolving demands of the aviation industry and ensure a highly skilled and competent pilot workforce.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Aviation Industry Unveils Roadmap for Zerocarbon Future

Aviation Industry Unveils Roadmap for Zerocarbon Future

This report provides an in-depth analysis of mainstream Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) technologies, evaluating their cost-effectiveness, technological maturity, and potential co-benefits and risks. It offers crucial insights for the aviation industry's decarbonization efforts. The report emphasizes that selecting CDR technologies requires considering not only their technical and economic characteristics but also comprehensively assessing their co-benefits and risks beyond carbon removal. This holistic evaluation is essential to ensuring the feasibility and effectiveness of CDR in achieving decarbonization goals.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Aviation Industry Adapts to New IATA Compliance Standards

Aviation Industry Adapts to New IATA Compliance Standards

This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the IATA Economic Report's terms of use, clarifying permitted and prohibited uses. It emphasizes the importance of copyright notices and provides contact information for IATA. The aim is to help readers fully utilize IATA reports in compliance with the terms, promoting the healthy development of the aviation industry. The article highlights the importance of understanding and adhering to the IATA's intellectual property rights to avoid legal issues and ensure proper usage of the valuable data.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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