WCO Enhances Global Customs Response to COVID19 Supply Chains

WCO Enhances Global Customs Response to COVID19 Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) COVID-19 Project aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of national customs administrations and ensure the stability and security of global supply chains. Through capacity building, tool development, and international cooperation, the project has significantly improved customs' ability to respond to emergencies, laying the foundation for a safer and more stable future for global trade. It focuses on strengthening resilience and promoting collaboration to navigate disruptions and maintain essential trade flows.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Boosts Customs with HS Chemical Classification Lab Upgrades

Tanzania Boosts Customs with HS Chemical Classification Lab Upgrades

Tanzania, with funding from Norway, held a HS Chemicals Classification Workshop and a Customs Laboratory Development Training Program. These initiatives aim to enhance commodity classification skills and laboratory management capabilities. The long-term plan includes establishing a central, standardized Customs Laboratory to further improve regulatory compliance and trade facilitation within the country.

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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Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization with Sweden WCO Backing

Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization with Sweden WCO Backing

Under the West Africa Customs Modernization (WACAM) project funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Senegal Customs in advancing its human resource modernization. Through measures such as improving employee planning tools and building competency models, Senegal Customs aims to enhance employee quality and optimize its organizational structure, setting an example for customs modernization in the West African region. The project anticipates completing the validation of employee planning tools by the end of 2015.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System (HS) through capacity building and expert support. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, optimize tariff management, and attract foreign investment. This presents opportunities for businesses, requiring them to strengthen their understanding of the HS, optimize supply chains, and expand market channels. Establishing a strong partnership with Comoros Customs is crucial to collectively embrace a bright future for trade development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos PICARD Program Boosts Customs Skills for Global Trade

Wcos PICARD Program Boosts Customs Skills for Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its PICARD Programme, aims to enhance the professionalism and status of customs personnel worldwide. This initiative fosters international cooperation in customs education and research by establishing professional standards, accrediting curricula, organizing annual conferences, and building the INCU network. It also promotes the localization of customs development, ultimately achieving a professionalized, knowledge-based, and internationalized customs workforce. The PICARD programme is crucial for building capacity and ensuring effective border management globally.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

The 2028 edition of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) introduces more specific subheadings for plastic articles, enhancing the identification of particular plastic products, including environmentally sensitive polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, and single-use plastics. This will facilitate customs data collection, assisting governments in developing more effective policies to control plastic pollution and promote a circular economy and environmental sustainability. The refined HS codes will enable better tracking of plastic trade flows and inform targeted interventions to reduce plastic waste.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Bill of Lading Endorsements for Efficient Customs

Guide to Bill of Lading Endorsements for Efficient Customs

This article delves into the endorsement procedures of ocean bills of lading, contrasting straight bills of lading with order bills of lading. Straight bills of lading do not require endorsement, as the right to take delivery is fixed. Order bills of lading, however, require endorsement to transfer the right to take delivery, categorized into blank endorsement and special endorsement. Understanding these rules is crucial for facilitating smooth customs clearance in international trade. This knowledge helps ensure efficient and compliant shipping processes.

02/03/2026 Document Interpretation
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WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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