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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Dutch Customs Boosts Global Trade Via WCO Exchange Program

Dutch Customs Boosts Global Trade Via WCO Exchange Program

The Netherlands Customs Administration hosted experts from Cameroon and Sierra Leone to share expertise on rules of origin and commodity classification. This initiative aimed to enhance the capabilities of the visiting customs officials in these crucial areas. By sharing best practices and providing practical training, the Netherlands Customs Administration fostered international cooperation and contributed to trade facilitation. This collaboration also served to enhance the Netherlands Customs Administration's reputation as a leader in customs expertise and international partnership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Digital Shift Regional Ties to Boost African Trade

WCO Urges Digital Shift Regional Ties to Boost African Trade

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization attended the East and Southern Africa Regional Customs Research Conference, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and regional cooperation for African trade development. The conference focused on the impact of emerging issues on customs and trade, calling for enhanced data utilization, talent development, and collaboration with the private sector to promote the construction of the African single market. The World Customs Organization will continue to support African customs development and contribute to the prosperity of African trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Customs Boosts Revenue with HS Code Upgrade

DR Congo Customs Boosts Revenue with HS Code Upgrade

DR Congo Customs aims to achieve customs autonomy by introducing HS tools and conducting nationwide training, reducing reliance on external organizations. This initiative includes equipping customs offices with HS software, developing provincial promotion plans, improving vocational training systems, and strengthening integrity. By enhancing the professionalism and operational capabilities of customs personnel, DR Congo hopes to boost its economic growth. The implementation of HS tools and comprehensive training are key components of this strategy for achieving greater self-reliance in customs management.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Middle East North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

Middle East North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

A Customs Valuation and Fraud Workshop was held in Jordan, supported by the World Customs Organization and the China Customs Cooperation Fund. The workshop aimed to enhance the professional skills of customs officers from North Africa, the Near East, and the Middle East. It focused on the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, the application of the Revenue Package, and fraud response. Through case studies and risk management discussions, the workshop promoted regional cooperation and the construction of a fair trade environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) attended the graduation ceremony of French-speaking African customs officials at the Belgian Customs Academy, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and societal protection. This initiative supports African economic development and the AfCFTA by enhancing customs management, promoting regional integration, and fostering international cooperation. The WCO plays a key role by providing technical assistance and promoting the application of international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment in Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs developed a Human Resource Management Strategy for 2018-2021. This strategy aims to enhance employee skills, improve work efficiency, and strengthen organizational cohesion through tools like competency models, ultimately achieving the overall mission of customs. The success of Mali Customs has attracted significant attention from the Ministry of Finance and is expected to be promoted to other government departments. The focus is on building a capable and motivated workforce to drive customs modernization and improve overall performance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Declaration Form Adds Trade Country (region) Indicator to Promote International Trade Transparency

New Customs Declaration Form Adds Trade Country (region) Indicator to Promote International Trade Transparency

The General Administration of Customs recently announced reforms to the customs declaration process, introducing a new 'Trade Country (Region)' indicator. This change aims to enhance the accuracy of customs declarations and reflect the true state of international trade, in line with the developments of economic globalization. The indicator will streamline the customs clearance process, improve efficiency, and assist businesses in conducting more effective global trade.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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Guide to International Air Freight Import Clearance Costs

Guide to International Air Freight Import Clearance Costs

This article provides a detailed analysis of the composition of international air freight import customs clearance fees. It covers the calculation methods for customs duties (tariffs, VAT, consumption tax), the charging models and influencing factors of customs brokerage fees, and the types of destination port charges. The aim is to help readers fully understand customs clearance costs, effectively control expenses, and successfully complete international air freight imports.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Capacity in West and Central Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Capacity in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Côte d'Ivoire Customs in upgrading its human resources management system by introducing competency-based management and project cycle management methodologies. Through expert training, tool development, and action plan formulation, the initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials. This capacity building effort lays the foundation for customs modernization and serves as a valuable reference for other customs administrations. The project focuses on improving efficiency and effectiveness within the Ivorian customs service by equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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