Cape Verde Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Cape Verde Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supported Cape Verde Customs in preparing its first Time Release Study (TRS) to improve clearance efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. A workshop facilitated collaboration between customs officials and stakeholders, leading to the development of an action plan. This initiative not only enhances trade facilitation in Cape Verde but also provides a valuable reference for other developing countries. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and streamline processes for faster goods release.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Luxor Resolution for Ecommerce Compliance

Global Customs Adopt Luxor Resolution for Ecommerce Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) adopted the Luxor Resolution, providing a guiding framework for cross-border e-commerce regulation. It encompasses eight key principles, including advance data, facilitation, security, and taxation. The WCO also reaffirmed its leading role in cross-border e-commerce management to the WTO, pledging support for the WTO's Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. The Luxor Resolution aims to promote trade facilitation, address security challenges, and foster the healthy and sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

The WCO assessed Kenya Customs' implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), analyzing progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. The assessment led to the development of a multi-year implementation plan and a maturity model evaluation. The WCO's work aimed to support Kenya in streamlining its customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing its overall competitiveness. The assessment provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current TFA implementation efforts and identified key priorities for future action, ensuring sustainable and impactful trade facilitation reforms.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through a workshop, technical assistance, and an action plan. This aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The initiative focuses on strengthening the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)'s customs risk management, improving control effectiveness, and promoting trade facilitation. Ultimately, this contributes to the country's sustainable economic development by optimizing revenue collection and streamlining trade processes.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Under the WCO Mercator Programme, the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme facilitated a virtual learning exchange between the Customs administrations of Uzbekistan and Maldives, focusing on post-clearance audit. Maldives Customs shared its experiences in organizational structure, legal framework, operational procedures, inter-agency coordination, and IT systems. This effectively enhanced Uzbekistan Customs' post-clearance audit capabilities and strengthened cooperation between the two Customs administrations. The exchange highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in improving trade facilitation practices globally.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Malawi Customs' risk management processes to support Malawi's customs modernization reforms under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The assessment identified shortcomings in Malawi Customs' risk management practices and provided recommendations for improvement. The WCO will continue to collaborate with Malawi to advance its trade facilitation agenda. The assessment highlights the need for enhanced risk profiling, improved data analysis, and strengthened cooperation between customs and other agencies to effectively manage risks and facilitate legitimate trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

Armenia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Assistance

The WCO assessed Armenia's customs risk management and post-clearance audit (PCA) systems to enhance trade facilitation and compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The assessment aimed to identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations for strengthening these critical functions. Armenia expressed its gratitude for the WCO's support and looks forward to continued collaboration in further developing its customs practices and procedures. The focus is on aligning with international standards and best practices to promote efficient and secure trade flows.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Data Analytics Boosts Customs Trade Efficiency and Security

Data Analytics Boosts Customs Trade Efficiency and Security

The 215th/216th sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) highlighted the pivotal role of data analysis in modern customs operations. Discussions focused on leveraging big data and innovative technologies to optimize trade facilitation, risk management, supply chain security, and customs-tax cooperation. This charted a course for the future development of customs, emphasizing data analysis as a new engine driving trade facilitation and security. The meeting underscored the importance of data-driven insights for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in customs administration.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Trade and Customs Modernization in Namibia

WCO Enhances Trade and Customs Modernization in Namibia

At the request of Namibian Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment to support the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through in-depth research and tailored recommendations, the WCO aims to help Namibian Customs streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen cooperation with other development partners. The ultimate goal is to achieve customs modernization and promote economic growth in Namibia. This initiative focuses on identifying areas for improvement and providing practical guidance for enhancing trade facilitation measures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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