WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

Under the initiative of the World Customs Organization, West and Central African Customs administrations have jointly developed an action plan to strengthen cultural heritage protection and combat illicit trafficking. The plan encompasses key areas such as raising awareness, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and conducting practical training. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to build a robust barrier against the illegal trade in cultural artifacts and promote the preservation of cultural heritage across the region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a Spanish version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist Spanish-speaking customs administrations in evaluating their gender equality policies, identifying gaps, and implementing reforms. The tool covers core principles such as employment, work-life balance, and governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting policies. It aims to support customs modernization in Latin America and promote trade facilitation by fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within customs organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) - West and Central Africa Capacity Building Working Group (WACAM) project expanded to Central Africa, aiming to enhance customs human resource management in the region. Through regional workshops and on-site support to Gabon Customs, the project has made significant progress in areas such as competency models and job management. This project will continue to support the modernization of human resource management in West and Central African customs administrations, contributing to regional development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop for the West and Central Africa region, aiming to enhance the data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the region. The workshop introduced the WCO's Big Data Strategy, shared member experiences, and updated participants on the latest developments in WCO capacity building. Participants highly appreciated the event and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation to jointly promote the regional digital transformation of customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central African Customs Officials Boost Skills Via WCO Training

West and Central African Customs Officials Boost Skills Via WCO Training

Customs trainees from French-speaking West, Central, and parts of African countries visited the WCO Secretariat. Through thematic lectures and exchange visits, they gained in-depth understanding of the WCO's operational mechanisms, strategic planning, and capacity building projects. The training aims to enhance the professional level of customs officers in developing countries, promote international customs cooperation, and build a safer and more efficient global trade system. The visit fostered knowledge sharing and strengthened relationships within the global customs community.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Global Trade

El Salvador Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Global Trade

El Salvador has launched its AEO program, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and security, and promote economic development through the certification of compliant businesses. This initiative represents a significant step towards global trade facilitation, helping El Salvador play a more prominent role in global trade. It also serves as a model for other Central American countries. The program is expected to streamline customs procedures, reduce costs, and attract foreign investment, ultimately boosting El Salvador's competitiveness in the international market.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japan Customs Lab Boosts Trade Analysis with Global Partners

Japan Customs Lab Boosts Trade Analysis with Global Partners

RCL Japan Brief No. 19 highlights the advancements of the Central Customs Laboratory of Japan (CCL Japan) in international cooperation and capacity building. The brief showcases CCL Japan's efforts to enhance global customs analysis capabilities through collaborative projects and knowledge sharing initiatives. This contribution underscores Japan's commitment to strengthening international customs practices and fostering a more secure and efficient global trade environment by improving analytical skills and knowledge within customs laboratories worldwide.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Central Asia Road Transport for Trade Growth

WCO Enhances Central Asia Road Transport for Trade Growth

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized the role of road transport in improving border 'soft infrastructure' at the International Road Transport Conference. He commended Central Asian countries for joining the revised Kyoto Convention. He called for strengthened public-private partnerships to enhance transport connectivity and contribute to the prosperity and development of the Central Asian region. This collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures and facilitate trade, ultimately boosting economic growth and regional integration through efficient and reliable road transport networks.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Offers Handson Training for Chemical Trade Compliance

WCO Offers Handson Training for Chemical Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a hands-on training camp on chemical classification to enhance the capabilities of customs chemists in chemical classification, origin determination, and trade security. The program includes theoretical learning at the WCO headquarters and practical training at the Japan Customs Central Laboratory, focusing on the latest technologies and analytical methods to improve the management efficiency of customs laboratories. This initiative aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills to accurately classify chemicals and ensure compliance with international trade regulations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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