WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Belgian Customs Academy Expand African Customs Training Partnership

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Expand African Customs Training Partnership

Customs officials from French-speaking African countries visited the WCO headquarters during their training at the Belgian Customs Academy. They participated in presentations on intellectual property, and health & safety projects. The WCO's long-standing collaboration with the Belgian Customs Academy significantly contributes to customs capacity building in Africa through tailored training programs. This partnership supports economic prosperity and social development across the African continent.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Shenzhen Foreign Trade Innovations Launches 'bay Area Train' Freight Service Revolutionizing Multi-modal Export Logistics

Shenzhen Foreign Trade Innovations Launches 'bay Area Train' Freight Service Revolutionizing Multi-modal Export Logistics

Shenzhen's 'Bay Area Number' train service has innovatively launched a new mode of iron-road combined transport, enhancing export efficiency and reducing logistics costs. This model saves transfer time, improves customs clearance efficiency, and promotes economic cooperation between Guangdong and Xinjiang, helping businesses tap into the Central Asian market.

10/21/2024 Logistics
Read More
Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

The West and Central Africa Capacity Building Office has assisted Côte d'Ivoire Customs in making progress in human resources and project management. By developing a job directory, competency framework, and job descriptions, and by introducing project cycle management and results-based management principles, it has laid the foundation for the modernization of Côte d'Ivoire Customs. The two parties will continue to collaborate to refine relevant tools and methods and develop action plans to consolidate the achievements made.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
North America Adopts New Crossborder Trade Strategies

North America Adopts New Crossborder Trade Strategies

This paper explores the cross-border logistics challenges faced by businesses within the North American Free Trade Area. It proposes solutions for optimizing customs processes, talent management, and supply chain visibility. The aim is to assist companies in reducing costs, improving efficiency, and ultimately enhancing customer service levels. By addressing these key areas, businesses can streamline their operations and gain a competitive advantage in the North American market.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Guide to Avoiding International Shipping Delays

Guide to Avoiding International Shipping Delays

Accurate recipient information is crucial for international express shipments. Ensure the completeness and accuracy of core elements like name, contact details, and detailed address, complying with the destination country's requirements. Different countries/regions have specific regulations; for example, tax IDs are needed for some European and American countries, and bilingual addresses for South American countries. Avoid vague descriptions, maintain information consistency, and promptly update information to prevent customs clearance delays.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Seeks to Streamline Global Trade Classification Standards

The World Customs Organization's midterm report affirms the HS's central role and recommends improvements to its usability and functionality to address evolving trade patterns. The report encourages active participation from all parties in the assessment process. The focus is on ensuring the Harmonized System remains a relevant and effective tool for international trade classification and customs procedures in a rapidly changing global landscape. This will involve streamlining processes and adapting to new technologies to enhance its overall effectiveness and accessibility.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
OMD OSCE Target Cultural Heritage Trafficking in Eastern Europe Central Asia

OMD OSCE Target Cultural Heritage Trafficking in Eastern Europe Central Asia

The WCO and OSCE jointly organized a virtual PITCH training to enhance the capacity of customs administrations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to combat the trafficking of cultural property. The training covered key areas such as identification, risk assessment, and international cooperation. This initiative aims to strengthen regional efforts in protecting cultural heritage by equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively identify and intercept illicit cultural artifacts, fostering collaboration across borders to disrupt smuggling networks.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Backs Latin Americacaribbean Trade Modernization

WCO Backs Latin Americacaribbean Trade Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the development of a more competitive trade environment in Latin America and the Caribbean through initiatives like the Mercator Program. By adopting global standards, strengthening regional cooperation, implementing data-driven risk management, and collaborating with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the WCO aims to improve customs efficiency in the region. This facilitates integration into global value chains and ultimately contributes to sustainable development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More