Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Program

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an AEO awareness campaign for the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) and its partner agencies. The initiative aimed to disseminate AEO knowledge, share best practices, promote mutual recognition, and plan for future development. By deeply analyzing the WCO SAFE Framework, strengthening risk management principles, and designing a mutual recognition framework, the campaign supports Kenyan Customs in creating an efficient and secure international trade environment and enhancing its international competitiveness. This initiative is crucial for Kenya's trade facilitation efforts and global economic integration.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Seeks to Simplify African Trade with Uniform Rules

EUWCO Project Seeks to Simplify African Trade with Uniform Rules

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is expected to significantly contribute to the finalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin by 2025. It aims to promote the harmonization of key origin systems across Africa, build a community of practice for rules of origin, and facilitate African economic integration. The program's impact will be crucial for streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth within the continent by simplifying and standardizing rules related to product origin.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

The INAMA project supports nine African and Asian countries in strengthening their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through expert support missions. Focusing on training, legislation, risk management, and action planning, the project enhances customs enforcement capabilities and provides support for future operations. This initiative demonstrates the international community's commitment to wildlife conservation by empowering customs officials to effectively intercept and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uganda US Ease Trade Barriers by Dropping Consular Rules

Uganda US Ease Trade Barriers by Dropping Consular Rules

In 2006, Uganda and the United States jointly submitted a proposal to the WTO to eliminate consular authentication requirements related to trade in goods. The proposal explicitly prohibits requiring consular transactions, defines the specific content of such transactions, and emphasizes the importance of technical assistance and capacity building to help developing countries adapt to the trade environment after the elimination of consular authentication. This initiative aims to reduce trade costs, shorten delivery times, and promote trade growth, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in international trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Nears Yearend Deal With International Backing

WTO Nears Yearend Deal With International Backing

This WTO meeting reviewed negotiation progress, updated the Consolidated Negotiating Text, and defined future directions. Key decisions included inviting international organizations to participate and setting the date for the next meeting. The meeting emphasized the importance of technical assistance and looked ahead to the challenges and opportunities in the negotiations. The year-end sprint meeting will be a crucial moment, requiring all parties to work together to build the future of global trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Customs Enforces Green Trade and Environmental Compliance

Botswana Customs Enforces Green Trade and Environmental Compliance

Botswana Customs plays a crucial role in environmental compliance by enforcing international and domestic regulations, collaborating with various departments, and implementing risk management and compliance programs to protect the environment. Moving forward, Botswana Customs will continue to strengthen capacity building, leverage information technology, and collaborate with other agencies to ensure environmental compliance. This includes enhancing enforcement capabilities, promoting awareness, and fostering partnerships to address environmental challenges related to trade and customs activities.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Australia Tightens Border Security with Stricter Environmental Checks

Australia Tightens Border Security with Stricter Environmental Checks

The Australian Border Force (ABF) is actively building a strong green border by working closely with domestic departments and strictly enforcing international conventions. A core responsibility of the ABF is to implement environmental control measures at the border on behalf of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) and the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF). This includes enforcing regulations related to the import and export of environmentally sensitive goods and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Norway Imposes Green Trade Barriers Via Environmental Rules

Norway Imposes Green Trade Barriers Via Environmental Rules

Norwegian Customs, in close collaboration with various regulatory bodies, has established a robust green barrier to ensure import and export trade adheres to strict environmental standards. Focusing on environmentally sensitive trade involving CITES species, waste, and chemicals, they implement joint control actions and coordinate border management approaches. Utilizing risk management and information sharing, they continuously improve environmental compliance, contributing to environmental protection in Norway and globally. Their efforts aim to prevent illegal trade and promote sustainable practices within international commerce, safeguarding the environment for future generations.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officers Honored for Combating Global Wildlife Trafficking

Customs Officers Honored for Combating Global Wildlife Trafficking

Twelve customs officials have been certified by the World Customs Organization as experts in combating wildlife smuggling. They will provide expertise, training, and operational support to customs authorities worldwide to address the escalating problem of wildlife trafficking. The article delves into the causes of wildlife smuggling and proposes recommendations for combating it, urging global collaboration to protect endangered species. This international effort aims to strengthen customs controls and enforcement, ultimately disrupting the illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding vulnerable animal populations.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Bank WCO Aid Philippines in Customs Modernization

World Bank WCO Aid Philippines in Customs Modernization

With support from the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Philippine Customs is undertaking a reform and modernization program. The project aims to create a smart and efficient new customs administration by strengthening its IT infrastructure, revitalizing human resource management, and establishing a customs academy. The WCO provides expert tools and analysis to assist the Philippine Customs in its strategic transformation, improve service delivery, and contribute more significantly to national economic development.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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