Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project's Mentor Training Programme (MTP) has been successfully implemented in Pacific Island Countries. By training local trainers, the program builds sustainable customs capacity and enhances the expertise of customs officers in the areas of Customs Valuation (CV) and the Harmonized System (HS). This initiative provides strong support for regional economic development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Survey Highlights Trade Facilitation Trends in Customs

Global Survey Highlights Trade Facilitation Trends in Customs

The first International Survey on Customs Administration (ISOCA) report, jointly released by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF), analyzes the customs administration performance, characteristics, practices, and structural foundations of 51 countries and regions. The report aims to promote trade facilitation, strengthen international cooperation, and improve customs management. It also provides a reference for businesses to understand the customs environment of various countries, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO COVID19 Project Ends Reveals Customs Resilience Strategies

WCO COVID19 Project Ends Reveals Customs Resilience Strategies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) COVID-19 Project, funded by the Government of Japan, has successfully concluded, significantly enhancing the disaster response capabilities of its member customs administrations. Key achievements include strengthened risk assessment, optimized standard operating procedures, improved personnel training, enhanced international cooperation, and the promotion of technological applications. The WCO will continue to provide technical assistance and facilitate the exchange of experiences to help global customs build more resilient systems.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Armenia Joins Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Armenia Joins Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Armenia has joined the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming its 90th contracting party. This convention aims to simplify and harmonize global customs procedures, boosting trade efficiency through streamlined processes, technology application, risk management, and enhanced cooperation. It attracts foreign investment and promotes global trade facilitation. More countries joining will contribute to building a more open and inclusive global trading system. The Revised Kyoto Convention is a key instrument for modernizing customs procedures and reducing trade barriers.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Body Warns of Rising Smuggling Threats

Global Customs Body Warns of Rising Smuggling Threats

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released its latest 'Smuggling Trends Report,' providing an in-depth analysis of illicit trade dynamics and trends, offering risk alerts and compliance guidance for businesses. The report emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in helping businesses identify vulnerabilities, strengthen supply chain security, and maintain global trade stability. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding evolving smuggling patterns and implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with illegal trade activities.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Customs Postal Services Boost Crossborder Trade Efficiency

Customs Postal Services Boost Crossborder Trade Efficiency

The WCO-UPU Joint Guidelines assist customs and postal administrations in developing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). By clarifying responsibilities, optimizing processes, enhancing information sharing, and strengthening coordinated inspections, the guidelines aim to achieve efficient customs clearance and promote cross-border trade. The guidelines emphasize tailoring cooperation models to national circumstances and establishing continuous evaluation mechanisms. This framework fosters a collaborative environment, leading to streamlined procedures and improved security within the international supply chain.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Datadriven Customs Modernize Global Trade for Security Efficiency

Datadriven Customs Modernize Global Trade for Security Efficiency

Interconnected Customs (DRI) is a strategic concept of the World Customs Organization to promote global trade security and facilitation. It aims to enhance collaboration and information sharing among customs administrations worldwide. However, the implementation of DRI faces challenges such as data security and privacy concerns. Strengthening international cooperation and developing robust data governance frameworks are crucial to address these challenges and fully realize the potential of DRI in facilitating legitimate trade and combating illicit activities.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
ATA and Istanbul Conventions Adopt Digital Trade Measures

ATA and Istanbul Conventions Adopt Digital Trade Measures

The ATA & Istanbul Conventions Conference focused on the electronic transformation of ATA Carnets and the conventions themselves. The aim is to simplify customs procedures, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, ultimately facilitating international trade. Digitalization promises streamlined processes, faster clearance times, and enhanced data security. This shift towards electronic systems aligns with global efforts to modernize trade and promote greater economic cooperation by removing trade barriers and fostering a more efficient and transparent environment for businesses.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Kazakhstan Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Training

Kazakhstan Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a risk analysis workshop in Kazakhstan to enhance the risk management capabilities of the Tax Committee. The workshop aimed to optimize profiling processes, ensuring economic security and trade facilitation. The initiative supports Kazakhstan's efforts to improve its customs procedures and strengthen international cooperation in risk management. By focusing on effective risk analysis, the program contributes to a safer and more efficient trading environment for Kazakhstan and its partners.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Africa Enhances Customs Skills with Origin Rules Training

West Africa Enhances Customs Skills with Origin Rules Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly advancing the Rules of Origin 'Pool of Trainers' project in West Africa. A workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to enhance the capacity of West African customs administrations in implementing rules of origin. The initiative focuses on developing experienced trainers and establishing a sustainable training system to facilitate trade and economic development within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More