WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Scholarship Programme aims to cultivate future customs leaders, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance professional pride within the customs sector. The 85th iteration brought together participants from 15 countries worldwide. Through tailored training courses, field visits, and international collaboration, the program helps participants enhance their capabilities and contribute to the development of their respective customs administrations. The success of this program relies on the support of countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. It's a key initiative for global customs cooperation and development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burundi Adopts Competencybased HRM System for Revenue Authority

Burundi Adopts Competencybased HRM System for Revenue Authority

With support from the World Customs Organization, the Burundi Revenue Authority is undergoing modernization through the development of a competency-based HRM system. This aims to improve operational efficiency, increase tax revenue, and enhance stakeholder relations. The workshop focused on empowering the HR department to build a competency model and develop an action plan. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Burundi Revenue Authority achieve its modernization goals. This initiative highlights the importance of HR in driving organizational change and improving public service delivery.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Standards Accelerate Global Trade Digitalization

WCO Standards Accelerate Global Trade Digitalization

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial role of data and technology in driving the global digital transformation of trade at the ICC Future Trade Forum, introducing relevant WCO initiatives. He advocated for the adoption of the WCO Data Model to promote interoperability of trade standards and explored collaboration opportunities with Singapore Customs, the International Chamber of Commerce, and APEC. The aim is to enhance trade efficiency, security, and inclusivity through standardized data and technological advancements in customs procedures and international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Boosts Trade with Wcobacked AEO Program

Philippines Boosts Trade with Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Through capacity building missions and practical exercises, the initiative aims to improve BOC officials' skills in verifying AEO security standards. This effort seeks to promote trade facilitation in the Philippines, foster a better business environment, and support its cooperation within ASEAN. Further in-depth training will be provided to refine the AEO system, injecting new momentum into the Philippines' trade development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Serbian Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and attract more business participation. Through capacity building, strategic optimization, and dialogue with the private sector, Serbia's AEO program will better align with international standards, providing businesses with a more convenient trading environment and promoting economic development. The upgrades focus on streamlining processes and enhancing security within the supply chain.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aims to Streamline Global Trade Processes

WCO Aims to Streamline Global Trade Processes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participated in the 2023 World Economic Forum, emphasizing the importance of enhancing global trade efficiency through eliminating bureaucratic obstacles, embracing technological innovation, and strengthening international cooperation. WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya met with various leaders to discuss the role of customs in promoting trade facilitation, aiming to reduce trade costs, promote cross-border investment, and ultimately benefit global consumers. The WCO advocates for streamlined customs procedures and collaborative efforts to foster a more efficient and inclusive global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African customs laboratory leaders visited the Asia-Pacific region to learn from best practices and enhance their capabilities. Through laboratory visits and experience sharing, the African representatives gained in-depth understanding of the operational models, technological applications, and management methods of regional customs laboratories in the Asia-Pacific. This activity promoted capacity building for African customs laboratories and laid the foundation for regional cooperation, contributing to African trade development and economic prosperity. The visit focused on practical knowledge transfer and establishing future collaborative efforts.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Border Security with Trade Control Training

WCO Enhances Border Security with Trade Control Training

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Strategic Trade Control Enforcement (STCE) Expert Training and Certification Program aims to develop a professional workforce and enhance member customs' enforcement capabilities to combat the illicit trade of items related to weapons of mass destruction. Through systematic training and rigorous certification, the program builds a sustainable training system, promotes international cooperation, and drives the unification of STCE standards, contributing to global security. This initiative fosters a global network of trained experts dedicated to preventing the proliferation of sensitive goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

WCO Backs Zambia in Trade Facilitation Program Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in establishing an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade facilitation. Through expert team support, remote guidance, and on-site validation, the WCO assists ZRA in optimizing its AEO program. The WCO also looks forward to future collaboration to further strengthen the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and promote regional economic development. This initiative aims to align ZRA's practices with global standards and boost its efficiency in facilitating international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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