Ethiopia Boosts Trade with WCO Harmonized System Partnership

Ethiopia Boosts Trade with WCO Harmonized System Partnership

The Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), enhances the professional capacity of its officers in the Harmonized System (HS). This article emphasizes the importance of commodity classification, shares highlights from the ECC's study visit, and provides references and suggestions for customs and enterprises in other developing countries. The aim is to improve trade competitiveness through strengthened customs expertise and efficient classification practices, ultimately contributing to smoother international trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

Bolivia Boosts Trade Efficiency with WTO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides follow-up strategic planning support to the Bolivian National Customs Administration (AN). This aims to assist AN in developing a multi-year strategic plan to enhance customs effectiveness and promote trade facilitation. This online workshop assessed the progress of AN's strategic plan development. WCO experts provided professional guidance, optimizing key performance indicators to support the modernization of Bolivian customs and contribute to national economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Africa Security Project Emphasizes Gender Equality

West Africa Security Project Emphasizes Gender Equality

The West Africa Security Project (WASP) aims to enhance border security in West Africa by supporting partner countries in developing and implementing gender-sensitive and inclusive policies through its Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) component. Utilizing the WCO's GEOAT tool and training, the project assists customs administrations in comprehensively implementing GED across human resources, border operations, and stakeholder cooperation. This contributes significantly to security and sustainable development in the West African region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Sierra Leone Adopts Wcos Ncen System to Strengthen Risk Management

Sierra Leone Adopts Wcos Ncen System to Strengthen Risk Management

Under the Mercator Program, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Sierra Leone in deploying the nCEN system to enhance risk management and customs valuation capabilities. Through technical assistance, training, and experience sharing, the WCO assists Sierra Leone in establishing an efficient and secure customs system, promoting trade facilitation and economic development. This initiative aims to strengthen customs procedures and improve overall border management in Sierra Leone, contributing to a more streamlined and secure trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its customs efficiency by hosting a Time Release Study workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize clearance procedures and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on identifying bottlenecks and implementing strategies to improve the speed and predictability of customs processes. The project was funded by the UK's HMRC, demonstrating international collaboration in supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to streamline trade and boost economic growth through more efficient customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Bolivian Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Bolivian Customs for Trade Efficiency

A WCO online workshop assisted Bolivian Customs in rebuilding its human resources department, enhancing talent management, and promoting trade facilitation. The workshop focused on strengthening customs administration through improved HR practices. This initiative aims to boost organizational effectiveness and efficiency within Bolivian Customs, ultimately contributing to better border management and smoother trade flows. The WCO's support is crucial for developing sustainable capacity building programs and fostering a skilled workforce within the customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

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

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

WCO, in collaboration with the Belgian Customs Academy, provides training to African customs officials to enhance their capabilities. Recently, officials visited the WCO headquarters to deepen cooperation, focusing on areas such as digital transformation. This partnership aims to strengthen customs administration in Africa and facilitate trade by building a skilled workforce and promoting modern practices. The collaboration underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting Africa's development through effective customs management and capacity building initiatives.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Operation DEMETER V Cracks Down on Illegal Environmental Trade

Global Operation DEMETER V Cracks Down on Illegal Environmental Trade

Operation DEMETER V is a global customs enforcement operation targeting the illegal cross-border movement of environmentally sensitive commodities. Initiated by the World Customs Organization, the operation focuses on the illicit trafficking of hazardous waste (particularly plastic waste) and ozone-depleting substances. Through enhanced international cooperation and information exchange, Operation DEMETER V has successfully seized significant quantities of illegal waste and ozone-depleting substances, effectively upholding the enforcement of international environmental conventions.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Shipping Delays Amazon Backlogs Strain Small Sellers

US Shipping Delays Amazon Backlogs Strain Small Sellers

US ocean freight faces multiple challenges in September, including strict customs inspections, difficulties in picking up and returning containers, and Amazon warehouse congestion. This article provides a detailed analysis of the key inspection points at various ports, the status of container pickup and return, the congestion situation in Amazon warehouses, and the delivery situation to Walmart. It also offers corresponding suggestions to help cross-border e-commerce sellers break through these difficulties.

01/05/2026 Logistics
Read More