Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The WCO's INAMA project, funded by GIZ, effectively enhanced the Malawi Revenue Authority's risk management capabilities in combating illegal wildlife trade. This was achieved through diagnostic assessments, practical training, risk profile development, and capacity building. The project emphasizes long-term sustainability alongside short-term impact, providing valuable experience and a model for other countries seeking to strengthen their customs enforcement efforts against wildlife trafficking. Its holistic approach ensures lasting improvements in identifying and mitigating risks related to this illicit trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Middle East North Africa Customs Crack Down on Artifact Smuggling

Middle East North Africa Customs Crack Down on Artifact Smuggling

The World Customs Organization held a seminar in Tunisia, focusing on combating cultural heritage smuggling in the Middle East and North Africa region. Participants suggested strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of customs officers, utilizing technological tools, and improving laws and regulations. The aim is to more effectively protect invaluable cultural heritage. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and modern approaches to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts, ensuring the preservation of these treasures for future generations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Agencies Intensify Fight Against Environmental Crime

Global Customs Agencies Intensify Fight Against Environmental Crime

The World Customs Organization emphasizes the crucial role of customs in environmental protection, urging the global customs community to strengthen cooperation in combating illegal environmental trade and protecting natural heritage. By enhancing border control, risk assessment, international collaboration, and technological application, customs administrations can effectively address environmental crime and contribute to sustainable development. The focus is on proactive measures to prevent illicit trafficking of endangered species, hazardous waste, and other environmentally harmful goods across borders, ensuring a safer and more sustainable planet for future generations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

The World Customs Organization actively responds to World Environment Day, focusing on biodiversity protection. Through combating environmental crime, capacity building, and international cooperation, it is committed to building a sustainable future. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting ecosystems, combating illegal trade, and promoting sustainable development. It calls for global joint efforts to protect our planet. The organization advocates for strategies to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trafficking of endangered species, reinforcing customs' commitment to environmental security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WHO WCO Boost Data Tracking to Curb Illicit Tobacco Trade

WHO WCO Boost Data Tracking to Curb Illicit Tobacco Trade

In 2009, the WCO and WHO met to collaborate on the Protocol to Eliminate Illicit Trade in Tobacco Products, focusing on a global tracking system, international cooperation, and capacity building. The WCO pledged support for the Protocol's implementation and encouraged member participation. This analysis delves into the challenges and opportunities in combating illicit tobacco trade from a data perspective. It emphasizes the importance of data collection, risk assessment, intelligence analysis, and technological innovation. The article calls for a concerted international effort to address this global issue.

12/30/2025 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
West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

Under the initiative of the World Customs Organization, West and Central African Customs administrations have jointly developed an action plan to strengthen cultural heritage protection and combat illicit trafficking. The plan encompasses key areas such as raising awareness, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and conducting practical training. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to build a robust barrier against the illegal trade in cultural artifacts and promote the preservation of cultural heritage across the region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

The WCO's STCE Project provided training support to the Philippine Customs on strategic goods control. Through online training, Philippine Customs officers enhanced their capabilities in strategic trade control, risk management, and the application of the Strategic Trade Atlas. The project strengthened cooperation between Philippine Customs and domestic agencies as well as international partners, contributing to national security and the international trade order. This initiative improved the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit trafficking of sensitive items and promoting responsible trade practices.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

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