EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Inter-State School for Customs (ISSC) of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (EMCCA) and assisted in developing a new development strategy. This capacity-based strategy aims to reshape customs talent development through a modernized curriculum, faculty development, and a quality assurance system, contributing to regional trade facilitation and economic development. The WCO will continue to provide support to facilitate the ISSC's transformation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA Customs College Enhances Training with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Enhances Training with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Inter-State Customs Higher School of ECCA (ISSC) in reshaping its training system. Through diagnostic assessments, the WCO provided recommendations for improvement and jointly developed a new development strategy. The core of this strategy is building a competency-based training system to enhance the professional skills of regional customs officers, facilitate trade, and combat smuggling and other illegal activities. The WCO will continue to provide support to help ISSC achieve training modernization.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency With WCO Trade Program

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency With WCO Trade Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Colombian Tax and Customs Administration (DIAN) are strengthening cooperation through the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). This initiative aims to enhance Colombian Customs' capabilities in areas such as risk management and post-clearance audit. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the project provides capacity building support to help Colombian Customs achieve its strategic objectives. Ultimately, it contributes to trade facilitation and economic development in Colombia by improving customs efficiency and effectiveness.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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
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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System (HS) through capacity building and expert support. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, optimize tariff management, and attract foreign investment. This presents opportunities for businesses, requiring them to strengthen their understanding of the HS, optimize supply chains, and expand market channels. Establishing a strong partnership with Comoros Customs is crucial to collectively embrace a bright future for trade development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Strengthens Customs System to Improve Trade Compliance

Tanzania Strengthens Customs System to Improve Trade Compliance

The Tanzania Revenue Authority, with support from the WCO and JICA, has developed a customs risk management framework to enhance risk identification, assessment, and response capabilities. This aims to optimize resource allocation, facilitate trade, and improve compliance. Data-driven risk management is central to this effort, but challenges remain regarding data quality, technical capacity, and inter-agency collaboration. Future development of intelligent and refined risk management systems will contribute to Tanzania's economic security and sustainable development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Enhances Trade Efficiency Under Revised Kyoto Convention

Comoros Enhances Trade Efficiency Under Revised Kyoto Convention

Comoros is actively seeking to accede to the Revised Kyoto Convention, aiming to boost economic development by simplifying customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving clearance efficiency. The WCO provides technical support and expert guidance, and the Comorian government is committed to full cooperation to advance the accession process. Successful accession will enable Comoros to better integrate into the global trading system and achieve economic growth. The focus is on streamlining processes and leveraging international standards for enhanced trade performance.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Modernizes Tax System to Increase Revenue

Sierra Leone Modernizes Tax System to Increase Revenue

With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), the National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone has initiated a modernization upgrade of its human resource system. This project aims to build a scientific, standardized, and efficient human resource management system by introducing a competency-based HRM approach. The goal is to cultivate a high-quality, professional tax workforce, providing a strong impetus for national tax revenue and economic development. This upgrade focuses on improving talent and skills within the NRA to enhance its overall capacity.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Enhances Efficiency Via WCO Talent Program

Malawi Customs Enhances Efficiency Via WCO Talent Program

The WCO assisted the Malawi Revenue Authority in enhancing trade facilitation capabilities, assessing talent development needs, and launching an e-learning platform. These initiatives aim to solidify the foundation for the future development of customs in Malawi. The support focused on building capacity and implementing modern tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. This comprehensive approach ensures sustainable development and strengthens the role of customs in the national economy.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Australia Tightens Rules on Overseas Furniture Imports

Australia Tightens Rules on Overseas Furniture Imports

This article provides a detailed explanation of the duty threshold for sea freighting furniture from China to Australia (AUD 950 for personal effects, AUD 1000 for commercial imports). It also offers guidance on calculating customs duties and practical tips for saving money, including controlling declared value, identifying duty-free items, and consulting professionals. This helps you easily manage furniture sea freight and avoid unnecessary costs.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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