WCO Enhances Guyanas Trade Facilitation Capabilities

WCO Enhances Guyanas Trade Facilitation Capabilities

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports trade facilitation in Guyana, providing technical assistance programs covering Time Release Studies, Coordinated Border Management, data harmonization, and Single Window development. Through collaboration with the Guyana Revenue Authority and related agencies, the WCO aims to enhance trade efficiency, optimize customs clearance processes, and inject new vitality into Guyana's economic development. The support focuses on streamlining procedures and improving overall border management to foster a more competitive and efficient trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia is actively promoting Coordinated Border Management (CBM) by establishing an inter-agency standard regulatory framework and unified data standards, aiming to reduce border delays and facilitate legitimate trade. This framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Namibia's practice provides valuable experience for other developing countries, contributing to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system. The initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cooperation between various border agencies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Gambia in Trade Facilitation Via AEO Program

WCO Aids Gambia in Trade Facilitation Via AEO Program

With support from HMRC, the WCO is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in implementing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and advancing Coordinated Border Management (CBM). Through online training, field visits, and joint workshops, the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of the GRA and other border agencies. This optimization of customs clearance processes is expected to promote trade facilitation in Gambia, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs for businesses involved in international trade. The project is crucial for Gambia's economic development by streamlining border procedures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

El Salvador Joins Revised Kyoto Convention Boosting Global Trade

The 32nd Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee concluded successfully, with El Salvador joining, bringing the number of contracting parties to 135. The meeting finalized the review of updated guidelines for both general and specific annexes, covering key areas such as customs security, advance rulings, and coordinated border management. Moving forward, the RKC will continue to be updated, contributing to global trade facilitation. The updates aim to streamline customs procedures and enhance security measures for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant challenge from the illegal trade of plastic waste. The Asia Pacific Plastic Waste (APPW) project, initiated by the World Customs Organization, aims to strengthen customs' response capabilities, mitigate the threat of illegal shipments, and promote the Basel Convention amendment. Through Coordinated Border Management (CBM) and international cooperation, the project seeks to effectively control and facilitate plastic waste trade, collectively building a future without 'plastic enclaves'.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen IP Border Enforcement

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen IP Border Enforcement

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intellectual Property Border Enforcement was successfully held in Shanghai, bringing together customs representatives and experts from 26 countries. The workshop focused on the harms of intellectual property infringement, the application of the TRIPS Agreement, the use of the IPM system, the identification of genuine and counterfeit goods, and risk assessment. Through experience sharing and practical exercises, the event enhanced the intellectual property protection capabilities of customs officers, promoted international cooperation, and fostered innovation and prosperity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Digital Transformation Wins WCO Approval

Qatar Customs Digital Transformation Wins WCO Approval

In 2013, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Qatar Customs, acknowledging its significant progress in strategic planning, business processes, information technology, Single Window, Coordinated Border Management, academic research, and infrastructure. The WCO also recommended strengthening strategic planning, optimizing business processes, enhancing IT application, and deepening international cooperation, providing guidance for the future development of Qatar Customs. This assessment highlighted both achievements and areas for improvement, contributing to Qatar Customs' ongoing modernization efforts and alignment with international best practices.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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