WCO Boosts East and Southern Africa Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Boosts East and Southern Africa Customs for Trade Growth

The 36th WCO ESA Regional Steering Group Meeting focused on customs modernization, emphasizing capacity building, regional cooperation, and strategic guidance. The ROCB's report highlighted its contributions to capacity building and technical assistance. The WCO Secretariat presented strategic plans and emerging issues. Businesses should focus on policies, strengthen compliance, participate in capacity building initiatives, communicate with customs authorities, and embrace technological innovation to seize opportunities and achieve business growth. This meeting underscored the importance of collaborative efforts and strategic alignment for effective trade facilitation in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trumps Potential Return Sparks Climate Policy Uncertainty

Trumps Potential Return Sparks Climate Policy Uncertainty

Trump's potential return to the White House and subsequent re-withdrawal from the Paris Agreement has raised concerns in the business and environmental communities. Despite the challenges to international cooperation, corporate focus on climate change and efforts towards supply chain sustainability persist. The future trajectory remains uncertain, highlighting the tension between political shifts and ongoing corporate initiatives to address climate change risks and promote environmentally responsible practices within their supply chains. The commitment of businesses to sustainability will be crucial in navigating this complex landscape.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Brands Urged to Address Child Labor in Supply Chains

Global Brands Urged to Address Child Labor in Supply Chains

A Standard Bank Economist Intelligence Unit report reveals that only 22% of companies address child labor in their supply chains, highlighting a lack of corporate social responsibility. The report identifies key priorities and blind spots in corporate action, emphasizing that poverty, lack of education, and weak regulation are the root causes of child labor. It recommends that companies strengthen supply chain due diligence, establish transparent systems, and support educational development. The report calls for collaborative efforts to build a fair and sustainable global economy.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Addresses Pandemics Gender Disparity with Equality Plan

WCO Addresses Pandemics Gender Disparity with Equality Plan

A virtual working group meeting of the World Customs Organization discussed the impact of the pandemic on gender equality, focusing on the economy, gender-based violence, and working from home. Representatives shared their respective responses, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in supporting employee well-being and protecting public interests. The discussion also explored how data analysis can provide a more precise understanding and response to the gender-differentiated challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting highlighted the need for targeted interventions and policies to mitigate these disparities.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Boosts Customs Training with Datadriven Strategies

Europe Boosts Customs Training with Datadriven Strategies

A meeting of the World Customs Organization's European region was held in Moscow to strengthen cooperation and coordination in customs capacity building within the region. The meeting reviewed the progress of five major capacity development projects and discussed the development of a database of regional customs education institutions, a logistics manual, an e-journal, and a common learning platform. These initiatives aim to enhance regional customs capacity, promote trade facilitation, and ensure security. The discussions laid the groundwork for future advancements in these areas, contributing to a more efficient and secure customs environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Mechanism Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Mechanism Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 6th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on Performance Measurement successfully concluded, marking significant progress in the development of the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). The meeting finalized the first edition of PMM Key Performance Indicators, advanced the implementation of the data collection platform, and improved the self-assessment and peer review guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs efficiency, facilitate trade, and strengthen international cooperation, ultimately contributing positively to global trade development. The PMM will serve as a valuable tool for customs administrations worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Centers Boost Remote Training

Asiapacific Customs Centers Boost Remote Training

The 19th Meeting of Heads of WCO Asia Pacific Regional Training Centers (RTCs) focused on remote training, discussing challenges and best practices. RTCs shared experiences, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and highlighting the need to enhance data analysis skills. The meeting aimed to promote customs capacity building and modernization in the Asia-Pacific region through collaborative efforts and the adoption of innovative training methodologies. Key discussions revolved around improving the effectiveness and accessibility of remote training programs to better equip customs officers with the necessary skills for the future.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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