West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

Five West African nations are jointly developing an electronic transit system to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, thereby promoting regional economic integration and supporting trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to modernize customs procedures and enhance the movement of goods within the region, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. By leveraging technology, the system seeks to overcome existing bottlenecks and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment for businesses operating in West Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Classification Training

Georgia Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Classification Training

With the support of the WCO, Georgia hosted a national workshop on commodity classification, aimed at enhancing the institutional capacity of the Revenue Service and cultivating a core team of experts. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and expert exchanges, participants significantly improved their understanding and application of the HS, laying a solid foundation for the future development of Georgian Customs. This workshop also provides valuable experience for other countries seeking to improve their commodity classification expertise.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Inter-State School for Customs of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (ISSC-CEMAC) in reshaping its development strategy, aiming to modernize its training system through capacity building. The WCO's diagnostic assessment provided recommendations for ISSC improvements, and a new development strategy was jointly formulated to enhance the professional competence of regional customs officers and promote trade facilitation. The focus is on strengthening the ISSC's role as a key training hub for customs administrations in the CEMAC region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Spanish Scholarship Program has been launched to enhance the professional skills and management capabilities of customs officials from Spanish-speaking countries and promote customs reform and modernization. The program offers tailored curriculum, lectures by WCO experts, and field visit opportunities, helping participants broaden their international perspectives and accelerate their career development. This is an unmissable learning and development opportunity for customs professionals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Americas Trade Security with AEO Training

WCO Boosts Americas Trade Security with AEO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an AEO Expert Accreditation Workshop in Argentina, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of American regional customs in the field of Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) and build a safer and more efficient global trade environment. Through expert accreditation, networking, and data analysis applications, the WCO promotes the development and improvement of the AEO system worldwide, building a global trade security community. This initiative fosters collaboration and standardization, ultimately contributing to a more secure and streamlined international trade landscape.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Finland Funds Customs Modernization in East and Southern Africa

Finland Funds Customs Modernization in East and Southern Africa

Finland is funding a WCO project to support customs modernization and enhance trade capacity in East and Southern Africa. The project is progressing well, focusing on five key areas including leadership and enforcement. The initiative aims to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering regional economic growth and integration by strengthening customs administrations in the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Tokyo Conference Strengthens Global Wildlife Protection

Tokyo Conference Strengthens Global Wildlife Protection

The 2014 Tokyo World Wildlife Conference focused on combating illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing the role of customs, evidence-based decision-making, and data empowerment. The conference promoted international collaboration, particularly between Africa and Asia, aiming to enhance global wildlife protection efforts and build a future of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It highlighted the importance of strengthened customs enforcement and the use of data to inform effective conservation strategies.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Pact Gains Global Support to Boost Trade in Developing Nations

WTO Pact Gains Global Support to Boost Trade in Developing Nations

To help developing countries fully leverage the potential of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), multiple international organizations and development partners reaffirmed their commitment to providing comprehensive and coordinated support. This includes technical assistance, capacity building, and financial support aimed at streamlining trade procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving trade efficiency. The ultimate goal is to promote fairness and prosperity in the global economy by enabling smoother and more accessible trade processes for all nations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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