Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

Global Customs Agencies Strengthen Ozone Layer Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in international efforts to protect the ozone layer by strengthening border controls, combating illegal trade, and enhancing customs capacity. These measures effectively enforce multilateral environmental agreements such as the Montreal Protocol. Future efforts should focus on strengthening international cooperation, risk management, and technological applications to safeguard human health and the global environment. The WCO's commitment to environmental security ensures a safer and healthier planet for future generations by preventing the illegal trade of ozone-depleting substances and promoting sustainable practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Datadriven Tech for Green Transition

Global Customs Adopt Datadriven Tech for Green Transition

The World Customs Organization report focuses on the impact of data analysis, environmental challenges, and emerging technologies on border management, emphasizing trade facilitation, process transformation, and international cooperation. It highlights the need for customs administrations to leverage data-driven insights to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. The report also addresses the growing importance of sustainable trade practices and the role of customs in promoting environmental protection. Furthermore, it underscores the significance of international collaboration in addressing shared challenges and fostering a secure and efficient global trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released guidelines to assist customs officers in combating illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities. The guidelines place particular emphasis on the Basel Convention and aim to strengthen border controls to protect the environment. By focusing on key areas such as waste management and hazardous materials, the WCO seeks to enhance customs' role in preventing the illicit movement of environmentally damaging goods across international borders and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding environmental security and promoting sustainable trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Outlines Global Trade Strategy

World Customs Organization Outlines Global Trade Strategy

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is shaping the future of global trade for 2022-2025 through strategic foresight. Leveraging regional workshops, the WCO gathers insights from its members to explore emerging trends, risks, and opportunities. The methodology and key elements of strategic foresight, contributions from the OECD and the EU, and the future global vision and actions are all contributing to shaping the future of customs. This proactive approach aims to equip customs administrations to navigate the evolving landscape of international commerce and ensure effective border management in a dynamic world.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts WCO Trade Facilitation Tool

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts WCO Trade Facilitation Tool

The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance trade facilitation capabilities through the WCO's Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). This initiative aims to assess customs performance, optimize operations, and promote economic development. The GRA is focusing on measures such as the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and Coordinated Border Management (CBM) to align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and provide a model for other developing countries. The PMM will help identify areas for improvement and track progress towards achieving trade facilitation goals.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

The WCO emphasized the crucial role of customs talent development in economic growth at a Paris seminar. Participants shared experiences and called for sustained investment in customs training and capacity building. The seminar highlighted how skilled customs officials contribute to efficient trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security, ultimately fostering economic development. The WCO urged member administrations to prioritize customs training programs to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to national economic prosperity. Continuous investment in human capital is key to modernizing customs administrations and achieving sustainable economic growth.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Global Trade with Enhanced Facilitation Measures

WCO Boosts Global Trade with Enhanced Facilitation Measures

The 8th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was held in Brussels, focusing on the implementation of the TFA and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the WCO's crucial role in TFA implementation, discussed topics such as the establishment of National Trade Facilitation Committees and Coordinated Border Management, and promoted the TFA Implementation Guide. The meeting also elected the new chair and vice-chair, and looked forward to future work. The emphasis was on practical steps and collaborative efforts to streamline trade processes globally.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Mozambique to enhance customs officers' awareness of the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative aims to strengthen border control of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The activity is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, which supports developing countries' customs administrations in improving their environmental capabilities to address global environmental challenges collectively. The program focuses on building capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of relevant environmental agreements.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs is implementing a five-year strategy in response to the World Customs Organization's Mercator Program. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations, promote economic development, and enhance international competitiveness. The strategic plan focuses on streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and aligning with global best practices. By embracing international standards and modern technologies, Antigua and Barbuda Customs seeks to facilitate trade, strengthen border security, and contribute to the nation's sustainable economic growth. This modernization effort is crucial for attracting investment and fostering a more competitive business environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held the inaugural meeting of the Customs Working Organization Forum (CWOF), bringing together global experts to discuss innovative customs working methods in the “new normal.” The meeting approved the CWOF's terms of reference and outlined future work directions, including the collection of case studies and the development of best practice guidelines. The aim is to build a more resilient and efficient customs working system, adapting to the evolving challenges of international trade and ensuring effective border management in a rapidly changing world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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