Egypt Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Modernization

Egypt Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Modernization

The Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA), with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), has developed a new vision, mission, and strategic plan. By enhancing customs efficiency, strengthening risk management, promoting compliance, improving transparency, and fostering international cooperation, the ECA aims to become an efficient, transparent, and trustworthy customs agency, contributing to Egypt's economic prosperity. This strategic transformation will improve Egypt's trade competitiveness and provide a reference for other developing countries. The plan focuses on modernization and alignment with international best practices.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Uzbekistan Customs actively introduced the Advance Passenger Information System by hosting a national API/PNR workshop. This aims to improve passenger control processes and build an automated risk management system. The initiative emphasizes data sharing and inter-agency cooperation to achieve precise supervision, improve customs clearance efficiency, and ensure national security. The implementation of API/PNR is expected to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of customs controls through a data-driven approach.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Under the WCO Mercator Programme, the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme facilitated a virtual learning exchange between the Customs administrations of Uzbekistan and Maldives, focusing on post-clearance audit. Maldives Customs shared its experiences in organizational structure, legal framework, operational procedures, inter-agency coordination, and IT systems. This effectively enhanced Uzbekistan Customs' post-clearance audit capabilities and strengthened cooperation between the two Customs administrations. The exchange highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in improving trade facilitation practices globally.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Boosts Global Customs Risk Management Skills

WCO Workshop Boosts Global Customs Risk Management Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a pre-accreditation workshop on risk management, aiming to expand the pool of experts and enhance global customs risk control capabilities. Participants from five West African countries attended the workshop and are expected to obtain WCO accreditation, becoming an important force in the global customs field. This will help the WCO provide risk management support to its members.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Samoa Strengthens Border Controls with WCO Assistance

Samoa Strengthens Border Controls with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Samoa Customs in optimizing its border management. Through workshops, the WCO is sharing best practices and introducing relevant tools to promote inter-agency collaboration and data harmonization. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency, strengthen border security, and foster economic development. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for a highly efficient and collaborative cross-border regulatory system in Samoa, improving overall customs operations and contributing to regional stability.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Japan WCO Aid Haiti in Boosting Disaster Response Postquake

Japan WCO Aid Haiti in Boosting Disaster Response Postquake

With funding from the Government of Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a capacity building workshop in Haiti. The aim was to enhance the ability of Haitian Customs and related agencies to respond to emergencies such as natural disasters and infectious diseases. By strengthening Customs' role in disaster management, improving staff skills, promoting inter-agency cooperation, and refining emergency plans, the initiative supports Haiti in building a more robust disaster response system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Firms Face Rising Customs Fees Seek Cost Strategies

Ecommerce Firms Face Rising Customs Fees Seek Cost Strategies

This article provides a detailed analysis of the various fees that may arise when international express deliveries are detained by customs, including customs duties and penalties, storage and demurrage fees, and customs clearance agency fees. It also proposes corresponding strategies for cross-border e-commerce sellers to help them minimize losses caused by detention and improve the efficiency of their cross-border business. The aim is to equip sellers with the knowledge to navigate customs issues effectively and reduce the financial impact of unexpected delays.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a Customs Valuation Mentor Training Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to build a regional pool of experts and enhance customs valuation capabilities. The program promotes regional cooperation, enhances competitiveness, and achieves sustainable development by cultivating local experts and developing regional training materials. Recommended follow-up actions include strengthening training evaluation, establishing an information-sharing platform, and improving legal and regulatory frameworks.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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