West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

The WCO and JICA are collaborating on a Rules of Origin training program in West Africa. This initiative focuses on developing 'trainers' to enhance customs capacity in the region. The project aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement and manage Rules of Origin, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By strengthening customs capacity, the program seeks to facilitate trade and address the challenges posed by the AfCFTA.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Zambia Launch Joint Customs System to Boost Trade

Zimbabwe Zambia Launch Joint Customs System to Boost Trade

The Zimbabwe and Zambia Revenue Authorities are actively promoting customs data interconnectivity to enhance cross-border trade efficiency and reduce trade costs. With technical support from the WCO, significant progress has been made in data standardization and legal interoperability. This initiative brings new opportunities for trade development between the two countries, streamlining processes and fostering greater collaboration in customs procedures. The improved data exchange aims to reduce delays and improve overall trade facilitation.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togo Customs AEO Program Boosts Trade Meets Global Standards

Togo Customs AEO Program Boosts Trade Meets Global Standards

Togo, with WCO support, is developing an AEO program to enhance trade facilitation. It faces challenges in compliance, regulation, and mutual recognition. The goal is to become a trade hub in West Africa. The AEO program aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce inspection rates for trusted traders, and improve overall efficiency in the supply chain. Success will depend on effective implementation and collaboration with regional and international partners. This initiative is crucial for Togo's economic growth and competitiveness.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Customs Boosts Classification Skills for Advance Ruling System

Madagascar Customs Boosts Classification Skills for Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a capacity building workshop in Madagascar to enhance customs officers' skills in goods classification and lay the groundwork for the implementation of an advance ruling system. Funded by the EU-WCO Africa Coordination Programme, the workshop aimed to support the Madagascar Customs in establishing an advance ruling mechanism and promoting trade facilitation. The initiative is expected to improve the predictability and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately benefiting businesses and contributing to economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Trade Grows with Enhanced Tax Customs Program

Latin America Trade Grows with Enhanced Tax Customs Program

The IMF and the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies jointly concluded a senior seminar on tax and customs administration in Central and South America. This seminar aimed to enhance the strategic skills of tax and customs officials in the region. Using a blended online and offline format, the course covered various aspects of tax and customs management. A fifth session is planned for late November, focusing on developing modern management skills and improving voluntary compliance. The program is designed to foster more effective and efficient tax and customs systems.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE), combating illegal waste trade through enhanced international cooperation and strengthened customs enforcement capabilities, protecting the environment and human health. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in strengthening connections with customs administrations worldwide, promoting joint training, and preparing for enforcement actions related to illegal waste. This collaboration aims to disrupt illicit flows and safeguard global environmental security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS) aims to help customs administrations identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve trade facilitation by quantifying the time taken for goods to clear customs. This article uses the TRS workshop in Kyrgyzstan as an example to detail the implementation steps, benefits, and challenges of TRS. It also looks at future developments, emphasizing that TRS is a key tool for improving customs efficiency and promoting global trade. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their customs procedures and facilitate international commerce.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

The INAMA project supports nine African and Asian countries in strengthening their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through expert support missions. Focusing on training, legislation, risk management, and action planning, the project enhances customs enforcement capabilities and provides support for future operations. This initiative demonstrates the international community's commitment to wildlife conservation by empowering customs officials to effectively intercept and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Advocates Digital Customs to Ease Ecommerce Trade Barriers

WTO Advocates Digital Customs to Ease Ecommerce Trade Barriers

During the 2016 WTO Public Forum, a joint WCO/AAEI session focused on the role of digital customs in facilitating cross-border e-commerce. Discussions covered e-commerce definitions, customs challenges, platform compliance, national practices, and industry recommendations. The session emphasized building an open, convenient, and secure cross-border e-commerce environment through simplified regulations, enhanced cooperation, technological innovation, and support for SMEs. The goal is to promote global trade prosperity by leveraging digital customs and fostering a more efficient and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Digital Transformation Modernizes MENA Customs with Global Tech Standards

Digital Transformation Modernizes MENA Customs with Global Tech Standards

This paper analyzes the drivers, challenges, and applications of disruptive technologies (blockchain, AI, IoT) in customs digitalization within the MENA region. It highlights the role of international standards in promoting information sharing and interoperability. The study also explores the future development directions of customs digitalization in the MENA region, including intelligence, interconnectivity, security, reliability, and talent development. The analysis provides insights into the current status and potential of these technologies to transform customs operations and facilitate trade in the region.

02/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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