WCO Enhances Customs Training in Francophone Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Training in Francophone Africa

With EU funding, the WCO held a workshop in Burkina Faso to enhance the expertise of Customs administrations in French-speaking African countries, specifically in areas like commodity classification. The training aimed to improve customs efficiency and contribute to trade facilitation within the region. The workshop focused on practical skills and knowledge transfer to strengthen customs operations and promote smoother trade flows. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in Africa and fostering economic development through improved customs practices.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcobacked Nicaragua AEO Program Enhances Trade Efficiency

Wcobacked Nicaragua AEO Program Enhances Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Nicaragua Customs in implementing an AEO pilot program aimed at improving customs clearance efficiency and reducing trade costs. Funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation, the project focuses on participant selection, application process optimization, and enhanced external cooperation. AEO certification will provide companies with faster clearance times, lower inspection rates, and higher credibility, helping Nicaragua create a more attractive investment environment. The program is expected to boost trade and economic growth by streamlining customs procedures.

01/22/2026 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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Mastering The Import Customs Clearance Process 7 Key Points To Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance

Mastering The Import Customs Clearance Process 7 Key Points To Ensure Smooth Customs Clearance

This article explains the key steps in import customs clearance, including the processes and precautions for general trade and processing trade. It provides detailed information about payment methods, necessary documents, bill exchange, quality inspection, customs declaration, tariff payment, and release steps to assist businesses in successfully completing import procedures.

07/24/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Study Examines Dropping Mandatory Customs Broker Rules

Study Examines Dropping Mandatory Customs Broker Rules

This paper explores the feasibility and implementation strategies of removing mandatory customs broker requirements, analyzing its potential impact on cost reduction, efficiency improvement, and trade growth. It also identifies potential challenges in areas such as regulatory amendments, capacity building, and risk management. The paper proposes a prudent approach, strengthened cooperation, and improved supervision to achieve a win-win situation for trade facilitation and customs supervision. The aim is to streamline processes and foster a more efficient and competitive trade environment while maintaining effective customs control.

02/05/2026 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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Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked KPI System

Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked KPI System

The WCO assisted Colombian Customs in enhancing its strategic performance. Through the GTFP project, DIAN optimized its KPI system and strengthened project management, contributing to trade facilitation. This initiative aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the customs administration, ultimately supporting smoother and faster trade processes. The focus was on aligning strategic goals with operational performance, ensuring that customs activities effectively contribute to national trade objectives and economic growth. The project's success hinges on continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implemented KPIs and project management practices.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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