Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

With WCO support, the Nigeria Customs Service upgraded its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system, strengthening risk management, optimizing trader segmentation, and supporting the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency and promote economic prosperity. Emphasizing data-driven customs management, the project offers valuable lessons for other developing countries looking to modernize their customs operations and improve trade facilitation measures. The focus on risk-based approaches and data analysis is key to achieving tangible improvements in customs performance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a French-speaking Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Technical and Operational Advisor Certification Program to develop a highly qualified team of experts and enhance PCA capabilities in French-speaking regions. The inaugural seminar was successfully held at WCO headquarters. Through rigorous selection and a combination of theoretical and practical training, this program lays the foundation for customs capacity building in the French-speaking area. The initiative aims to strengthen post-clearance controls and improve overall customs efficiency within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Boosts Customs Checks with WCO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Checks with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Colombia's Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (DIAN) in upgrading its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) system. This involved reviewing strategies, piloting procedures, and strengthening legal frameworks, significantly enhancing DIAN's compliance capabilities and enforcement powers. This initiative aims to reduce compliance risks for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, enhance trade facilitation, and boost corporate reputation. Ultimately, it fosters a more stable and predictable trade environment for Colombia's economic growth and its global trading partners.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Ethiopias Revenue Collection with Audit Upgrades

WCO Enhances Ethiopias Revenue Collection with Audit Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, supports the Ethiopian Revenues and Customs Authority (ERCA) in enhancing its post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities. This includes updating the ERCA's PCA manual to align with WCO guidelines and international best practices. The initiative aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), thereby promoting trade facilitation and economic development in Ethiopia. This capacity building effort is crucial for efficient customs operations and streamlined trade processes.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to enhance its revenue administration capabilities. This activity, part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, covered topics like risk management and customs valuation. The workshop aims to assist Botswana in increasing tax revenue, combating smuggling, and promoting trade facilitation and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening BURS's ability to effectively conduct PCA and improve overall customs control.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guyana Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade with WCO Aid

Guyana Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Guyana's customs modernization through the 'Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme,' focusing on strengthening the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system and implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. With support from the UK, the initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, enhance supply chain security, and boost Guyana's international trade competitiveness. The program emphasizes efficient and secure trade practices, contributing to economic growth and regional integration by fostering a more reliable and predictable trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project, 'Train-the-Trainers Programme', has made significant progress in East Africa, enhancing customs capacity by developing a pool of post-clearance audit experts and creating training materials. The project innovatively adopted a 'virtual working group' model during the pandemic to ensure its smooth continuation. Moving forward, the project will further improve training skills and build a sustainable mechanism for customs capacity enhancement in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guyana Enhances Trade with Modernized Customs Audits

Guyana Enhances Trade with Modernized Customs Audits

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Guyana to optimize the country's customs processes, embrace international best practices, and promote trade facilitation. Funded by the UK government, the mission provided valuable guidance for Guyana's implementation of PCA through in-depth research and discussions. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, reduce compliance costs, and ultimately contribute to Guyana's economic development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahrain Customs Adopts Wcobacked Smart Clearance System

Bahrain Customs Adopts Wcobacked Smart Clearance System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Bahrain Customs to enhance its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities and develop its advance declaration processing system to meet the requirements of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Through a workshop held in Manama, Bahrain Customs officials gained a deeper understanding of PCA concepts and the value of advance declaration processing. They committed to applying their knowledge in practice, and the WCO will continue to provide support for these efforts. This initiative aims to improve customs efficiency and facilitate trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More