Asiapacific Customs Boosts Skills Via Remote Training

Asiapacific Customs Boosts Skills Via Remote Training

The 19th Heads of Asia Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting explored the role of remote training in customs capacity building during the pandemic. RTCs shared experiences, challenges, and innovative initiatives, emphasizing strengthened cooperation. They highlighted the use of data analytics and VR technologies to promote personalized and practical training. This aims to address the complex international trade environment and enhance regional customs capabilities.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Seeks Trade Growth Via Wcobacked Customs Reform

Comoros Seeks Trade Growth Via Wcobacked Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). Through technical assistance and capacity building, the WCO aims to help Comoros simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, attract foreign investment, and ultimately achieve economic growth. The government of Comoros has pledged its full support and strives to meet the accession requirements by June 2019, opening itself to the world.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Businesses Customs Collaborate to Strengthen Supply Chains

Businesses Customs Collaborate to Strengthen Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has adopted a resolution aimed at strengthening customs-business partnerships and enhancing global supply chain resilience. The resolution emphasizes strategic prioritization, innovative partnerships, digital transformation, data sharing, and capacity building. The WCO will support its implementation. Businesses can actively participate through AEO certification, enhanced communication, embracing digitalization, and strengthened risk management, collectively building a secure and efficient trade environment. This collaborative approach fosters greater trust and predictability within the international trade landscape, ultimately bolstering supply chain stability.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Tightens Border Security with Riskbased Screening

Laos Tightens Border Security with Riskbased Screening

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Lao People's Democratic Republic is actively building a risk-based passenger clearance mechanism through capacity-building workshops. This mechanism aims to enhance border security, improve customs clearance efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. Facing challenges in data analysis, technology application, and inter-agency collaboration, Laos' experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The implementation focuses on streamlined processes and targeted inspections, improving overall border management while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO South Korea Aid Yemens Customs Reform Amid Crisis

WCO South Korea Aid Yemens Customs Reform Amid Crisis

With funding from the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a high-level seminar in Amman, Jordan, to assist Yemen Customs in transitioning from crisis response to recovery. The seminar focused on key issues such as capacity building and strategic planning. The WCO provided technical assistance and resource coordination, while Korea provided financial support. The Head of Yemen Customs expressed gratitude to the WCO and pledged to enhance trade security and competitiveness to achieve national recovery. This initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in supporting fragile states.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Shanghai Conference Focuses on Trade Facilitation Partnerships

WCO Shanghai Conference Focuses on Trade Facilitation Partnerships

At the IFCBA Conference in Shanghai, the WCO emphasized customs-business cooperation to promote trade facilitation. Key focuses included the Belt and Road Initiative and capacity building for customs brokers. The WCO highlighted the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and the private sector in streamlining trade procedures and reducing barriers. This cooperation is crucial for achieving efficient and secure global trade flows, particularly within the context of the Belt and Road Initiative's ambitious infrastructure and connectivity goals. Strengthening the skills and expertise of customs brokers is also vital for smooth and compliant trade operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Sponsored by Japan Customs and organized by the World Customs Organization, a national HS workshop was held in Malawi to enhance the commodity classification skills of Malawian customs officers. The aim was to improve tax revenue efficiency and promote international trade development. The workshop focused on core HS principles and practical operations, emphasizing the importance of capacity building for a sound tax system and exploring the strategic significance of improving HS coding capabilities. This initiative underscores the commitment to strengthening customs operations through targeted training and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), inviting members to participate in self-assessment. This initiative aims to help national customs administrations identify challenges, improve operations, and receive targeted capacity building assistance from the WCO. The PMM comprehensively evaluates customs performance in areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and enforcement. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs worldwide, thereby fostering international trade development and contributing to a more secure and predictable global trading environment.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

The meeting of heads of customs from West and Central Africa focused on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The World Customs Organization reaffirmed its support, emphasizing the critical role of customs departments and the importance of infrastructure. Discussions also covered addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, combating counterfeit medicines and vaccines, and strengthening capacity building and regional cooperation. These efforts aim to contribute to regional economic development and the prosperity of the African continent. The importance of efficient customs procedures for the AfCFTA's success was highlighted.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Sungkyunkwan University in Korea, has launched a scholarship program in data analysis for customs officials from developing countries. This program aims to cultivate data analysis experts by enhancing their skills and cultural awareness through online and offline courses, practical projects, and cultural excursions. The initiative supports customs administrations in leveraging data-driven insights to improve management practices in the data era. It focuses on building capacity within developing nations to effectively utilize data for enhanced customs operations and decision-making.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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