Global Customs Agencies Target Covidrelated Illicit Trade

Global Customs Agencies Target Covidrelated Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the 'COVID-19-Related Cross-Border Goods Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project' to combat counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade, and ensure the smooth flow of legitimate trade. The project aims to build a global vaccine safety barrier by strengthening cross-border supervision, optimizing customs clearance procedures, enhancing the capacity of customs personnel, and promoting international cooperation. This initiative provides a strong boost to the global fight against the pandemic.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

WCO Stresses Talent Development to Boost Global Economy

The WCO emphasized the crucial role of customs talent development in economic growth at a Paris seminar. Participants shared experiences and called for sustained investment in customs training and capacity building. The seminar highlighted how skilled customs officials contribute to efficient trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security, ultimately fostering economic development. The WCO urged member administrations to prioritize customs training programs to enhance their effectiveness and contribute to national economic prosperity. Continuous investment in human capital is key to modernizing customs administrations and achieving sustainable economic growth.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Tackles Customs Law Reform As Nationalism Grows

WCO Tackles Customs Law Reform As Nationalism Grows

The 13th World Customs Law Conference focused on customs law changes and multilateral trade system challenges against the backdrop of nationalism. The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the crucial role of capacity building in addressing trade protectionism and presented its work in e-commerce. The conference also discussed issues such as the participation of Least Developed Countries in international trade, the EU Customs Code, and challenges for customs brokers. The aim was to promote trade facilitation and security, and to maintain the stability of the global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Benin Customs Modernizes HR Leads Reform in West Africa

Benin Customs Modernizes HR Leads Reform in West Africa

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Benin Customs Administration launched a Human Resource Modernization project aimed at building a competency-based HRM system. Through capacity building, job catalog refinement, and regional cooperation, Benin Customs has set a precedent for improving efficiency and promoting regional customs modernization. The project emphasizes continuous improvement and comprehensive implementation to create a highly efficient and professional workforce. This initiative showcases Benin's commitment to modernizing its customs operations and fostering a skilled workforce capable of meeting the evolving demands of international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

Zimbabwe Boosts Trade Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Zimbabwe to enhance its customs' post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities, implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), and strengthen customs-private sector cooperation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of PCA processes, ensuring compliance and promoting legitimate trade. By building capacity in PCA, Zimbabwe customs can better manage risks, optimize revenue collection, and contribute to a more efficient and secure trading environment. The event underscored the importance of collaboration between customs administrations and businesses in achieving trade facilitation goals.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2015. This collaboration aims to improve customs administration in developing countries and promote economic development through capacity building, customs modernization, and trade facilitation. Both parties will deepen cooperation, innovate approaches, and jointly address new global trade dynamics. The goal is to build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Paraguay Customs in HR Modernization

WCO Aids Paraguay Customs in HR Modernization

A WCO assessment of Paraguayan Customs' human resources revealed challenges in capacity, planning, and training. The WCO recommended improvements to the HR model, strategic planning, training programs, performance management, and IT application. Specifically, the assessment highlighted the need for a more robust and comprehensive HR framework to support the efficient and effective operation of Paraguayan Customs. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing customs administration and facilitating international trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

A tax and customs cooperation conference held in Hungary focused on improving the synergistic efficiency of tax and customs departments. The World Customs Organization emphasized the importance of data sharing, joint risk management, and capacity building. The conference also commemorated Hungarian customs pioneers and explored future cooperation trends towards intelligence and synergy, aiming to build a more prosperous and secure international trade environment. The discussions highlighted the need for streamlined processes and enhanced collaboration to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesian and Philippine Customs to assist in implementing the Basel Convention's plastic waste amendments. The project covers strategy, legal frameworks, procedures, enforcement, policy, and capacity building. It will provide detailed implementation plans and regional workshops to strengthen customs controls on plastic waste trade in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance the collective response to the challenges posed by plastic waste and improve customs' ability to effectively manage its transboundary movement.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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