WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Boost African Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs Academy (BCS) have deepened their collaboration to provide enhanced training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. The training covers the WCO's latest tools and issues. This initiative aims to improve customs management capabilities in Africa, promote regional trade development, and serve as a model for global customs capacity building. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations and fostering a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

Report Highlights Global Customs Efficiency Best Practices

Report Highlights Global Customs Efficiency Best Practices

The World Customs Organization and the International Monetary Fund jointly released the first phase report of the International Survey on Customs Administration (ISOCA), compiling data from 51 customs administrations to analyze performance, practices, and structures. The report provides benchmarks, facilitates experience sharing, promotes data-driven decision-making, and supports customs capacity building, offering significant value for global customs management. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding current trends and identifying areas for improvement in customs operations worldwide.

WCO Launches Scholarships for Small Island Economies Capacity Building

WCO Launches Scholarships for Small Island Economies Capacity Building

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a scholarship program for Small Island Economies (SIEs) to enhance the capacity building of customs officials in these regions. The program provides training in areas such as international economics, trade regulations, data analysis, and risk management to SIEs customs officials through needs assessments, curriculum design, and expert instruction. It aims to help them improve customs management and promote sustainable economic development.

Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCOWACAM Efficiency Initiative

Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCOWACAM Efficiency Initiative

Supported by the Swedish-funded WCO-WACAM project, the Cabo Verde Tax Authority enhanced its project management and business process optimization capabilities through capacity building missions, laying a solid foundation for customs reform. Brazilian customs experts shared their experiences to help modernize Cabo Verde Customs, optimize clearance procedures, improve service quality, and promote trade facilitation, ultimately achieving the vision of becoming a modern and efficient customs organization.

WCO Aids Gambia Customs in Enhancing Training Expertise

WCO Aids Gambia Customs in Enhancing Training Expertise

The World Customs Organization's MADAO project is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority in developing a team of expert trainers. Through a 'Training of Trainers' workshop, the project enhances the capabilities of customs personnel, promoting trade facilitation and efficient tax collection. This initiative lays the foundation for customs capacity building in Gambia. Future evaluations will continuously assess the training's impact and contribute to the modernization of customs administration.

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Expand African Customs Training Partnership

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Expand African Customs Training Partnership

Customs officials from French-speaking African countries visited the WCO headquarters during their training at the Belgian Customs Academy. They participated in presentations on intellectual property, and health & safety projects. The WCO's long-standing collaboration with the Belgian Customs Academy significantly contributes to customs capacity building in Africa through tailored training programs. This partnership supports economic prosperity and social development across the African continent.

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

In January 2025, the WCO and Tonga Customs jointly held a workshop on tariff rulings in Nuku'alofa, aiming to enhance Tonga Customs' tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered WCO guidelines, Tonga Customs practices, action plan development, and expert experience sharing. Through capacity building, institutional improvement, technical support, and international cooperation, Tonga Customs will be better positioned to serve national economic development.

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Partnership

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Partnership

Uzbekistan and Maldives collaborated to enhance post-clearance customs audit capabilities through a virtual workshop under the World Customs Organization framework. This initiative focused on capacity building and fostering customs cooperation between the two nations. The workshop aimed to improve audit processes and efficiency, contributing to better revenue collection and trade facilitation. This collaboration exemplifies the WCO's commitment to supporting its member countries in strengthening their customs administrations and promoting effective customs practices.

Kazakhstan Advances Customs Modernization Via WCO Audit Workshop

Kazakhstan Advances Customs Modernization Via WCO Audit Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an online national seminar for Kazakhstan, focusing on post-clearance audit (PCA) capacity building. The seminar aimed to enhance the country's customs trade compliance, promote trade facilitation, and highlighted the importance of a 'soft and hard' approach to auditing, risk management, information sharing, and international cooperation. This initiative supports Kazakhstan's customs modernization efforts.

WCO Strategy Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Strategy Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) regional capacity building strategy, aiming to enhance the competitiveness of its members in global trade by building efficient and collaborative regional networks. It details the key mechanisms of regional capacity building, the core mission and functions of ROCBs, specific operational strategies, and the crucial roles of the WCO Secretariat and Regional Vice-Chairs. This provides clear guidance and reference for customs officials and related practitioners.