Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Members of the Central American Customs Council recently held an online seminar to enhance their capacity to handle relief supplies during natural disasters and other emergencies. The meeting reviewed current regulations, proposed strategic recommendations, and emphasized process digitalization and capacity building. They plan to develop a roadmap at the December meeting to build a more efficient regional disaster response system. The focus is on streamlining customs procedures to ensure rapid delivery of essential aid during crises, fostering greater cooperation and preparedness among member states.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ Germany, in collaboration with the WCO, is supporting Gambia in enhancing trade facilitation. The project focuses on optimizing risk management, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and utilizing the WCO Time Release Study tool. The aim is to reduce cargo clearance times, improve trade efficiency, and ultimately promote economic development in Gambia. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and create a more competitive trading environment for the country.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lankan Woman Breaks Barriers in Maledominated Customs Sector

Sri Lankan Woman Breaks Barriers in Maledominated Customs Sector

A Sri Lankan female Deputy Director of Customs shares her story of overcoming challenges and achieving career advancement in a male-dominated field. She encourages women to confidently challenge norms and promotes gender equality within the customs service. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and breaking down barriers for women in leadership roles, inspiring others to pursue their professional goals and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace within the customs administration and beyond.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducts Technical Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshops to develop Time Release Study (TRS) experts, assisting members in optimizing customs procedures. Through rigorous assessment and training, accredited TOAs will participate in technical assistance missions, enhancing global customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative aims to build capacity within member administrations to conduct and utilize TRS effectively, leading to improved border management and reduced trade costs. The TOA program is a key component of the WCO's efforts to modernize customs operations worldwide.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Team Performance

Benin Customs Adopts Competency Model to Enhance Team Performance

With funding from the Swedish government, Benin Customs upgraded its talent management system by introducing a competency model-based HRM system. This system covers recruitment, training, performance management, and career development, aiming to enhance employee capabilities and organizational performance. Following a successful pilot program, the system will be rolled out nationwide, offering valuable insights for other organizations. The implementation of the competency model is expected to significantly improve the effectiveness and efficiency of Benin Customs operations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

The WCO assisted Bahrain in enhancing its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) capabilities to align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Bahrain committed to applying the acquired knowledge and skills. The WCO will continue to support Bahrain's customs modernization efforts. This assistance aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately facilitating trade and economic growth for Bahrain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the addition of Spanish and Arabic versions to its PICARD Professional Standards, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of customs officers worldwide and facilitate international trade. The WCO expressed gratitude to the University of Costa Rica and the Saudi Customs for their translation support. The WCO will continue to promote the standards to support global customs capacity building initiatives. This expansion ensures wider accessibility and implementation of best practices in customs administration across diverse linguistic regions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos CEN Precertification Enhances Global Trade Security

Wcos CEN Precertification Enhances Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held its first CEN (Customs Enforcement Network) Application Technology and Operational Advisor Pre-certification Workshop in Xiamen. The workshop aimed to cultivate a group of experts proficient in CEN applications, enhance global customs enforcement capabilities, combat cross-border crime, and safeguard trade security. Customs elites from various countries participated in the workshop. Upon certification, they will join the WCO expert pool, providing technical assistance to member countries in need. This initiative strengthens international cooperation in customs enforcement.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comprehensive Understanding of Customs Declaration and Inspection Services for Temporary Import Goods

Comprehensive Understanding of Customs Declaration and Inspection Services for Temporary Import Goods

This article elaborates on the structure and process of customs declaration and inspection services for temporarily imported goods, including relevant laws, customs approvals, and extension applications. To meet customer demands for temporary imports, it emphasizes important aspects such as purchase retention, security deposits, and customs usage tax, while providing efficient one-on-one service solutions to facilitate customs procedures and business execution.

07/18/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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