WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully held the 3rd Working Group Activity of the Advanced Rules of Origin Trainers Project for the East and Southern Africa region in Zambia. This project aims to cultivate qualified customs trainers, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through systematic training and curriculum development, the project will provide a solid foundation of skilled personnel for regional trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the United States, engaging in in-depth discussions with U.S. Customs and the State Department on topics including the progress of the “Single Window” project, cultural heritage protection, and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of customs in the tax system and explored new approaches to combatting cultural heritage trafficking through collaboration with museums. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient global trade system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Boost Customs Modernization Via Regional Cooperation

West and Central Africa Boost Customs Modernization Via Regional Cooperation

The 6th Regional Working Group Meeting of Human Resources and Training Managers of Customs in West and Central Africa in 2016 focused on regional cooperation to accelerate the modernization of customs human resources. The meeting emphasized experience sharing, regional synergy, and the importance of the WCO-WACAM project. Participating countries actively sought project support and discussed key issues such as digital transformation, performance management, leadership development, and talent retention, aiming to jointly build the future of customs in West and Central Africa. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and shared strategies.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Customs Modernize HR at Ouagadougou Meeting

West and Central Africa Customs Modernize HR at Ouagadougou Meeting

The 9th Conference of Heads of Human Resources Management and Training of Customs in West and Central Africa convened in Ouagadougou, focusing on the theme of "Investing in Human Capital." The conference aimed to promote the modernization of customs human resources management in the region. The meeting adopted the "Ouagadougou Declaration," emphasizing the responsibilities of all parties and promoting regional cooperation and capacity building. This initiative lays the foundation for enhancing the effectiveness of customs in West and Central Africa.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Data Analytics for Smarter Customs and Trade Growth

WCO Promotes Data Analytics for Smarter Customs and Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) holds data analysis workshops to promote its application in customs and enhance management effectiveness. Through data analysis, customs can achieve goals like risk management, trade compliance, trade facilitation, and revenue collection, ultimately realizing digital transformation and building smart customs. Facing challenges in data quality, security, talent, and technology, customs must actively embrace data analysis and serve national economic development. This includes leveraging data to improve efficiency and effectiveness in various customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

Under the initiative of the World Customs Organization, West and Central African Customs administrations have jointly developed an action plan to strengthen cultural heritage protection and combat illicit trafficking. The plan encompasses key areas such as raising awareness, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and conducting practical training. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to build a robust barrier against the illegal trade in cultural artifacts and promote the preservation of cultural heritage across the region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

WCO 2025 Meeting to Address Customs Efficiency Security and Tech

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the core topics discussed at the 2025 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technical Committee meetings. These topics include the WCO theme, AEO system, intelligent security equipment, free zones, TRS database system, e-commerce, performance evaluation, information technology, certificates of origin, smart customs, green customs, and vulnerable borders. The meetings aim to promote global customs cooperation, enhance trade efficiency and security, and address emerging challenges in the international trade landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ASAPRA Congress, highlighting the crucial role of customs brokers in supporting customs administration and exploring enhanced cooperation to improve trade facilitation and compliance. The WCO also met with Panama Customs and government agencies to strengthen reform and modernization efforts. These collaborations aim to build an efficient, secure, and seamless trade environment, injecting new impetus into the economic development of the Americas region. The focus is on leveraging partnerships to advance customs modernization and facilitate legitimate trade flows.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

The World Customs Organization's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) held its first in-person meeting after a three-year hiatus, focusing on updates to the E-commerce Package, the development of a global customs data exchange platform, and green customs initiatives. The meeting revised the E-commerce Package maintenance mechanism, approved pressure testing guidelines, and discussed data models and cooperation guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs' ability to address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation and security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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