WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening its collaboration with the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (ENFORCE) to enhance customs' role in combating the illegal cross-border trade of waste. Through capacity building, information sharing, international cooperation, and policy advocacy, the WCO assists its member customs administrations in effectively implementing the Basel Convention. This collaborative effort aims to address global environmental challenges and build a sustainable future by preventing and countering illegal waste shipments across borders.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Botswana Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Botswana acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention in 2006, aligning its customs system with international standards. This aims to facilitate trade by simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and providing a more efficient trading environment for businesses. This move is significant for Botswana's economic development and contributes to trade integration across Africa, fostering a new global trade order. The adoption of the convention emphasizes Botswana's commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Asiapacific Plastic Waste Rules Aids Indonesia and Philippines

WCO Strengthens Asiapacific Plastic Waste Rules Aids Indonesia and Philippines

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia Pacific region. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will provide tailored implementation plans and regional workshops to address the challenges posed by the Basel Convention's Plastic Waste Amendments. This initiative aims to collectively combat global plastic pollution by enhancing customs' capacity to monitor and manage transboundary movements of plastic waste.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Streamlines Trade to Spur Economic Growth

Gambia Revenue Authority Streamlines Trade to Spur Economic Growth

The Gambia Revenue Authority is collaborating with the World Customs Organization to optimize customs operations and strengthen trade facilitation measures through the implementation of performance assessment mechanisms. These measures include Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs and coordinated border management. The goal is to enhance the national performance assessment system and promote economic development in The Gambia. This collaborative effort aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

The advanced course on Tax and Customs Administration successfully held its third and fourth editions in Guatemala, providing strategic skills and tools to senior tax and customs officials from Central and South America. Jointly launched by the IMF, the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies, and the WCO, the course aims to enhance tax and customs administration and facilitate trade in the region. The upcoming fifth edition will continue to focus on modern management skills and leadership development.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries' customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. From 2019-2020, the project conducted risk management capacity assessment and enhancement activities in Malawi. Through training and cooperation, it helped the Malawi Revenue Authority strengthen risk identification and response, and promoted regional collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. The project focused on improving customs officials' skills in detecting and intercepting illegal wildlife products.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Supports Timorleste in Developing Advanced Trade System

WCO Supports Timorleste in Developing Advanced Trade System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continuously provides capacity building support to Timor-Leste Customs, focusing on the design and implementation of valuation training programs, as well as enhancements in risk management and intelligence. In cooperation with the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD), the WCO completed the valuation training module, improved risk management capabilities, and introduced the concept of the 'intelligence cycle'. This assistance supports the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs and contributes to its economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Ugandas Trade Reforms to Boost Economy

WCO Backs Ugandas Trade Reforms to Boost Economy

The WCO assisted Uganda in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, enhancing customs capabilities. This support focused on optimizing strategic planning, the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and risk management. A multi-year development plan was also formulated to guide Uganda Customs in its modernization efforts, streamlining processes and improving efficiency in line with international standards. The collaboration aims to facilitate trade and boost economic growth in Uganda through enhanced customs procedures and improved border management.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project, is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their control over plastic waste via virtual diagnostic missions. The project aims to strengthen Customs' ability to handle legal plastic waste imports, reduce the risk of illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. The WCO will provide customized implementation plans and host regional workshops to foster collaboration and address the challenges of plastic waste management.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Tightens IP Laws to Curb Counterfeiting

Armenia Tightens IP Laws to Curb Counterfeiting

Armenia, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, held a national seminar focusing on combating counterfeit and pirated goods, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property protection. The seminar aimed to strengthen customs control by enhancing the legal knowledge and risk management capabilities of customs officers, as well as fostering cooperation with rights holders. This initiative seeks to safeguard national economic security and public interests. International cooperation and consumer awareness are crucial in the fight against counterfeit goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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