Jamaica Customs Advances Strategic Plan with WCO Support

Jamaica Customs Advances Strategic Plan with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) in developing a three-year strategic plan. This plan aims to integrate customs reform, modernization, and trade facilitation measures. A workshop was held to build consensus and lay the groundwork for future collaboration. This initiative will support the JCA's modernization efforts and enhance Jamaica's national competitiveness. The strategic plan is expected to guide the JCA in streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and fostering a more conducive environment for international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s C-RED project aims to enhance the capacity of West African customs to respond to epidemics. Through multilateral cooperation and streamlined customs procedures, it has significantly improved the region's efficiency in responding to emergencies. The C-RED+ project plans to expand its coverage and leverage new technologies to build a more robust lifeline, providing a stronger guarantee for global humanitarian assistance. This initiative strengthens customs' role in facilitating aid delivery and ensuring timely responses to crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Customs Adopts Skillsbased Hiring to Boost Efficiency

Barbados Customs Adopts Skillsbased Hiring to Boost Efficiency

Barbados Customs is reforming its human resource management, collaborating with the WCO and IMF to develop a skills directory and explore the establishment of an internal HR department. This initiative aims to modernize HR practices within the customs administration, aligning them with international standards and best practices. The focus on skills-driven development is expected to enhance the capabilities of customs officers and improve overall operational efficiency. This reform represents a significant step towards strengthening Barbados Customs' capacity to effectively manage its workforce and contribute to national economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

The Asian Development Bank and UNESCAP jointly held a webinar focusing on the critical role of customs in safeguarding trade and connectivity during the pandemic. The WCO Secretary General emphasized the need for customs to ensure supply chain transparency and shared WCO's response measures and recommendations for regional cooperation. These included coordinating border management, digitizing procedures, and building capacity. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade and building resilient supply chains during global crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Boosts Customs Valuation Via WCO Training Program

Lesotho Boosts Customs Valuation Via WCO Training Program

The WCO conducted customs valuation training in Lesotho to enhance the country's capacity, promote trade facilitation, and support the implementation of WTO agreements, ultimately improving the trade environment. This initiative aimed to strengthen Lesotho's ability to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and reduced trade barriers. By building local expertise in customs valuation, the WCO's training contributes to a more transparent and efficient trading system, fostering economic growth and regional integration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Sellers Face Logistics Customs Challenges in FBA

Amazon Sellers Face Logistics Customs Challenges in FBA

This article provides Amazon FBA sellers with a detailed shipping guide, covering key aspects such as logistics company selection, cargo preparation, waybill completion, and logistics tracking. It emphasizes the importance of choosing the right logistics partner, ensuring cargo packaging and labeling meet specifications, accurately completing waybill information, and tracking cargo dynamics in real-time. This helps sellers efficiently manage FBA first-leg logistics and improve operational efficiency.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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US Customs Shifts Refunds to Electronic ACH Payments

US Customs Shifts Refunds to Electronic ACH Payments

U.S. Customs announced the full digitalization of duty refunds, effective February 6th. Companies must ensure ACH electronic payment setup or designate a customs broker for collection; otherwise, direct refunds will be unavailable. This move is likely related to the Supreme Court's expected ruling on tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. Businesses are advised to prepare promptly to navigate future trade changes. This digitalization aims to streamline the refund process and improve efficiency for both Customs and importers. Early preparation is crucial to avoid disruptions and ensure timely receipt of refunds.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trade Programs Boost SME Growth with Streamlined Customs

Trade Programs Boost SME Growth with Streamlined Customs

A joint report by the World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, and International Chamber of Commerce urges customs administrations to remove barriers hindering SMEs' participation in global trade, emphasizing their vital role in the global economy. The report analyzes the challenges faced by SMEs and proposes recommendations for their integration into Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programs. Through case studies, it showcases successful experiences, aiming to build a more inclusive and resilient global trading system. The report highlights the need for simplified procedures and enhanced access to information for SMEs to thrive in international markets.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

The DATE neural network model, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), leverages a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding techniques to effectively identify potential customs fraud transactions and improve inspection efficiency. Successfully piloted in Nigeria and open-sourced for use by customs administrations worldwide, this model has the potential to become a new tool in combating cross-border tax evasion. It offers a data-driven approach to detecting irregularities and enhancing risk assessment in international trade, ultimately contributing to fairer and more secure global commerce.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

WCO Council Supports Global Customs Cooperation Amid Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council convened, highlighting the crucial role of customs in the context of the global pandemic. Several resolutions were adopted, including approving the financial budget and revising the Harmonized System. These aim to strengthen global customs cooperation, leverage technological innovation, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development to address global trade challenges and ensure secure and smooth supply chains. The meeting emphasized the importance of international collaboration in navigating the complexities of the current global trade environment.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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