Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Supported by the Swedish-funded WACAM project, The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is pioneering the WCO-promoted competency-based HRM model in West and Central Africa. By reviewing key HRM tools and strengthening institutional capacity, GRA aims to become a regional benchmark, leading industry development and providing valuable experience and lessons for other customs agencies. This initiative represents a significant step towards modernized customs administration and enhanced talent management within the region, potentially setting a new standard for customs operations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization with Sweden WCO Backing

Senegal Customs Adopts HR Modernization with Sweden WCO Backing

Under the West Africa Customs Modernization (WACAM) project funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Senegal Customs in advancing its human resource modernization. Through measures such as improving employee planning tools and building competency models, Senegal Customs aims to enhance employee quality and optimize its organizational structure, setting an example for customs modernization in the West African region. The project anticipates completing the validation of employee planning tools by the end of 2015.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System (HS) through capacity building and expert support. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, optimize tariff management, and attract foreign investment. This presents opportunities for businesses, requiring them to strengthen their understanding of the HS, optimize supply chains, and expand market channels. Establishing a strong partnership with Comoros Customs is crucial to collectively embrace a bright future for trade development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos PICARD Program Boosts Customs Skills for Global Trade

Wcos PICARD Program Boosts Customs Skills for Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its PICARD Programme, aims to enhance the professionalism and status of customs personnel worldwide. This initiative fosters international cooperation in customs education and research by establishing professional standards, accrediting curricula, organizing annual conferences, and building the INCU network. It also promotes the localization of customs development, ultimately achieving a professionalized, knowledge-based, and internationalized customs workforce. The PICARD programme is crucial for building capacity and ensuring effective border management globally.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Boosts Customs Valuation Skills in Guatemala Summit

Latin America Boosts Customs Valuation Skills in Guatemala Summit

The inaugural Regional Certification Workshop for Spanish-speaking Customs Valuation Experts was successfully held in Guatemala. It brought together customs officials from various countries to enhance their professional skills and certify them as expert trainers. The workshop established a regional expert working group to review and update WCO training materials, promoting experience exchange and knowledge sharing within the region. This initiative injects new vitality into the field of customs valuation in the Americas and the Caribbean.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Aids Bolivia in Strengthening Customs Resilience During Pandemic

WTO Aids Bolivia in Strengthening Customs Resilience During Pandemic

The World Trade Organization's Global Programme on Trade Facilitation (PMFE) organized stress management and psychological support training for Bolivian customs officers to help them cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic. The training included online assessments, knowledge dissemination, and offline workshops, focusing on work-life balance and enhancing psychological resilience. Following the training, customs officers acquired stress management skills, and the expert team proposed establishing a regular stress management mechanism. This initiative aimed to improve the well-being and effectiveness of customs personnel during a demanding period.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO ICC Partner to Streamline Customs Spur Global Recovery

WCO ICC Partner to Streamline Customs Spur Global Recovery

The World Customs Organization and the International Chamber of Commerce jointly issued a statement emphasizing strengthened cooperation to accelerate customs and trade facilitation measures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This aims to ensure smooth global trade flows and support economic recovery. Both organizations will focus on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by providing tools and resources through their respective platforms. They will jointly address challenges and work towards reshaping the global trade system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Balances Crisis Response and Global Opportunities

World Customs Organization Balances Crisis Response and Global Opportunities

At the 7th Annual Conference of International Organizations, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) shared WCO's strategies for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the stability of the global supply chain. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and called for strengthened collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, e-commerce development, and disaster management to jointly address global challenges. The WCO's efforts highlight the crucial role of customs organizations in facilitating trade and ensuring security during times of crisis.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Kyoto Convention to Modernize Global Customs Standards

WCO Updates Kyoto Convention to Modernize Global Customs Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is leading a comprehensive review of the Revised Kyoto Convention, aiming to build a “Future Customs” model adapted to the 21st century. This revision addresses emerging challenges such as digital trade and supply chain risks, while promoting trade facilitation. Through intelligent regulation, data-driven decision-making, risk management orientation, and collaborative partnerships, the goal is to achieve intelligent, efficient, and collaborative customs supervision, contributing to global trade development. The revised convention seeks to modernize customs procedures and enhance global trade security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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