WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released an updated Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist member customs and tax administrations in assessing the integration of gender equality and diversity within their internal policies, practices, and external relations. The 2023 update focuses on security, action, and user experience. It includes a new security and safety chapter, strengthens action-oriented templates, and optimizes user experience design. This aims to promote gender equality within the customs domain and improve organizational performance through a more inclusive and equitable environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos COPES Initiative Strengthens Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

Wcos COPES Initiative Strengthens Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

The WCO's COPES project aims to enhance customs' capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade. A workshop in Togo focused on evidence collection, case management, and international cooperation. INAMA provided financial support. The training sought to improve the effectiveness of customs officials in identifying, investigating, and prosecuting wildlife trafficking offenses. Emphasis was placed on collaborative efforts between national agencies and international partners to disrupt transnational criminal networks involved in the illegal trade of endangered species.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Ruling System to Ease Trade

The Nigeria Customs Service is actively implementing a national Advance Ruling System aimed at reducing trade costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing trade predictability for businesses by pre-determining commodity classification, tax rates, and other relevant matters. This initiative, part of the EU-World Customs Organization Africa HS project, draws on the successful experiences of Ethiopia and Liberia. It is expected to significantly improve Nigeria's business environment and promote economic development by providing clarity and certainty to traders before importation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

WCO Scholarship Program Trains Future Customs Leaders Worldwide

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Scholarship Programme aims to cultivate future customs leaders, promote knowledge sharing, and enhance professional pride within the customs sector. The 85th iteration brought together participants from 15 countries worldwide. Through tailored training courses, field visits, and international collaboration, the program helps participants enhance their capabilities and contribute to the development of their respective customs administrations. The success of this program relies on the support of countries like Japan, China, and South Korea. It's a key initiative for global customs cooperation and development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Stress Management Training for Customs Officers

WCO Launches Stress Management Training for Customs Officers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to empower customs executives and enhance resilience for both employees and the organization. The training covers six modules including wellbeing, designing organizational wellbeing programs, mental health, work-life balance, and stress management. The WCO will pilot the materials and plans to develop training for middle management and frontline staff to establish a culture of wellbeing within customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

The G7 Trade Ministers' joint statement highlights new trends in global trade, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in enhancing supply chain resilience, regulating e-commerce, and addressing climate change. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively responds, committing to strengthen cooperation with emerging economies and enhance customs capacity building to address modern business challenges and promote efficient, responsible global trade. This includes focusing on streamlined procedures, data sharing, and technology adoption to improve border management and facilitate legitimate trade flows while combating illicit activities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its second seminar on E-Commerce and Customs Valuation, focusing on the valuation challenges in cross-border e-commerce. The event brought together international organizations, customs administrations, and private sector representatives to discuss policies, procedures, and practices. The aim was to address the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of e-commerce trade, facilitate trade, and build a fair and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. The WCO is actively working to develop a more comprehensive e-commerce valuation system to promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Namibia in Upgrading Customs System ASYCUDA

WCO Aids Namibia in Upgrading Customs System ASYCUDA

The World Customs Organization, through its 'Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme,' is leveraging the experience of the Zambia Revenue Authority to enhance the Namibia Revenue Agency's application capabilities of the ASYCUDA World system. This initiative aims to promote trade facilitation and economic growth. The program emphasizes a 'Customs-to-Customs' cooperation model, facilitating knowledge transfer and practical site visits to improve the operational efficiency of the Namibia Revenue Agency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Gender Equality in Global Customs Operations

WCO Promotes Gender Equality in Global Customs Operations

The WCO Gender Equality Conference highlighted progress in gender equality within customs administrations, sharing best practices and urging member collaboration to build a fair and inclusive environment. The conference emphasized the importance of mainstreaming gender perspectives in customs policies and operations. Participants discussed strategies for promoting women's leadership and addressing gender-based discrimination. The call for collaborative efforts aims to foster a global customs community that values diversity and ensures equal opportunities for all, ultimately contributing to more effective and equitable trade facilitation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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