Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs is implementing a five-year strategy in response to the World Customs Organization's Mercator Program. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations, promote economic development, and enhance international competitiveness. The strategic plan focuses on streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and aligning with global best practices. By embracing international standards and modern technologies, Antigua and Barbuda Customs seeks to facilitate trade, strengthen border security, and contribute to the nation's sustainable economic growth. This modernization effort is crucial for attracting investment and fostering a more competitive business environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

The Guatemala National Workshop on Customs Valuation aims to improve customs valuation practices and promote trade compliance and efficiency. The workshop covers topics such as the interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, Guatemalan customs regulations, practical valuation operations, risk management, and dispute resolution. Through knowledge sharing and capacity building, it helps Guatemala integrate into the global trading system. The workshop seeks to strengthen Guatemala's ability to accurately value goods, facilitate legitimate trade, and prevent revenue loss, contributing to its economic development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Extends CTPAT Program to Nonasset 3pls

US Customs Extends CTPAT Program to Nonasset 3pls

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a five-year pilot program, for the first time allowing non-asset based Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). This aims to strengthen supply chain security and address potential vulnerabilities. Participating companies must meet security standards, receive facilitation benefits, and contribute to overall supply chain security enhancement. The pilot program will provide experience for future CTPAT program expansion.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Switzerland WCO Aid Bolivias Customs Modernization for Trade

Switzerland WCO Aid Bolivias Customs Modernization for Trade

The WCO conducted an assessment of Bolivia Customs' implementation of the Mercator Agreement, recommending improvements in areas such as risk management and advance rulings. Bolivia expressed its gratitude and appreciation for the recommendations. The assessment highlighted the need for enhanced efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to further facilitate trade and economic growth. Bolivia acknowledged the value of the WCO's expertise and committed to implementing the suggested improvements to strengthen its customs operations and better align with international standards. This collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

DR Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

The WCO is assisting the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Customs to enhance its valuation capabilities, addressing challenges following contract termination to safeguard revenue and ensure fair trade. This initiative is part of the WCO's West and Central Africa assistance program. The support aims to strengthen customs procedures and improve the accuracy of valuation processes, thereby contributing to increased revenue collection and a more transparent trading environment in the DRC.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Training Center

Indonesia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Training Center

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Indonesian Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Regional Training Center (RTC) and a Regional Customs Laboratory (RCL) in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance regional customs capacity building, facilitate trade, and promote economic development. Indonesian Customs will leverage its regional leadership to share best practices through the RTC and RCL, strengthening regional cooperation and addressing global trade challenges.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

WCO Boosts Philippine Customs to Speed Trade Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for the Bureau of Customs (BOC) Philippines. The workshop aimed to enhance strategic alignment, teamwork, and individual growth, thereby promoting trade facilitation reforms and improving trade efficiency. Focusing on key challenges, the workshop emphasized the importance of Time Release Studies. This initiative supports the BOC in achieving modernization and sustainable development within the Philippine customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia has established a Customs-Business Round Table to enhance trade facilitation through data-driven collaboration. Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the initiative brings together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, and businesses to address customs operational challenges and optimize trade policies. The goal is to build a more efficient business environment. By focusing on data sharing, policy optimization, and risk prediction, Serbia aims to become a regional leader in trade facilitation. This collaborative approach is expected to streamline processes and boost economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Remote Training for Capacity Building

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Remote Training for Capacity Building

The 19th WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held online, focusing on the challenges and practices of distance learning under the pandemic. Participants shared experiences, discussed innovative models, and emphasized collaborative construction, aiming to enhance regional customs capacity building and respond to the new international trade environment. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methodologies to effectively address the evolving needs of customs administrations in the region and ensure continued professional development despite global disruptions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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