Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

With support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), Nicaraguan Customs launched an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. This initiative aims to optimize customs procedures and enhance trade security and efficiency through capacity building and Time Release Study (TRS). The program seeks to streamline the flow of goods, reduce release times, and contribute to Nicaragua's economic development by fostering a more secure and efficient trading environment. Ultimately, the AEO program is expected to boost international trade and investment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Seminar Focuses on Streamlining Crossborder Rail Freight

WCO Seminar Focuses on Streamlining Crossborder Rail Freight

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held the Asia-Pacific Railway Seminar, aiming to promote the implementation of the Railway Guidelines, simplify customs procedures for railway transportation, improve clearance efficiency, and reduce business costs. The seminar fostered communication and cooperation between customs authorities, railway departments, and international organizations from various countries, injecting new impetus into the development of cross-border railway freight in the Asia-Pacific region. The event highlighted the importance of streamlined processes and collaboration for efficient and cost-effective railway transport.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Upgrades Customs Lab to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Albania Upgrades Customs Lab to Enhance Trade Efficiency

With the support of WCO and Eurocustoms, Albanian Customs held a laboratory modernization workshop in 2017, aiming to enhance commodity classification and identification capabilities. Through hardware upgrades, quality management system improvements, personnel skill development, and international cooperation, Albania is committed to building a modern and internationally competitive customs laboratory. This initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately contribute to the nation's economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Digital ATA Carnets Streamline Global Trade Processes

Digital ATA Carnets Streamline Global Trade Processes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is actively promoting the digital transformation of ATA Carnets and Customs Transit Carnets to simplify cross-border trade processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs. Contracting parties are required to complete the transition by the end of 2027 and designate contact points. This digital transformation not only facilitates trade but also strengthens international cooperation, ushering in a new era of global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have agreed to a no-cost extension of one year for the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). Launched in 2018, the GTFP has benefited numerous countries by significantly improving customs management and trade facilitation through capacity building, institutional reforms, cooperation promotion, and technological innovation. This has injected new momentum into global trade development.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Boosts Skills Via Remote Training

Asiapacific Customs Boosts Skills Via Remote Training

The 19th Heads of Asia Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting explored the role of remote training in customs capacity building during the pandemic. RTCs shared experiences, challenges, and innovative initiatives, emphasizing strengthened cooperation. They highlighted the use of data analytics and VR technologies to promote personalized and practical training. This aims to address the complex international trade environment and enhance regional customs capabilities.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Highlights Customs Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness

WCO Highlights Customs Key Role in Pandemic Preparedness

The WCO's COVID-19 project aims to enhance customs' capacity to respond to emergencies and ensure supply chain security. Key aspects include international cooperation and technological innovation. The project focuses on strengthening customs' preparedness, facilitating the flow of essential goods, and mitigating disruptions to global trade. By fostering collaboration and leveraging innovative technologies, the WCO seeks to build more resilient and secure supply chains in the face of future crises. This initiative underscores the importance of customs in safeguarding global trade and protecting public health during times of uncertainty.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Speeds Up Disaster Aid After Earthquakes Floods

WCO Speeds Up Disaster Aid After Earthquakes Floods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) expresses its deep sorrow regarding the recent earthquake in Morocco and the floods in Libya. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in disaster relief, offering tools and guidelines to streamline border procedures and expedite the cross-border movement of life-saving supplies. The WCO urges member customs administrations to prioritize the clearance of relief goods, implement simplified and advance declarations, and adopt flexible clearance procedures. It also calls for enhanced international cooperation to jointly respond to disasters and provide support and condolences to the affected communities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

Asiapacific Customs Boost Environmental Pact Enforcement

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in the Asia-Pacific region focusing on the enforcement of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of member customs agencies to combat the illicit trade of environmentally sensitive goods. Topics covered included an overview of MEAs, global trade trends, risk management, document verification, and cargo inspection. The event fostered regional cooperation and the sharing of best practices, laying a foundation for addressing global environmental challenges. It emphasized the critical role of customs in protecting the environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Mechanism Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Mechanism Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 6th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Group on Performance Measurement successfully concluded, marking significant progress in the development of the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). The meeting finalized the first edition of PMM Key Performance Indicators, advanced the implementation of the data collection platform, and improved the self-assessment and peer review guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs efficiency, facilitate trade, and strengthen international cooperation, ultimately contributing positively to global trade development. The PMM will serve as a valuable tool for customs administrations worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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