AI Tool Enhances Customs Fraud Detection

AI Tool Enhances Customs Fraud Detection

The DATE model, developed by the WCO's BACUDA project, employs artificial intelligence to provide customs authorities with a precise tool for identifying fraud risks. Utilizing a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding technology, the model effectively identifies potential fraudulent activities such as under-invoicing, enhancing risk identification accuracy and reducing labor costs. It has been successfully piloted in a Nigerian customs project.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Boosts Customs Nuclear Detection Capabilities

Sri Lanka Boosts Customs Nuclear Detection Capabilities

Sri Lanka Customs, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the U.S. Department of Energy through the RANDA Project, conducted radiation and nuclear detection training. This initiative aims to enhance customs officers' awareness and response capabilities to related threats. The training covered legal frameworks, risk management, detection technologies, and included field visits and international cooperation. The goal is to build a stronger nuclear security line of defense at the border, improving the ability to identify and interdict illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

02/05/2026 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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Bhutan Boosts Customs Data Analysis with WCO Assistance

Bhutan Boosts Customs Data Analysis with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on Data Analysis and Artificial Intelligence for Bhutan Customs, aiming to enhance its data-driven decision-making capabilities. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and international experience sharing, Bhutanese customs officials grasped the applications of data analysis and AI in areas such as risk management and fraud detection. This initiative lays the foundation for the modernization and transformation of Bhutan Customs, enabling them to leverage data for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces AI Course for Xray Analysis to Boost Trade Security

WCO Introduces AI Course for Xray Analysis to Boost Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a new online course, "Image Data Analysis," aimed at enhancing customs officers' ability to analyze X-ray images using AI technology. The course covers image processing, convolutional neural networks, and other relevant topics. Through practical exercises, participants will learn how to build AI models, contributing to a more efficient and secure customs environment. This program empowers customs officials with the skills to leverage AI for improved detection and risk management.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Botswana to enhance the capacity of customs officials in controlling hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop aimed to improve customs officers' knowledge and skills related to the identification, detection, and prevention of illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods covered under various multilateral environmental agreements. This initiative underscores the importance of customs authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and combating environmental crime.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togos Customs Modernization Boosts Efficiency Revenue

Togos Customs Modernization Boosts Efficiency Revenue

Togo Customs has achieved significant results in tax collection, clearance efficiency, and regulatory enforcement by introducing a performance management system supported by the World Customs Organization. Tax revenue increased by 46%, clearance times were halved, and the detection rate of irregularities doubled. This experience provides a valuable lesson for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of high-level commitment, international cooperation, and continuous improvement. It also looks forward to the application of digitalization and intelligence in customs reform.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Group Targets Doubled Customs Efficiency with Inspection Tech

WCO Group Targets Doubled Customs Efficiency with Inspection Tech

The 8th meeting of the World Customs Organization's Technical Expert Group on Non-Intrusive Inspection (TEG-NII) focused on the development of the Unified File Format (UFF) and NII-related matters, aiming to enhance customs supervision efficiency. The meeting emphasized the application of technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence, and discussed topics including radiation detection, data analysis, and centralized image analysis. The goal is to promote the modernization of global customs supervision and facilitate trade security and facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Inama Project, conducts customs capacity building training in Asia to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and protect endangered species. The project contributes to building a strong defense against IWT by enhancing the skills of customs officers, strengthening international cooperation, raising public awareness, and promoting policy improvements. Businesses should also actively participate in protecting biodiversity. The training aims to improve detection and prevention of IWT, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable species and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of this illicit activity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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