WCO Forum Seeks to Modernize Global Customs Practices

WCO Forum Seeks to Modernize Global Customs Practices

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held the inaugural Customs Work Organization Forum (CWOF), aiming to reshape the paradigm of customs work. The meeting gathered global experts to discuss key areas such as work settings, workplace design, and workforce management. The forum adopted its terms of reference and shared survey findings. The WCO plans to continue hosting meetings, conducting case studies, and developing best practice guidelines to support customs administrations in addressing the challenges of the 'new normal'.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance awareness of the Basel and Montreal Conventions and strengthen controls over the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop fostered cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. Further technical assistance is planned to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to bolster Botswana's capacity in enforcing environmental regulations and facilitating legitimate trade while preventing illegal trafficking of harmful materials.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Customs Boosts Trade with GTFP System Upgrade

Peru Customs Boosts Trade with GTFP System Upgrade

The Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP) supports Peruvian Customs in enhancing its strategic planning capabilities. Through remote workshops, the program assists in breaking down strategic objectives, identifying key performance indicators, and providing customized draft strategic maps and control panels. This collaboration aims to promote the modernization of Peruvian Customs, facilitate trade, and inject new vitality into economic development. The project focuses on improving customs efficiency and effectiveness through strategic alignment and performance monitoring, ultimately contributing to Peru's economic growth.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Peer Learning

Under the WCO Mercator Programme, the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme facilitated a virtual learning exchange between the Customs administrations of Uzbekistan and Maldives, focusing on post-clearance audit. Maldives Customs shared its experiences in organizational structure, legal framework, operational procedures, inter-agency coordination, and IT systems. This effectively enhanced Uzbekistan Customs' post-clearance audit capabilities and strengthened cooperation between the two Customs administrations. The exchange highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and collaboration in improving trade facilitation practices globally.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Enhance Customs Training in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Enhance Customs Training in Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project successfully held the second working group activity in Mozambique. The aim was to enhance customs valuation capabilities in five Southern African countries and promote regional trade facilitation. The activity focused on improving training skills, with experts sharing experiences and participants actively engaging. This laid the foundation for building a high-quality trainer pool and improving the regional training system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jamaica Customs Adopts Digital Tools for Crossborder Efficiency

Jamaica Customs Adopts Digital Tools for Crossborder Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Jamaica Customs in enhancing its cross-border collaboration environment. Through workshops, the WCO shared best practices for Single Window (SW) implementation, emphasizing the importance of regulatory coordination, data standardization, and process re-engineering. Jamaica has made progress in project implementation but still faces challenges. Recommendations include strengthening top-level design, establishing coordination mechanisms, and promoting data standardization to achieve trade facilitation and economic development. These efforts are crucial for streamlining customs procedures and boosting Jamaica's economic competitiveness.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Training Program

Madagascar Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Training Program

The WCO is supporting the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in talent development, enhancing human resource management, and addressing trade facilitation challenges. This support includes the launch of an e-learning platform to promote sustainable development. The initiative aims to strengthen the MRA's capabilities in key areas, enabling them to better manage their workforce and streamline trade processes. By investing in talent and providing modern learning tools, the WCO and MRA are working together to create a more efficient and effective customs environment in Malawi.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UAE Enhances Customs Efficiency Via Wcobacked Training Reform

UAE Enhances Customs Efficiency Via Wcobacked Training Reform

The WCO assessed the recruitment and training of customs inspectors in the UAE, recommending the standardization of customs procedures. This aims to enhance enforcement efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The assessment highlighted the need for capacity building initiatives to ensure inspectors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement customs regulations. By adopting unified standards, the UAE can streamline customs processes, reduce delays, and improve overall trade competitiveness. This ultimately contributes to a more secure and efficient global trading system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Virtual Academy for Francophone Customs Officers

WCO Launches Virtual Academy for Francophone Customs Officers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is opening applications for its Virtual Customs Academy (VCOA) to customs officials from Francophone countries. This online program aims to provide customs personnel with less than four years of work experience with crucial knowledge and skills to boost their professional development. Through a 14-week online learning experience, participants will gain expertise, broaden their international perspectives, build networks, and have the opportunity to enhance their career competitiveness. The application deadline is February 14, 2025.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Adopts Wcobacked Tech for Faster Clearance

Nigeria Customs Adopts Wcobacked Tech for Faster Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through the 'Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme' to strengthen its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system. This project covers five pillars: risk management, legal framework, operational procedures, stakeholder engagement, and human resource management. It aims to improve the efficiency of Nigeria Customs, seamlessly integrate with the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and contribute to trade prosperity in Nigeria and Africa.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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