Asiapacific Customs Agencies Combat Plastic Waste Surge

Asiapacific Customs Agencies Combat Plastic Waste Surge

The World Customs Organization (WCO) concluded virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, aiming to enhance customs' capacity in the Asia-Pacific region to combat the illegal cross-border movement of plastic waste. The project involved assessing the current state of customs in both countries, developing improvement plans, and planning a regional workshop to foster cooperation in addressing the plastic waste challenge. This initiative supports the implementation of the Basel Convention's Plastic Waste Amendments and promotes collaborative efforts to manage plastic waste effectively.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

Niger Adopts WCO System to Streamline Customs Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Niger Customs to enhance its commodity classification and valuation capabilities, aiming to boost African trade. The assessment covered legal frameworks, organizational structures, personnel skills, information technology, and cooperation mechanisms, proposing improvements incorporated into an EU-funded action plan. This initiative aims to harmonize commodity classification standards, facilitating trade and economic development in Niger and across Africa. The focus is on improving efficiency and transparency in customs procedures to promote regional integration and economic growth.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Boosts Antismuggling Via Wcos INAMA Initiative

Nigeria Customs Boosts Antismuggling Via Wcos INAMA Initiative

The World Customs Organization's INAMA project supports the Nigeria Customs Service in enhancing its capacity to combat the illegal wildlife trade. Through diagnostic assessments and implementation guidance, the project assists Nigeria Customs in establishing a sound risk management system, developing risk profiles, and improving operational capabilities. International cooperation and information sharing will build a global anti-smuggling network to jointly protect endangered species. This initiative strengthens Nigeria's ability to identify and intercept illegal shipments, contributing to the global effort to preserve biodiversity and combat wildlife crime.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

At the invitation of the Mozambique Tax Authority (MRA) and with funding from the CCF-China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of MRA's Human Resource Management (HRM) system modernization. The aim was to address HR challenges and achieve strategic goals by optimizing the HR framework. The assessment included meetings, interviews, and workshops, culminating in recommendations for improvement submitted to the MRA. The Commissioner General of MRA expressed optimism for future collaboration. This initiative highlights the importance of HR upgrades and customs cooperation for effective capacity building within customs administrations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Comoros to assist the country in evaluating the feasibility of implementing a Single Window. The assessment will provide Comoros with tailored recommendations and capacity-building support to strengthen effective coordination between customs and other border agencies, enhance trade facilitation reforms, and move towards a Single Window environment. This initiative ultimately aims to promote economic development in Comoros by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs and delays.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini is addressing trade facilitation challenges by reforming its human resource management system. With WCO support, the SRA conducted a 'People Development Diagnostic' to assess capacity gaps and committed to adopting competency-based management. By building competency models, optimizing training programs, improving performance management, and planning career development, Eswatini aims to enhance customs efficiency and promote economic development. This initiative serves as a valuable example for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs operations and leverage human capital for improved trade outcomes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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