WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Issues Rail Customs Guidelines to Boost Global Trade

WCO Issues Rail Customs Guidelines to Boost Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s 'Guidelines on Rail Transit' aims to simplify and standardize customs procedures for rail transport, encouraging technology application and international cooperation. This enhances cross-border trade efficiency, reduces costs, and promotes global economic prosperity. The guidelines, structured around four key objectives and supporting capacity building projects, provide a roadmap for customs facilitation in global rail transport. It offers practical guidance and best practices to streamline processes and improve security, contributing to a more efficient and reliable international trade network.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Teams Push Digital Rail Transport Overhaul

Global Customs Teams Push Digital Rail Transport Overhaul

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first Global Railway Symposium, focusing on the digital transformation of rail transport and exploring customs data collaboration and intelligent supervision. The symposium brought together global experts to address challenges in rail transport, promote the application of standardized datasets, and foster international cooperation. The aim was to enhance efficiency, security, and trade facilitation, ultimately developing guidelines for customs procedures in global rail transport. The event highlighted the importance of leveraging technology and collaboration to streamline processes and improve overall performance.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Ivory Coast Improves Customs Classification with Eubacked Initiative

Ivory Coast Improves Customs Classification with Eubacked Initiative

Within the framework of the EU-funded PACIR project, the WCO held a national workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance customs officers' capabilities in tariff classification. The workshop covered HS system explanations, tool support, and training module development. It aimed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs classification in Côte d'Ivoire, promote trade facilitation, and recommended the prompt implementation of the HS 2012 amendments. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and contribute to the country's economic growth by ensuring accurate and consistent tariff application.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Strengthens Trade Oversight with Customs and Pricing Reforms

Asiapacific Strengthens Trade Oversight with Customs and Pricing Reforms

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with the OECD and the World Bank Group, held an Asia-Pacific seminar focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference emphasized the need for enhanced information sharing and collaborative supervision between tax and customs authorities to address challenges posed by related-party transactions. This aims to improve cross-border trade compliance, enhance tax collection efficiency, and build a more efficient cross-border trade regulatory system. The discussions highlighted practical approaches and best practices for effective collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Focuses on Trade Facilitation Reform

World Customs Organization Focuses on Trade Facilitation Reform

The World Customs Organization Technical Committee meeting focused on cutting-edge topics such as trade facilitation, data analytics, and blockchain. The aim was to optimize international trade processes, enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities, and provide strategic guidance for the future development of customs. Discussions centered on leveraging data and technology to streamline procedures, improve security, and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders. The meeting served as a platform for sharing best practices and exploring innovative solutions to address the evolving challenges in global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on customs-related matters and enhance global trade efficiency and security. The two organizations will collaborate on technical assistance, information sharing, and combating illicit trade, with a focus on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the application of coordination mechanisms. This partnership aims to address global trade challenges and promote sustainable development by fostering streamlined customs procedures and improved international collaboration in trade-related areas.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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