Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

Oman Customs Adopts WCO SAFE Framework to Boost Trade Security

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Oman Customs in implementing the SAFE Framework and AEO program. Through workshops, Oman Customs officials gained a deeper understanding of supply chain security, customs-business partnerships, and the AEO implementation process, leading to the development of action plans. This initiative aims to enhance Oman's trade security and facilitation, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. The implementation of SAFE and AEO will contribute to a more secure and efficient trade environment for Oman.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahamas Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs Boost Trade

Bahamas Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Mercator Program is assisting the Bahamas Customs Department (BCD) in its customs modernization efforts to support its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Through gap analysis, process optimization, and the establishment of a Single Window system, the program aims to enhance trade facilitation in the Bahamas, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment in the Bahamas.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Indonesian Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a regional training center and a regional customs laboratory in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of regional customs personnel and improve commodity inspection capabilities. It will also help combat counterfeit goods, promote trade facilitation, and strengthen regional cooperation to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. This collaboration is expected to inject new vitality into the healthy development of global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania, with assistance from the World Customs Organization and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is upgrading its customs risk management framework. This aims to enhance customs efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and combat smuggling through more precise risk identification and response. The upgrade is a significant step towards improving the country's customs administration and contributing to national economic development and trade security. The improved framework will allow for better resource allocation and targeted interventions, ultimately streamlining trade processes and reducing illicit activities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Streamlines Regional Structure to Improve Global Trade

WCO Streamlines Regional Structure to Improve Global Trade

The WCO's regional architecture plays a crucial role in global trade facilitation. The 2017 conference highlighted its role in supporting the WCO's strategic plan and implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. The conference assessed the effectiveness of regional strategic plans and donor conferences, deciding to further optimize best practice guides and enhance the use of digital platforms. This aims to improve global customs capacity building and promote trade development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Lesotho Customs Enhances Trade with WCO PCA Support

Lesotho Customs Enhances Trade with WCO PCA Support

In June 2019, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to enhance the post clearance audit (PCA) capabilities of the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). By assessing the LRA's institutional setup, infrastructure, and technical approaches, the WCO aimed to assist Lesotho in better implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, optimizing trade processes, and fostering economic development. This collaboration demonstrates the WCO's vital role in global trade facilitation.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Supports Sudan in Improving Customs Risk Management

WCO Supports Sudan in Improving Customs Risk Management

A WCO assessment of Sudan Customs' risk management practices aims to support the country's implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The report acknowledges progress while also identifying shortcomings and providing recommendations for improvement. This includes strengthening risk assessment methodologies, enhancing data analysis capabilities, and fostering better coordination among different customs units. The assessment seeks to optimize resource allocation and streamline customs procedures, ultimately contributing to increased trade efficiency and security for Sudan.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More