Qatar Customs Boosts Audit System with WCO Backing

Qatar Customs Boosts Audit System with WCO Backing

The WCO assessed Qatar Customs' Post Clearance Audit (PCA) mechanism to help it comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO shared its expertise and best practices during the assessment. Qatar Customs anticipates the assessment report to further enhance its PCA program and streamline trade processes. This initiative aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, contributing to smoother and more secure international trade flows for Qatar. The assessment focused on identifying areas for improvement and providing recommendations for aligning the PCA mechanism with international standards.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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North Macedonia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked Reforms

North Macedonia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked Reforms

The WCO (World Customs Organization) is assisting North Macedonia Customs in enhancing leadership capabilities. This initiative focuses on reshaping the management culture, optimizing operational processes, and fostering a learning organization. The goal is to drive positive transformation within the customs administration, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. Key aspects include developing strong leadership skills at all levels, building cohesive and collaborative teams, and implementing modern management practices. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more agile and responsive customs service.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCOWACAM Efficiency Initiative

Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCOWACAM Efficiency Initiative

Supported by the Swedish-funded WCO-WACAM project, the Cabo Verde Tax Authority enhanced its project management and business process optimization capabilities through capacity building missions, laying a solid foundation for customs reform. Brazilian customs experts shared their experiences to help modernize Cabo Verde Customs, optimize clearance procedures, improve service quality, and promote trade facilitation, ultimately achieving the vision of becoming a modern and efficient customs organization.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya WCO Boost Customs Compliance and Risk Management

Kenya WCO Boost Customs Compliance and Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) customs compliance and risk management efforts in collaboration with the Swedish Tax Agency (STA). This initiative aimed to enhance KRA's tax collection efficiency, close tax loopholes, optimize the business environment, and improve international competitiveness. This collaboration marks a significant step in the modernization of Kenya's tax administration and provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The partnership focused on strengthening KRA's capabilities in key areas, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Boosts Botswana Customs Tax Reform Efforts

WCO Program Boosts Botswana Customs Tax Reform Efforts

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop in Botswana to enhance the capabilities of Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) managers and promote tax reform. This initiative, funded by Finland, highlights the crucial role of leadership in driving customs modernization and organizational effectiveness. The workshop aimed to equip BURS personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge to lead effectively, contributing to improved revenue collection and overall efficiency. Capacity building through leadership development is a key component of sustainable customs modernization efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Training Enhances African Customs Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown

WCO Training Enhances African Customs Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown

The WCO INAMA project conducted basic intelligence training in Kenya to enhance the capacity of African customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. The training focused on the intelligence cycle, risk assessment, and international cooperation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in protecting endangered wildlife resources. It promoted collaboration among various stakeholders to effectively combat wildlife crime. The initiative aims to strengthen regional efforts in disrupting trafficking networks and safeguarding biodiversity by equipping customs officers with essential intelligence skills.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Customs Modernization with Updated ECP Plan

WCO Advances Customs Modernization with Updated ECP Plan

The WCO's revised Phase IV of the ECP Action Plan aims to advance global customs modernization and promote trade facilitation and security. This is achieved through initiatives like compiling transit trade best practices, revising data model guidelines, focusing on Small Island Economies, researching Special Customs Zones, reviewing the Kyoto Convention, exploring rail customs procedures, developing PLACI guiding principles, aligning AEO with ICAO programs, and updating the disruptive technology report. These efforts collectively contribute to a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs HR Strategies for Crisis Resilience and Adaptation

Customs HR Strategies for Crisis Resilience and Adaptation

This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) guidelines, aiming to assist customs administrations in enhancing human resource resilience during crises. It analyzes the challenges faced by customs HR under the pandemic and elaborates on seven key areas for building resilience, including leadership & communication, employee health & safety, and workplace transformation. Drawing on international best practices, the article offers valuable insights and references for customs administrations to address future challenges. This resource is designed to strengthen HR functions within customs agencies globally.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia has developed an innovative customs talent cultivation model in cooperation with Riga Technical University, the State Revenue Service, and the private sector, creating a multi-stakeholder ecosystem. This model combines theory and practice, integrates multiple disciplines, and continuously improves training quality, offering valuable insights for other countries. Simultaneously, the WCO Management Development Program empowers customs leaders and contributes to building a global community for customs talent development. This collaborative approach fosters a more effective and globally connected customs workforce.

11/30/-0001 Customs Knowledge
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