WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) attended the graduation ceremony of French-speaking African customs officials at the Belgian Customs Academy, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and societal protection. This initiative supports African economic development and the AfCFTA by enhancing customs management, promoting regional integration, and fostering international cooperation. The WCO plays a key role by providing technical assistance and promoting the application of international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment in Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Customs Boost Efficiency in Wcoled Workshop

MENA Customs Boost Efficiency in Wcoled Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop on organizational performance evaluation in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, aiming to enhance regional customs effectiveness. The workshop covered core topics such as strategic planning indicator design and work area planning. Qatar Customs shared their experience in business intelligence exploration. Based on WCO standards, this event assists customs administrations in the MENA region to improve management and promote regional trade development. This initiative aims to foster efficiency and collaboration within the customs community.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade with WCO Efficiency Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade with WCO Efficiency Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Vanuatu Customs in implementing a Time Release Study (TRS) aimed at identifying and addressing bottlenecks in goods release, thereby enhancing customs efficiency. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to streamline processes, optimize management, and ultimately promote trade facilitation, improve the business environment, and achieve sustainable economic development. The study will help pinpoint specific areas for improvement, leading to more efficient customs procedures and reduced delays for traders. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to assisting member states in modernizing their customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Maldives Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

Maldives Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

The Maldives Customs Service (MCS) participated in the WCO Leadership and Management Development Program, organizing senior management workshops to enhance leadership skills and drive customs modernization. The workshops covered change management, strategic planning, and personnel management, emphasizing practicality and interaction. They fostered team building and a unified vision, laying the foundation for the future development of the MCS. The initiative aimed to equip leaders with the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate challenges and effectively lead the organization through its modernization journey.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO HMRC Aid Nigeria Customs in Trade Efficiency Boost

WCO HMRC Aid Nigeria Customs in Trade Efficiency Boost

A WCO project is assisting the Nigeria Customs Service in optimizing document review and risk control. Drawing on South African experience, Nigeria Customs will update its manual strategies to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, improve efficiency, and reduce delays in cross-border trade. By implementing best practices and leveraging international cooperation, Nigeria Customs seeks to strengthen its risk management capabilities and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Expert Group Boosts Customs Efficiency with Enhanced Audit System

WCO Expert Group Boosts Customs Efficiency with Enhanced Audit System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) expert group workshop in Canada to revise the 2012 WCO PCA Guidelines and enhance global customs audit capabilities. Customs experts from six regions shared experiences and discussed key issues such as risk management and data analysis. The WCO will continue to follow up and utilize the CLiKC! platform to promote communication, helping customs administrations worldwide build more efficient and accurate audit systems.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Upgrades SEZ Customs to Meet Global Standards

Papua New Guinea Upgrades SEZ Customs to Meet Global Standards

Papua New Guinea Customs Service (PNGCS) is actively improving its management of Special Economic Zones. A workshop organized by the World Customs Organization (WCO) helped PNGCS benchmark against international standards, identify gaps, and learn from other countries' experiences. The outcomes of the discussions will be used to revise laws and regulations, aiming to establish a more efficient and transparent SEZ management system and promote economic development. This initiative underscores PNG's commitment to aligning with global best practices in customs administration and fostering a favorable investment climate.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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