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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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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Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Cooperation on Risk Management

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Cooperation on Risk Management

The World Customs Organization held a risk management workshop in the Americas and Caribbean region to enhance the risk management capabilities and cooperation of customs administrations. The conference reviewed the successful experience of 'Operation Dragon', emphasizing the importance of information exchange. It also designed new regional target projects to jointly address trade risks and maintain regional economic security. The workshop aimed to foster a collaborative environment for customs officials to share best practices and strengthen regional partnerships in combating illicit trade and securing the supply chain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos PTC Boosts Global Trade Through Customs Innovation

Wcos PTC Boosts Global Trade Through Customs Innovation

The Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) of the World Customs Organization (WCO) is a key force driving global customs innovation and cooperation. Facing a rapidly changing trade environment, the PTC is committed to developing international standards, providing technical support, promoting information exchange, and offering policy recommendations. It addresses challenges such as new technology applications, intellectual property protection, e-commerce development, and supply chain security, safeguarding the prosperity and development of global trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Customs Boosts Disaster Resilience with WCO Aid

Comoros Customs Boosts Disaster Resilience with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its COVID-19 Project, supported Comoros Customs in enhancing its disaster management capabilities. This included risk assessment, expedited clearance procedures, facilitation of vaccine transportation, and ensuring supply chain continuity. Workshops fostered international cooperation and provided technical and financial assistance to Comoros Customs. The initiative aims to build a more resilient nation by strengthening its customs' ability to respond effectively to future crises and disruptions, thereby safeguarding trade and protecting the Comorian population.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Boost Crossborder Ecommerce with Faster Customs Clearance

Americas Boost Crossborder Ecommerce with Faster Customs Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports customs and postal cooperation in the Americas to improve the efficiency of cross-border e-commerce parcel clearance. By strengthening the exchange of Electronic Advance Data (EAD), implementing risk management, and building an international customs data ecosystem, this initiative aims to reduce logistics times and lower operational risks. This will ultimately provide a more convenient cross-border shopping experience for global consumers and sellers.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Boosted by Customs Phytosanitary Agency Collaboration

Global Trade Boosted by Customs Phytosanitary Agency Collaboration

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes cooperation between customs and phytosanitary agencies to enhance trade facilitation. By sharing information, coordinating enforcement, and fostering technological innovation, countries can build more efficient and secure border management systems, promoting global trade prosperity. The Republic of Korea's practices offer valuable lessons for other nations seeking to improve border management and streamline trade processes. This collaborative approach is crucial for balancing trade facilitation with the need to protect plant health and ensure safe trade flows.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

WCO Program Strengthens African Customs for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, held a Technical and Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshop for French-speaking African countries. The aim was to enhance customs officials' skills in areas like commodity classification, origin, and valuation. Through pre-accreditation and field visit assessments, the project seeks to expand the pool of experts and facilitate regional trade. Quantitative evaluation and continuous improvement are crucial for the project's success, contributing to the upgrading of African trade. The program ultimately aims to streamline customs procedures and boost economic development within the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

The Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) is undergoing a competency-based HRM reform in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aiming to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder engagement, BCED is committed to modernizing its talent management practices. This involves developing a competency framework, job catalog, and exploring the establishment of an internal HRM department. By strengthening its human resources, BCED seeks to contribute more effectively to economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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