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
Mexico Shares Customs Expertise with Colombias Tax Agency

Mexico Shares Customs Expertise with Colombias Tax Agency

The Mexican Tax Administration Service (SAT) and the Colombian Tax and Customs Administration (DIAN) shared experiences in risk management and post-clearance audit through a virtual study mission. Mexican experts detailed their practices in risk assessment, cargo monitoring, and customs procedure automation. This provided valuable insights for Colombia's customs modernization efforts, helping them build a more intelligent clearance system. The cooperation highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing customs efficiency and security, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows between the two nations.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Flexport Aims to Modernize US Customs for Faster Trade

Flexport Aims to Modernize US Customs for Faster Trade

Flexport's Tom Gould joins the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Commercial Operations Advisory Committee (COAC) to advance customs modernization and address the disconnect between supply chains and customs operations. He will focus on system upgrades, data interoperability, and data science empowerment to improve clearance efficiency, reduce costs for businesses, and simplify global trade. This initiative aims to streamline processes, enhance communication, and leverage technology to create a more efficient and responsive customs environment, ultimately benefiting businesses involved in international commerce.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
WCO Program Boosts Cameroon Customs Efficiency

WCO Program Boosts Cameroon Customs Efficiency

The WCO held a workshop in Cameroon to enhance customs administration capabilities and support modernization. The workshop focused on key areas such as leadership, change management, and strategic planning. This initiative aims to benefit customs administrations globally by fostering effective leadership and building capacity for improved performance and efficiency in customs operations. The training provided participants with valuable tools and knowledge to navigate the challenges of modern customs management and contribute to the overall economic development of their respective countries.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Balkan Customs Labs Enhance Trade Efficiency Through Regional Cooperation

Balkan Customs Labs Enhance Trade Efficiency Through Regional Cooperation

A Balkan Regional Customs Laboratory Workshop was held in Serbia, promoted by the World Customs Organization. The meeting focused on laboratory modernization, compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, ISO 17025 quality certification, and CLEN cooperation opportunities. The aim was to enhance the capabilities of regional customs laboratories, promote trade facilitation, and build a more efficient trading environment. The discussions centered around improving analytical techniques, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers within the Balkan region.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

Ecuador Customs Lab Upgraded With WCO Support

The World Customs Organization held a workshop in Ecuador to support the modernization of its customs laboratory and enhance its capabilities in commodity classification, tax collection, and combating smuggling. The meeting focused on topics such as the application of the Harmonized System, analytical methodologies, database applications, and green customs. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of a modern customs laboratory in improving customs clearance efficiency, increasing tax revenue, protecting the environment, and promoting international trade. It underscored the importance of investing in laboratory infrastructure and training for sustainable development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes HR in West and Central African Customs

Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes HR in West and Central African Customs

The WCO-WACAM project supports the modernization and upgrade of human resource management in customs administrations in West and Central Africa. Through regional workshops and technical assistance, it assists customs agencies in the region to reform their HR management systems. The project aims to build a competency-based HR management system, improve the overall quality and efficiency of customs staff, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The initiatives are designed to enhance customs workforce capabilities and contribute to regional economic growth by streamlining customs processes and improving overall performance.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Burkina Faso Customs Modernizes HR to Enhance West African Trade

Burkina Faso Customs Modernizes HR to Enhance West African Trade

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), has officially adopted human resource tools such as a competency framework and job catalogue to enhance talent management and organizational effectiveness. This initiative, a key outcome of the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, will help Burkina Faso Customs achieve its organizational goals, facilitate trade, and promote economic development in the West African region. The implementation aims to modernize HR practices and build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of international trade and customs administration.

01/22/2026 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