WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project is progressing in Southern Africa. The 3rd Working Group activity of the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Programme (MTP) aimed to enhance the customs valuation capabilities of Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. The project focuses on developing a regional pool of trainers and creating training materials. This initiative seeks to promote fairness and efficiency in international trade by strengthening customs valuation expertise within the region.

WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council supported the Secretariat, focusing on key areas like capacity building and trade facilitation. By adopting resolutions such as the HS 2022 Amendments, the WCO COVID-19 Action Plan, and the SAFE Framework 2021, the WCO aims to simplify customs procedures, strengthen international cooperation, and improve customs management. These efforts are designed to contribute to global economic recovery and safeguard trade development in the post-pandemic era by empowering customs administrations around the world.

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to the Burkina Faso Customs Administration to support the restoration of its autonomous customs valuation function. The first phase assessment has been completed, with the expert team offering recommendations through diagnostic assessments and collaborative dialogue. These recommendations aim to strengthen risk management, implement post-clearance audits, and enhance the capabilities of valuation officers. The ultimate goal is to build an autonomous and efficient customs valuation system for Burkina Faso.

WCO Introduces AI Course for Xray Analysis to Boost Trade Security

WCO Introduces AI Course for Xray Analysis to Boost Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a new online course, "Image Data Analysis," aimed at enhancing customs officers' ability to analyze X-ray images using AI technology. The course covers image processing, convolutional neural networks, and other relevant topics. Through practical exercises, participants will learn how to build AI models, contributing to a more efficient and secure customs environment. This program empowers customs officials with the skills to leverage AI for improved detection and risk management.

West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

The West and Central Africa Customs Organization (WCO) enhanced the intelligence capabilities and Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) application skills of customs officers in the region through a webinar. This initiative aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and jointly combat fraud and transnational organized crime, thereby maintaining regional security and stability. The webinar focused on improving the officers' abilities to collect, analyze, and disseminate customs intelligence, ultimately contributing to a more effective and coordinated approach to law enforcement within the region.

Moldova Adopts International Standards for Customs Modernization

Moldova Adopts International Standards for Customs Modernization

Moldova, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, organized a workshop to improve its national customs classification system. The aim was to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, facilitate trade, and actively participate in the development of international trade rules. This initiative is crucial for Moldova's integration into the global trading system and enhancing its economic competitiveness. Other developing countries can learn from Moldova's experience by strengthening international cooperation and improving their own customs classification capabilities.

Uruguay Customs Advances Reform with WCO Leadership Program

Uruguay Customs Advances Reform with WCO Leadership Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for mid-to-senior level managers of Uruguay Customs, supporting its organizational change efforts. The workshop covered core topics such as self-awareness, communication and motivation, delegation and coaching, and change management. It aimed to enhance the leadership and management skills of participants, driving the modernization of Uruguay Customs. Participants and senior management highly praised the WCO program, recognizing its significant value in global customs capacity building.

EU Boosts Cameroons Customs Classification Skills

EU Boosts Cameroons Customs Classification Skills

The World Customs Organization is assisting Cameroon in implementing its customs modernization program, with funding from the European Union, focusing on enhancing tariff classification capabilities. Through training workshops held in Douala, Cameroonian customs officials learned about the HS coding system, case studies, and trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy of commodity classification, promote regional integration, and foster trade development. The program emphasizes practical application and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable improvements in customs procedures.

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

WCO Shifts Focus to Capacity Building Amid Economic Strains

A high-level working group meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) explored customs capacity building in the context of the global economic situation. The meeting reviewed project progress and planned the functions of the new committee, aiming to contribute to the development of customs worldwide. Discussions focused on enhancing efficiency and effectiveness of customs administrations to facilitate trade and ensure security, aligning with the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in adapting to evolving global challenges.

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a Spanish version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist Spanish-speaking customs administrations in evaluating their gender equality policies, identifying gaps, and implementing reforms. The tool covers core principles such as employment, work-life balance, and governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting policies. It aims to support customs modernization in Latin America and promote trade facilitation by fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within customs organizations.