WCO JICA Boost Customs Revenue in Pacific Islands

WCO JICA Boost Customs Revenue in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched the Pacific Islands Customs "Professional Mentoring Framework" (PMF) to enhance customs modernization in the region. A preparatory meeting identified customs valuation and commodity classification as priority areas. The project's success hinges on accurate needs assessments, practical training content, diverse training methods, scientific impact evaluation, and ensuring sustainability. The PMF aims to build capacity and improve tax administration through effective mentorship and targeted training programs.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Adopts WCO Standards to Enhance Trade with Swiss Aid

Guatemala Adopts WCO Standards to Enhance Trade with Swiss Aid

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a collaboration between the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, will provide technical assistance to Guatemalan Customs to facilitate its accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of Guatemalan Customs, reduce trade costs, enhance trade transparency, and ultimately boost its international competitiveness, fostering economic development. This support is crucial for Guatemala to streamline its customs procedures and align with international best practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a strategic planning and project management workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) to enhance its institutional capacity. The workshop assisted DIAN in building a results-based management system, designing a future development model for Customs, and mastering effective coordination tools. This laid a solid foundation for DIAN's Customs reform efforts, enabling more efficient and effective operations and contributing to increased trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced its 2021 theme as "Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience," highlighting the crucial role of customs in the sustainable recovery of global supply chains. Through digital transformation, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced personnel capabilities, customs administrations can better address future challenges and ensure the smooth and secure flow of global trade. This includes adapting to new technologies and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and adaptable supply chains in the face of disruptions.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Customs Boosts Classification Skills for Advance Ruling System

Madagascar Customs Boosts Classification Skills for Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a capacity building workshop in Madagascar to enhance customs officers' skills in goods classification and lay the groundwork for the implementation of an advance ruling system. Funded by the EU-WCO Africa Coordination Programme, the workshop aimed to support the Madagascar Customs in establishing an advance ruling mechanism and promoting trade facilitation. The initiative is expected to improve the predictability and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately benefiting businesses and contributing to economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Target Covidrelated Illicit Trade

Global Customs Agencies Target Covidrelated Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the 'COVID-19-Related Cross-Border Goods Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project' to combat counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade, and ensure the smooth flow of legitimate trade. The project aims to build a global vaccine safety barrier by strengthening cross-border supervision, optimizing customs clearance procedures, enhancing the capacity of customs personnel, and promoting international cooperation. This initiative provides a strong boost to the global fight against the pandemic.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Customs, with support from the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual forum focusing on optimizing customs valuation risk management. Participating countries shared experiences and discussed database construction, value verification processes, and private sector engagement. Based on this, Peru Customs developed an action plan to strengthen value verification and deepen cooperation with the private sector. The World Customs Organization will continue to provide support to enhance transparency and predictability in cross-border trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

Southern Africa Enhances Customs Valuation Via WCOJICA Initiative

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly implementing the Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Program (MTP) to create a professional and sustainable pool of CV trainers in Southern Africa. The third working group activity focused on developing training materials and enhancing practical skills. The WCO and JICA are committed to continuously supporting customs capacity building in the region, building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, and promoting trade development.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Advocates Trade Transparency Via Advance Rulings

WTO Advocates Trade Transparency Via Advance Rulings

This article explores the role of advance rulings in international trade, highlighting the legal certainty and risk management advantages they offer to businesses and customs in terms of classification, origin, and valuation. The technical guidelines from the World Customs Organization support the implementation of advance rulings by countries, promoting trade efficiency and transparency.

08/08/2025 Logistics
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in launching its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks and optimize processes, ultimately improving trade efficiency. Through the TRS and the development of a Single Window system, the Bahamas aims to significantly improve its business environment, enhance international competitiveness, and lay the groundwork for joining the World Trade Organization. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative is crucial for economic growth and integration into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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