WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade Initiatives

WCO Advances Gender Equality in Global Trade Initiatives

On International Women's Day, the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial role of women in global trade and actively promotes gender equality. Through conferences, the development of assessment tools, and the implementation of leadership development programs, the WCO is dedicated to elevating the position of women in customs, breaking down gender barriers, and jointly building a more prosperous and equitable global trade landscape. The WCO's efforts aim to empower women and ensure their equal participation in shaping the future of international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Bust Dismantles Major Counterfeit Goods Ring

Global Bust Dismantles Major Counterfeit Goods Ring

The World Customs Organization and the U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center jointly launched 'Operation Global Hoax,' uniting customs authorities from 42 countries. The operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of pirated CDs and other counterfeit goods, valued at millions of dollars. This initiative aims to combat piracy conducted through postal and express courier channels, demonstrating the international community's commitment to protecting intellectual property. It also urges the public to resist piracy and support legitimate products.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

Malawi Customs Enhances Trade Compliance Through Improved Classification Training

The Malawi Revenue Authority, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, conducted advanced Harmonized System training. This initiative aimed to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, with a focus on tariff classification for pharmaceuticals, food products, and general-purpose parts. The goal was to improve the accuracy and consistency of commodity classification, ensuring correct tax collection and accurate trade data statistics. This contributes positively to trade facilitation and economic development in Malawi.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Central Asia Road Transport for Trade Growth

WCO Enhances Central Asia Road Transport for Trade Growth

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized the role of road transport in improving border 'soft infrastructure' at the International Road Transport Conference. He commended Central Asian countries for joining the revised Kyoto Convention. He called for strengthened public-private partnerships to enhance transport connectivity and contribute to the prosperity and development of the Central Asian region. This collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures and facilitate trade, ultimately boosting economic growth and regional integration through efficient and reliable road transport networks.

01/05/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops and technical assistance, the WCO helped Gambia identify bottlenecks in cargo clearance, optimize customs procedures, and align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The ultimate goal is to improve the business environment and promote sustainable economic development in Gambia. The TRS aims to streamline processes and reduce the time and cost associated with importing and exporting goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Trains Customs Officials to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) trained Customs officers from the Middle East and North Africa in Beirut to enhance their capacity to combat cultural property smuggling. The training covered key areas including identification of smuggled artifacts, international cooperation, relevant legal frameworks, and practical enforcement techniques. The aim was to equip officers with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively identify, seize, and prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage items, thereby contributing to the protection of cultural heritage in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

WCO Workshop Enhances IP Rights Protection in Latin America

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an Intellectual Property (IP) seminar in Panama, aiming to enhance the capacity of Latin American customs authorities to combat counterfeit goods. The seminar focused on strategic implementation, regional collaboration, digital transformation, and practical exercises. These efforts are designed to lay the foundation for a new landscape of secure trade. The event emphasized the importance of coordinated actions in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of illicit goods across borders within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia Joins Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade

Georgia has officially joined the Revised Kyoto Convention, becoming its 116th contracting party, marking a significant step in its trade facilitation efforts. The Convention, considered the "gold standard" for global trade facilitation, promotes international trade development through simplified customs procedures and increased transparency. The World Customs Organization encourages more countries to join, working together to build an open and efficient global trade system. This accession highlights Georgia's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through adherence to international standards.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

Bahrain Hosts Regional WTO Trade Facilitation Workshop

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held the 3rd Regional Workshop on the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) in Bahrain, aiming to promote understanding and implementation of the TFA in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The workshop brought together customs and trade experts to discuss key TFA provisions, technical assistance, institutional cooperation, and member case studies. During the event, Japan announced its ratification of the TFA, injecting new momentum into trade facilitation efforts in the MENA region.

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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