Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Upgrades Customs Lab to Safeguard Minerals Trade

Peru Upgrades Customs Lab to Safeguard Minerals Trade

A workshop held in Peru by the World Customs Organization aims to modernize the Peruvian Customs Laboratory. This initiative seeks to improve commodity classification accuracy, facilitate trade, and strengthen the protection of national mineral resources. Relocating and constructing a new laboratory, upgrading technology, and fostering international cooperation will drive efficiency improvements within Peruvian Customs. This modernization is expected to promote economic development and trade prosperity in Peru by ensuring proper classification and efficient processing of goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cameroon Customs in Audit System Modernization

WCO Backs Cameroon Customs in Audit System Modernization

The WCO is assisting Cameroon Customs in upgrading its post-clearance audit (PCA) system. This involves optimizing organization, processes, risk management, and technology. The initiative is data-driven, aiming to enhance trade facilitation and improve revenue collection. By leveraging data analysis, Cameroon Customs can better target high-risk areas and streamline legitimate trade flows. The modernization efforts are expected to lead to increased efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, ultimately contributing to economic growth and improved border security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

Wcos Clean Seas Initiative Tackles Asiapacific Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project, is assisting Indonesian and Philippine Customs in enhancing their control over plastic waste via virtual diagnostic missions. The project aims to strengthen Customs' ability to handle legal plastic waste imports, reduce the risk of illegal shipments, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. The WCO will provide customized implementation plans and host regional workshops to foster collaboration and address the challenges of plastic waste management.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Tightens IP Laws to Curb Counterfeiting

Armenia Tightens IP Laws to Curb Counterfeiting

Armenia, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization, held a national seminar focusing on combating counterfeit and pirated goods, emphasizing the importance of intellectual property protection. The seminar aimed to strengthen customs control by enhancing the legal knowledge and risk management capabilities of customs officers, as well as fostering cooperation with rights holders. This initiative seeks to safeguard national economic security and public interests. International cooperation and consumer awareness are crucial in the fight against counterfeit goods.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Francophone African Officials Boost Customs Expertise

Francophone African Officials Boost Customs Expertise

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a training session in Mauritius for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. The training aimed to enhance their expertise in HS coding and customs valuation. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and group discussions, participants not only mastered relevant knowledge but also strengthened their awareness of regional cooperation, laying the foundation for better serving international trade in the future. The training also explored the challenges and opportunities of HS coding in regional applications.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guyana Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade with WCO Aid

Guyana Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Guyana's customs modernization through the 'Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme,' focusing on strengthening the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system and implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. With support from the UK, the initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, enhance supply chain security, and boost Guyana's international trade competitiveness. The program emphasizes efficient and secure trade practices, contributing to economic growth and regional integration by fostering a more reliable and predictable trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts WCO Digital Reforms

Asiapacific Customs Adopts WCO Digital Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted an online seminar on disruptive technology experience sharing in the Asia Pacific region, focusing on the application of technologies like blockchain, AI, machine learning, and IoT in customs. The conference brought together global experts to discuss key issues such as public-private partnerships, data pipelines, international standards, and governance requirements. The aim was to promote digital transformation of customs in the Asia Pacific region and enhance trade facilitation and compliance.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togos Customs Modernization Boosts Efficiency Revenue

Togos Customs Modernization Boosts Efficiency Revenue

Togo Customs has achieved significant results in tax collection, clearance efficiency, and regulatory enforcement by introducing a performance management system supported by the World Customs Organization. Tax revenue increased by 46%, clearance times were halved, and the detection rate of irregularities doubled. This experience provides a valuable lesson for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of high-level commitment, international cooperation, and continuous improvement. It also looks forward to the application of digitalization and intelligence in customs reform.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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