Colombia Tax Authority Bolsters Leadership with WCO Training

Colombia Tax Authority Bolsters Leadership with WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held its first virtual Leadership and Management Development (LMD) program at the request of the Colombian National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN). The program, which included modules on crisis management, effectively enhanced the leadership, teamwork, and organizational strategic capabilities of DIAN executives. The Director of DIAN highly praised the program and expressed anticipation for future collaboration. This initiative demonstrates the WCO's commitment to supporting its members in developing strong leadership within their customs administrations.

Customs Agencies Tackle Global Waste Trade Crisis

Customs Agencies Tackle Global Waste Trade Crisis

A World Customs Organization report highlights the serious global waste trade situation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in border control. The report analyzes the regional characteristics of waste trade and major illegal trade targets. It proposes strengthening risk management, increasing resource investment, enhancing international cooperation, and applying technology to address the issue. The aim is to build a new global waste governance framework. The report underscores the importance of effective customs procedures to combat illegal waste shipments and protect the environment.

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

Honduras Adopts WCO Framework to Boost Ecommerce Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Honduras Customs in enhancing its cross-border e-commerce management capabilities. Through workshops and the WCO Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards, the initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, strengthen risk management, promote tax compliance, and create a more favorable environment for SMEs to participate in international trade. A work plan will be developed to build a framework of security, control, and facilitation, ultimately promoting the development of cross-border e-commerce in Honduras.

Bosnia Strengthens Customs IP Protections Against Counterfeits

Bosnia Strengthens Customs IP Protections Against Counterfeits

A workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) protection was held in cooperation between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH). The aim was to enhance the capacity of Bosnian customs officers in combating counterfeit goods. The workshop covered legal and regulatory learning, IPM platform application, promotion of public-private partnerships, and strengthening customs control capabilities. This is significant for improving the fight against counterfeiting in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the wider region.

WCO SICPA Enhance Global Supply Chain Security Partnership

WCO SICPA Enhance Global Supply Chain Security Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and SICPA are deepening their cooperation to enhance global supply chain security. Through SICPA's support for WCO capacity-building programs, both parties are jointly combating counterfeiting and improving customs enforcement capabilities, aiming to build a safer and more efficient international trade system. This collaboration demonstrates the commitment of governments and the private sector to jointly maintain global trade order. The partnership focuses on strengthening customs administrations to effectively address security threats and facilitate legitimate trade flows.

WCO Updates Expert Guidance for Enhanced Capacity Building

WCO Updates Expert Guidance for Enhanced Capacity Building

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the new "WCO Expert Guidance" to provide comprehensive support to experts involved in capacity building missions. This guide covers pre-mission preparation, execution, post-mission follow-up, and administrative and financial rules. It aims to ensure that experts complete their tasks efficiently and in accordance with regulations, thereby contributing to global customs capacity building efforts. The guidance serves as a valuable resource for experts to enhance their effectiveness and impact on customs modernization worldwide.

Benin Port Upgrade Boosts Trade with Customs Reforms

Benin Port Upgrade Boosts Trade with Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Benin Customs with reform and modernization efforts to improve the efficiency of the Port of Cotonou. By providing expert guidance, overseeing strategic implementation, and coordinating resources, the WCO aims to optimize customs procedures, introduce advanced technologies, and enhance personnel skills, ultimately fostering Benin's economic development. A key aspect of the reform involves tailored measures addressing the port's specific circumstances and establishing an efficient information-sharing mechanism. This collaboration seeks to streamline operations and boost trade facilitation.

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenia in developing a Mercator Implementation Plan. This plan aims to comprehensively improve customs clearance efficiency and trade facilitation in Armenia by optimizing key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and the single window system. The initiative is expected to inject new vitality into Armenia's economic development by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs. The focus is on modernizing customs procedures to align with international best practices and facilitate smoother cross-border trade.

Sri Lanka Customs Enhances Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

Sri Lanka Customs Enhances Efficiency with WCO Audit Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in Sri Lanka to enhance the Sri Lankan Customs' PCA capabilities, optimize the trade environment, and increase revenue collection. Through expert guidance and practical exercises, the workshop aimed to help Sri Lankan Customs develop more efficient PCA processes, improve clearance efficiency, enhance corporate compliance awareness, and promote trade development. It focused on building a robust and effective PCA system to ensure accurate revenue collection and streamlined trade procedures.

WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burundi Customs in building a national risk management framework to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. By developing risk management policies, strategies, and action plans, and aligning them with regional frameworks, Burundi will be better positioned to implement its AEO program and fulfill its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to contribute to Burundi's sustainable economic development by enhancing customs operations and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.