WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Supports Benin Customs in Streamlining Disaster Relief Clearance

WCO Supports Benin Customs in Streamlining Disaster Relief Clearance

The World Trade Organization (WTO) assisted Benin Customs in developing standard operating procedures for clearing natural disaster relief goods. Through unified import procedures, accelerated clearance processes, expert experience sharing, and practical exercises, the project aims to establish an efficient and convenient customs clearance mechanism for disaster relief supplies. This initiative not only enhances Benin Customs' disaster response capabilities but also provides valuable lessons for other countries, contributing to the construction of a global disaster relief system. The focus is on speed and efficiency in getting aid to those who need it most.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Customs Enforcement for Environmental Agreements

Botswana Enhances Customs Enforcement for Environmental Agreements

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Secretariat, held a workshop in Botswana to enhance customs officers' awareness and enforcement capabilities regarding multilateral environmental agreements. The workshop covered key issues such as the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol, strengthening cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. The WCO will continue to provide technical support to Botswana and other countries in achieving sustainable development goals. This initiative aims to combat illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods and promote responsible environmental practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Fiji in Enhancing Disaster Response

WCO Aids Fiji in Enhancing Disaster Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its COVID-19 Project funded by the Government of Japan, conducted a workshop for Fiji Customs to enhance its capacity to respond to emergencies like natural disasters. The workshop focused on reviewing and optimizing customs clearance procedures for relief goods and strengthening inter-agency collaboration. This initiative aims to help Pacific Island Countries build more resilient disaster management systems, ensuring timely delivery of aid and essential supplies during crises. The overall goal is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of humanitarian assistance.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

At the request of the Namibian Customs and Excise Department, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic support mission focused on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through extensive consultations with Namibian public and private sectors, the WCO will provide a tailored report with recommendations and collaborate with NCE to develop an implementation plan. This initiative aims to enhance capacity building and international cooperation, ultimately assisting Namibia in achieving trade facilitation and economic growth. The mission highlights the importance of customs cooperation in supporting TFA implementation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Leaders Urge Cooperation to Address Crises

Global Leaders Urge Cooperation to Address Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the critical importance of international cooperation in the face of global crises at an international organization annual meeting. Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya highlighted the WCO's measures to ensure smooth cargo flow during the pandemic, emphasizing the inclusiveness and flexibility of international instruments. He called for strengthening cooperation platforms to transform challenges into opportunities. The WCO's efforts demonstrate the vital role of collaboration in navigating global disruptions and fostering resilience in international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces App to Simplify Global Trade Compliance

WCO Introduces App to Simplify Global Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the 'HS Browse & Check' App, providing customs professionals and international trade enthusiasts with convenient HS code lookup and regulatory interpretation services. This free app offers the complete HS2022 content, including legal notes, explanatory notes, and classification opinions, helping users efficiently conduct trade operations and make informed decisions. It aims to streamline international trade processes by providing readily accessible information on HS codes and related regulations.

11/03/2025 HS Code Query
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Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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