WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

Participants of the 91st World Customs Organization (WCO) training program have completed the second phase of their training. This program aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials from developing countries and promote the modernization of their respective national customs administrations. The participants attended leadership workshops at the WCO headquarters and had exchanges with the Secretary-General. They are currently undertaking study visits in China, Japan, or Korea.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Adopts Uruguays Customs Risk Strategies to Boost Trade

Bolivia Adopts Uruguays Customs Risk Strategies to Boost Trade

Bolivian Customs is leveraging the risk management experience of Uruguayan Customs to improve clearance efficiency and reduce trade risks. This initiative is part of a WCO project aimed at fostering international cooperation and economic development. By adopting best practices in risk management, Bolivian Customs aims to streamline processes, enhance security, and facilitate legitimate trade flows. This collaboration highlights the importance of knowledge sharing and capacity building in strengthening customs administrations and promoting global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Finland Funds Customs Modernization in East and Southern Africa

Finland Funds Customs Modernization in East and Southern Africa

Finland is funding a WCO project to support customs modernization and enhance trade capacity in East and Southern Africa. The project is progressing well, focusing on five key areas including leadership and enforcement. The initiative aims to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance with international standards, ultimately fostering regional economic growth and integration by strengthening customs administrations in the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Implements Competency Framework to Modernize HR

Burkina Faso Customs Implements Competency Framework to Modernize HR

With the support of the WCO, Burkina Faso Customs has launched a competency framework and job directory to improve human resource management and organizational efficiency. This initiative serves as a valuable model for developing countries seeking to enhance their customs administration. The implementation of the competency framework aims to strengthen the skills and knowledge of customs officials, leading to improved performance and better service delivery. By focusing on capacity building and effective human resource practices, Burkina Faso Customs is contributing to economic growth and trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Sponsored by Japan Customs and organized by the World Customs Organization, a national HS workshop was held in Malawi to enhance the commodity classification skills of Malawian customs officers. The aim was to improve tax revenue efficiency and promote international trade development. The workshop focused on core HS principles and practical operations, emphasizing the importance of capacity building for a sound tax system and exploring the strategic significance of improving HS coding capabilities. This initiative underscores the commitment to strengthening customs operations through targeted training and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Strengthens Trade Oversight with Customs and Pricing Reforms

Asiapacific Strengthens Trade Oversight with Customs and Pricing Reforms

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with the OECD and the World Bank Group, held an Asia-Pacific seminar focusing on the nexus between customs valuation and transfer pricing. The conference emphasized the need for enhanced information sharing and collaborative supervision between tax and customs authorities to address challenges posed by related-party transactions. This aims to improve cross-border trade compliance, enhance tax collection efficiency, and build a more efficient cross-border trade regulatory system. The discussions highlighted practical approaches and best practices for effective collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Customs Boosts Revenue with HS Code Upgrade

DR Congo Customs Boosts Revenue with HS Code Upgrade

DR Congo Customs aims to achieve customs autonomy by introducing HS tools and conducting nationwide training, reducing reliance on external organizations. This initiative includes equipping customs offices with HS software, developing provincial promotion plans, improving vocational training systems, and strengthening integrity. By enhancing the professionalism and operational capabilities of customs personnel, DR Congo hopes to boost its economic growth. The implementation of HS tools and comprehensive training are key components of this strategy for achieving greater self-reliance in customs management.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Boosts Customs Leadership and Global Trade Growth

WCO Program Boosts Customs Leadership and Global Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Professional Development Programme aims to cultivate customs talent and promote international cooperation. The 2011/2012 project review highlights its objectives, participants, achievements, and impact, emphasizing the importance of knowledge sharing, capacity building, and trade facilitation. The article also looks forward to the future development direction of the program, calling for jointly building a new chapter in global customs cooperation. It underscores the program's role in fostering a collaborative environment and enhancing the effectiveness of customs administrations worldwide.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

African students from the University of Münster visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) to gain insights into customs capacity building. Through expert lectures and participation in meetings, the students gained a more direct understanding of the current development status of African customs and the WCO's support measures. The WCO will continue to strengthen cooperation with African customs to help its modernization and transformation. This visit highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation across the African continent.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Key Differences in Air Vs Sea Freight Customs Clearance

Key Differences in Air Vs Sea Freight Customs Clearance

International air and sea freight present different customs clearance risks. Air freight offers speed but demands tight clearance timelines, strict inspections, high declaration standards, and higher costs. Sea freight allows more time, utilizes sampling inspections, offers flexible declarations, and concentrates costs on demurrage and storage fees. Both are susceptible to policy changes, requiring attention to international affairs and flexible responses. Choosing the appropriate transportation method is crucial based on these factors.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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