Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

Customs Agencies Enhance Efficiency Via SECOWCO Partnership

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) aims to improve customs and tax administration in developing countries. Through training courses and capacity building initiatives, the GTFP helps managers master the latest management concepts and techniques to promote trade facilitation and support economic development. The program has supported customs and tax officials in numerous countries to enhance their capabilities, contributing to a more open and prosperous international trading system. This includes providing resources and expertise to modernize procedures and improve efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), Serbian Customs held a workshop on customs laboratory modernization and Harmonized System (HS) tariff management. By enhancing laboratory analysis capabilities, optimizing HS code application, and strengthening capacity building, Serbian Customs aims to promote trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and combat smuggling, ultimately boosting its international competitiveness. This initiative reflects Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and improving its customs operations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

Belize Customs Boosts Training with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Belize Customs and Excise Department (CED) in its human resources reform and modernization efforts. Through workshops, CED senior management analyzed existing strategies and business plans, developing a human resources strategy, development plan, and training calendar. These initiatives aim to enhance CED's human resources management capabilities to meet the evolving challenges of global trade and promote economic development in Belize. The collaboration underscores the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and fostering efficient trade practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) through the C-RED project to support Mali in enhancing its customs clearance capacity for emergency relief goods. This initiative aims to strengthen customs' preparedness for emergencies in West Africa by focusing on capacity building, coordination mechanisms, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The goal is to ensure the rapid delivery of relief supplies, contributing to the protection of lives and livelihoods during crises.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HRM for Modernization

Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HRM for Modernization

With the support of the WCO, Mali Customs has initiated HRM modernization reforms, employing a competency model to enhance personnel quality. Facing challenges, the reform aims to build a modern HRM system to promote development. The focus is on improving employee skills and performance through a structured framework, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective customs administration. This initiative is crucial for Mali Customs to meet international standards and facilitate trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Streamlines Global Customs Procedures

Revised Kyoto Convention Streamlines Global Customs Procedures

The 16th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee reviewed and adopted the RKCVWG's interim report, laying the groundwork for a comprehensive review of the RKC. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of the RKC in promoting trade facilitation and called for active participation in the implementation and revision of the Convention to adapt to new global trade landscapes and challenges. The committee emphasized the need for continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure the RKC remains relevant and effective in facilitating international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Strengthens Leadership for Strategic Reform

Cameroon Customs Strengthens Leadership for Strategic Reform

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Cameroon Customs in enhancing its leadership capabilities, regaining control of outsourced functions, and promoting reforms. This support culminated in the "Mbankomo II Declaration," which aims to further support the development of Cameroon Customs. The initiative focused on strengthening internal management and fostering a more effective and autonomous customs administration.

02/03/2026 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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WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Kyrgyzstans Customs for Trade Efficiency

The WCO, in collaboration with the OSCE, is assisting the Kyrgyz Republic Customs in launching a new round of Time Release Study (TRS). This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance procedures, reduce trade costs, and promote economic development within the country. By analyzing the time taken for goods to be released, the study will identify bottlenecks and areas for improvement in the customs process, ultimately leading to enhanced trade facilitation and increased efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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