WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

African Customs Officials Train at WCO As Trade Grows

The World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted a study visit for customs experts from Portuguese-speaking African countries, aiming to enhance their application of the Harmonized System (HS) and promote regional trade development. The activities included participation in the HS Committee (HSC) meeting, meetings with representatives of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), and planned capacity-building workshops to strengthen tariff classification and customs cooperation. The visit focused on improving skills and fostering collaboration to facilitate trade and ensure accurate classification practices within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade with Strategic Workshop

Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade with Strategic Workshop

The WCO held a workshop in Bolivia to help its customs enhance organizational transformation capabilities, implement a new strategic plan, and promote trade facilitation and sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen Bolivia's customs administration by focusing on modernizing its operations and aligning them with international best practices. This initiative is expected to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The WCO's support underscores its commitment to assisting member countries in achieving their development goals through effective customs management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Customs experts from the Asia-Pacific region gathered in India to discuss best practices in customs transit. The workshop focused on the WCO Transit Guidelines, shared experiences in railway transit, and explored future development directions. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the application of information technology, improve laws and regulations, enhance capacity building, and foster public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to jointly build a new landscape for customs transit in the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zimbabwe Zambia Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Zimbabwe and Zambia are advancing customs data interconnectivity to facilitate cross-border trade. By standardizing data, establishing data exchange protocols, and creating a change management framework, the two countries aim to reduce clearance times, lower trade costs, and enhance risk management capabilities. This initiative serves as a model for customs cooperation in other African nations, promoting regional economic integration. The project emphasizes streamlined processes and improved efficiency, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and integrated trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Agencies Combat Plastic Waste Surge

Asiapacific Customs Agencies Combat Plastic Waste Surge

The World Customs Organization (WCO) concluded virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, aiming to enhance customs' capacity in the Asia-Pacific region to combat the illegal cross-border movement of plastic waste. The project involved assessing the current state of customs in both countries, developing improvement plans, and planning a regional workshop to foster cooperation in addressing the plastic waste challenge. This initiative supports the implementation of the Basel Convention's Plastic Waste Amendments and promotes collaborative efforts to manage plastic waste effectively.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Zimbabwe Zambia Enhance Trade with Customs Interconnectivity

Zimbabwe Zambia Enhance Trade with Customs Interconnectivity

Zimbabwe and Zambia are collaborating to advance customs interconnectivity, aiming to enhance cross-border trade efficiency, reduce costs, and promote regional economic growth through data exchange and process optimization. With the support of the World Customs Organization, both countries are actively building the infrastructure and legal framework for interconnectivity, creating a more convenient and efficient trading environment for businesses. This initiative promises to streamline customs procedures and foster closer economic ties between the two nations, ultimately contributing to increased trade volumes and sustainable development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Shenzhen Airport Boosts Regional Economy

Shenzhen Airport Boosts Regional Economy

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is a vital aviation hub in China, significantly contributing to regional economic development. This paper analyzes its strategic position, current operations, and future plans, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities it faces. Shenzhen Airport should continue to strengthen infrastructure construction, improve service quality, and expand its international route network. The goal is to become a world-class international aviation hub, further boosting the regional economy and solidifying its position as a key player in global air travel.

09/26/2025 Airport Codes
Read More
Key Freight Terms and Cargo Handling in Global Trade Explained

Key Freight Terms and Cargo Handling in Global Trade Explained

This paper delves into critical aspects of freight forwarding practice, including the significance of the Bill of Lading's declared value, the basis for cargo damage claims, the definition of non-containerized shipments, customs clearance procedures, the distinction between 'first release' and 'second release', the concepts of LCL consolidation and cooperative stuffing, and the division of responsibilities between buyers and sellers under DDU terms. It aims to provide practical guidance for professionals in the foreign trade industry, clarifying key operational procedures and liabilities.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
Read More
Copiap Airport Expands Access to Chiles Atacama Mining Hub

Copiap Airport Expands Access to Chiles Atacama Mining Hub

Copiapó Airport (CPO) is a crucial air hub in Chile's Atacama Region, primarily serving domestic routes and supporting regional mining, passenger, and cargo transport. As a non-customs airport, international freight requires clearance at other ports. West Coast Cargo provides comprehensive airport information, including codes, facilities, storage, and clearance requirements. Copiapó Airport is expected to upgrade and become a more significant international freight node with regional economic development.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
Read More