MENA Customs Enhances Regional Ties to Spur Economic Growth

MENA Customs Enhances Regional Ties to Spur Economic Growth

The inaugural meeting of the MENA Customs Resource Mobilization Working Group was successfully held in Bahrain. The meeting focused on enhancing regional customs administration capabilities, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic integration. Participants discussed strategies for resource mobilization to support customs modernization and efficiency improvements. The initiative aims to strengthen customs cooperation within the MENA region, contributing to sustainable economic growth and regional stability. Key topics included best practices in revenue collection, risk management, and the use of technology in customs operations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Customs Lab Guide to Strengthen Regional Trade

WCO Updates Customs Lab Guide to Strengthen Regional Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its 'Customs Laboratory Guide,' emphasizing the role of Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs). A new Appendix V provides contact information and establishment procedures for RCLs, aiming to enhance member laboratory capabilities and promote regional cooperation in addressing global trade challenges. The updated guide, now available, offers guidance on standardized operations, capacity building, resource optimization, risk management, and cooperation promotion. It seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs laboratories worldwide through strengthened regional networks and adherence to WCO best practices.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its Customs Laboratory Guide, adding Annex V, which provides information on Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs) and the procedures and requirements for establishing them. This initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity building, assisting members in upgrading their laboratories and becoming regional benchmarks. The guide, available in English and French on the WCO Members' website, serves as a crucial resource for customs laboratory advancement. It promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing within regions to enhance analytical capabilities and facilitate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Balkan Customs Labs Enhance Trade Efficiency Through Regional Cooperation

Balkan Customs Labs Enhance Trade Efficiency Through Regional Cooperation

A Balkan Regional Customs Laboratory Workshop was held in Serbia, promoted by the World Customs Organization. The meeting focused on laboratory modernization, compliance with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, ISO 17025 quality certification, and CLEN cooperation opportunities. The aim was to enhance the capabilities of regional customs laboratories, promote trade facilitation, and build a more efficient trading environment. The discussions centered around improving analytical techniques, sharing best practices, and fostering collaboration to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers within the Balkan region.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

The 2018 Asia Pacific World Customs Organization Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held in Shanghai, focusing on customs capacity building. Discussions centered on e-learning, training strategy implementation, seminar benefit optimization, and strengthening RTC functions. The meeting fostered regional cooperation, clarified the direction of capacity building, promoted the implementation of the WCO training strategy, and enhanced the international influence of Asia Pacific Customs. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve customs practices and facilitate trade within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Senegal Customs Modernizes HR with WCO Backing Targets Regional Benchmark

Senegal Customs Modernizes HR with WCO Backing Targets Regional Benchmark

With WCO support through the WACAM project, Senegalese Customs is advancing human resource modernization. They've completed personnel planning tools and secured high-level support. The goal is to validate and implement a competency-based approach by December 15, 2015. This initiative aims to enhance customs efficiency, employee satisfaction, and international competitiveness. It is expected to serve as a model for West Africa, demonstrating the positive impact of strategic human resource management within customs administrations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Boost Customs Modernization Via Regional Cooperation

West and Central Africa Boost Customs Modernization Via Regional Cooperation

The 6th Regional Working Group Meeting of Human Resources and Training Managers of Customs in West and Central Africa in 2016 focused on regional cooperation to accelerate the modernization of customs human resources. The meeting emphasized experience sharing, regional synergy, and the importance of the WCO-WACAM project. Participating countries actively sought project support and discussed key issues such as digital transformation, performance management, leadership development, and talent retention, aiming to jointly build the future of customs in West and Central Africa. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and shared strategies.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Training Center

Indonesia Boosts Customs Oversight with WCO Training Center

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Indonesian Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Regional Training Center (RTC) and a Regional Customs Laboratory (RCL) in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance regional customs capacity building, facilitate trade, and promote economic development. Indonesian Customs will leverage its regional leadership to share best practices through the RTC and RCL, strengthening regional cooperation and addressing global trade challenges.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

Hong Kong Customs Enhances Asiapacific Antismuggling Collaboration

The Regional Office for Capacity Building Asia Pacific (ROCB A/P), with strong support from regional members like Hong Kong Customs, is dedicated to providing high-quality capacity building support to customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region. The renewed dispatch of technical experts by Hong Kong Customs demonstrates its long-term commitment to regional capacity building. ROCB A/P will continue to play a vital role in facilitating regional trade development, ensuring trade security, and enhancing customs management capabilities.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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