WCO Launches Stress Management Training for Customs Officers

WCO Launches Stress Management Training for Customs Officers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to empower customs executives and enhance resilience for both employees and the organization. The training covers six modules including wellbeing, designing organizational wellbeing programs, mental health, work-life balance, and stress management. The WCO will pilot the materials and plans to develop training for middle management and frontline staff to establish a culture of wellbeing within customs administrations.

WCO Aids Palestinian Customs in Warehouse Management Upgrade

WCO Aids Palestinian Customs in Warehouse Management Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) facilitated a study visit for the Palestinian Customs Organization to learn from Morocco's experience in bonded warehouse management. This initiative aims to assist Palestine in establishing and improving its bonded warehouse system, enhancing risk management, and coordinating border management, aligning with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and promoting trade facilitation. This effort is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD project, financially supported by the UK government.

Qatar Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Performance Management

Qatar Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Performance Management

In 2015, a WCO expert team was invited to Qatar to assist in building a performance management framework. Through strategic planning interpretation, performance monitoring discussions, indicator development workshops, and international experience sharing, the team helped Qatar Customs improve operational efficiency, service quality, and international image, contributing more significantly to national economic development. The assistance focused on enhancing customs effectiveness through improved performance management practices and leveraging international collaboration to achieve strategic goals.

Customs Brokerage Key to Import Business Efficiency

Customs Brokerage Key to Import Business Efficiency

This article discusses the core concepts of customs operations and the responsibility relationship between importers and customs brokers. It emphasizes the importance of responsibility supervision for ensuring compliance and efficiency, while also highlighting the necessity of communication and risk management within the complex trade environment.

Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit workshop in Bahrain to enhance Bahrain Customs' revenue collection capabilities. The workshop focused on international standards, risk management, and audit preparation, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and data analysis in auditing. Through case studies and practical exercises, it helped Bahrain Customs officials master audit techniques, laying the foundation for building an efficient tax system. The training aimed to improve compliance and reduce revenue leakage through effective post-clearance control mechanisms.

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Wildlife Trafficking

Malawi Customs Strengthened Against Wildlife Trafficking

The INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of Malawi Customs to combat illegal wildlife trade. Through diagnostic assessments, training implementation, and risk management workshops, the project assists Malawi Customs in building risk defenses. It strengthens cooperation with customs administrations of other countries to jointly address the global challenge of illegal wildlife trade, protect endangered species, maintain national security, and facilitate trade. The project ultimately contributes to a more secure and sustainable future by mitigating risks associated with wildlife trafficking.

Kazakhstan Advances Customs Modernization Via WCO Audit Workshop

Kazakhstan Advances Customs Modernization Via WCO Audit Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an online national seminar for Kazakhstan, focusing on post-clearance audit (PCA) capacity building. The seminar aimed to enhance the country's customs trade compliance, promote trade facilitation, and highlighted the importance of a 'soft and hard' approach to auditing, risk management, information sharing, and international cooperation. This initiative supports Kazakhstan's customs modernization efforts.

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

The 19th meeting of the Customs Management Council of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region focused on trade facilitation and capacity building. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Discussions covered regional cooperation, financial management, and the appointment of the WCO Director. The meeting aimed to promote African trade growth and regional economic integration through innovative customs procedures. Furthermore, the goal was to enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities within the ESA region.

Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

A WCO seminar in Tunisia explored advance processing systems and e-commerce challenges to improve customs efficiency. Advance processing uses pre-arrival data for risk assessment, speeding clearance, controlling risks, and facilitating compliance. E-commerce challenges require customs to adopt risk management, technology, and collaboration strategies. Tunisian Customs is actively revising regulations, piloting programs, sharing data, and building capacity to embrace change, ultimately benefiting consumers. This proactive approach aims to streamline processes, enhance security, and adapt to the evolving landscape of international trade in the digital age.

New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Cargo Targeting System (CTS) air cargo capability has been piloted in New Zealand, aiming to enhance global air cargo risk assessment and pre-inspection capabilities. The New Zealand Customs Service will comprehensively test and evaluate the system, providing customs agencies worldwide with smarter, more efficient risk management tools. This initiative contributes to building a safer and more convenient global trade environment by improving the ability to identify and mitigate potential threats in air cargo shipments before they reach their destination.