WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched its Intellectual Property Health and Safety (IPHS) Programme, with the first online training successfully held in Namibia. This initiative aims to enhance customs' ability to combat counterfeiting and piracy, particularly focusing on illicit medical goods during the pandemic. The WCO emphasizes customs' responsibility and provides tools to address these challenges. Funded by Japan Customs, the program seeks to strengthen international cooperation through information sharing, joint enforcement operations, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns, ultimately safeguarding global trade security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training Across West and Central Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Training Across West and Central Africa

The WCO-WACAM project aims to establish a regional pool of human resources experts for Customs administrations in West and Central Africa. Through capacity building, tool development, and follow-up support, the project enhances HR management within Customs departments, ultimately improving their efficiency and competitiveness. It emphasizes a competency-based HRM approach and develops tools such as job catalogs, competency frameworks, and job descriptions. These resources lay the foundation for Customs modernization and contribute to more effective and professional Customs operations in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

WCO Publishes 2022 HS Explanatory Notes for Trade Classification

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 2022 edition of the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes (HSEN) in print. This provides practical guidance on technical descriptions and classification of goods, serving as the official interpretation of HS codes. Purchase of the print version includes amendment supplements. An online subscription option is also available through the WCO Trade Tools platform. As a global leader in customs affairs, the WCO assists trade professionals in accurate customs clearance.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

The 19th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeit and Piracy Group was successfully held, focusing on two major issues: e-commerce infringement and standardized procedures for goods destruction. New tools were launched to strengthen global customs cooperation in intellectual property protection and jointly combat infringement and counterfeiting. The meeting aimed to safeguard innovation and development by enhancing customs' role in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of counterfeit goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Samoa Strengthens Border Controls with WCO Assistance

Samoa Strengthens Border Controls with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Samoa Customs in optimizing its border management. Through workshops, the WCO is sharing best practices and introducing relevant tools to promote inter-agency collaboration and data harmonization. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency, strengthen border security, and foster economic development. Ultimately, it lays the foundation for a highly efficient and collaborative cross-border regulatory system in Samoa, improving overall customs operations and contributing to regional stability.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs to Boost Global Trade Competitiveness

WCO Enhances Customs to Boost Global Trade Competitiveness

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ALACAT International Congress, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in enhancing global competitiveness and implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The WCO empowers customs through standardized tools, risk management, capacity building, and coordinated cooperation to promote trade facilitation. The importance of customs-business cooperation was also highlighted. Furthermore, the WCO is actively addressing the challenges of the digital age, contributing to the prosperity and development of global trade.

02/02/2026 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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Vietnams Vinh Long Airport Streamlines Air Freight and Customs

Vietnams Vinh Long Airport Streamlines Air Freight and Customs

This article provides an in-depth analysis of air freight operations and customs clearance procedures at Vinh Long Airport (XVL) in Vietnam. As a non-customs airport, goods imported and exported through XVL require clearance at other customs airports. The article details key elements of air freight operations, clearance requirements, and recommends using the West Coast Cargo's three-letter code lookup system and other practical tools to help businesses operate efficiently. It emphasizes the importance of understanding the specific requirements for handling cargo through a non-customs airport like XVL.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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