Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Funded by the Japanese government through the WCO COVID-19 Project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island countries' customs administrations to expedite the clearance of relief goods during natural disasters and other emergencies. The workshop fostered international cooperation, promoted regulatory updates and process optimization, and improved the professional skills of customs officers. This initiative aims to build a robust barrier for the region to cope with potential future natural disasters by strengthening customs' ability to respond effectively.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and action plan development. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to reduce cargo release times, improve the business environment, and fulfill its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to streamline customs procedures and contribute to economic growth by reducing delays and costs associated with international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Customs, with WCO support, held a HS Code workshop to improve tariff classification accuracy and consistency, promoting trade efficiency. The workshop covered the application of HS Code General Interpretative Rules, interpretation of Committee Decisions, adaptation to revisions, and the advance ruling system. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials and corporate compliance management, laying the foundation for the modernization of Kazakhstan Customs and the globalization of enterprises. The training is expected to improve trade facilitation and reduce discrepancies in customs declarations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Trade Initiative

Mongolia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Trade Initiative

With the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs and the World Customs Organization, the Mongolian Customs General Administration successfully held a risk management workshop. The workshop aimed to enhance risk identification, assessment, and response capabilities. Through practical exercises, experience sharing, and learning from Australian border management practices, Mongolian Customs is expected to significantly improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, create more favorable conditions for economic development, and maintain national border security. The ultimate goal is to strengthen risk management practices and facilitate trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Enhances Trade Via Customs Time Release Study

Armenia Enhances Trade Via Customs Time Release Study

The WCO organized a TRS workshop in Armenia to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of Armenian customs procedures. Through the Time Release Study (TRS), bottlenecks were identified and action plans were developed to address them. This initiative aligns with WTO requirements for trade facilitation and contributes to streamlining cross-border trade processes. The TRS provides valuable insights for optimizing customs operations and reducing delays, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Boosts Crossborder Trade with WCO Backing

Thailand Boosts Crossborder Trade with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Coordinated Border Management (CBM) workshop in Thailand to enhance the Thai Customs' cross-border trade management capabilities. The workshop focused on key areas such as cooperation between border agencies, Single Window implementation, and paperless trade. Participants also conducted a site visit to a border checkpoint to provide expert recommendations for upgrading Thailand Customs' CBM. This initiative aims to help Thailand create an efficient and convenient cross-border trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national post-clearance audit (PCA) workshop in Kyrgyzstan to enhance the country's customs audit capabilities. Funded by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts used interactive teaching and practical exercises to help participants master the theoretical knowledge and operational skills of PCA. The successful workshop will contribute to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's PCA system, promoting trade facilitation, and safeguarding national economic security. The training covered key aspects of PCA implementation and risk management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to enhance its revenue administration capabilities. This activity, part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, covered topics like risk management and customs valuation. The workshop aims to assist Botswana in increasing tax revenue, combating smuggling, and promoting trade facilitation and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening BURS's ability to effectively conduct PCA and improve overall customs control.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

Nigeria Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for senior management of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to enhance their leadership and change management capabilities. The workshop covered topics such as leadership, integrity, and communication, providing a platform for open discussions and skills assessment. The Comptroller General of NCS shared experiences and emphasized the project's importance. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation with the NCS to promote the development of the Nigerian customs service.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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