WCO Enhances Customs Capacity in West and Central Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Capacity in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Côte d'Ivoire Customs in upgrading its human resources management system by introducing competency-based management and project cycle management methodologies. Through expert training, tool development, and action plan formulation, the initiative aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials. This capacity building effort lays the foundation for customs modernization and serves as a valuable reference for other customs administrations. The project focuses on improving efficiency and effectiveness within the Ivorian customs service by equipping personnel with the necessary skills and knowledge.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Enhances Tax Collection with HR Modernization

Sierra Leone Enhances Tax Collection with HR Modernization

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched a modernization project of its human resources system. This initiative aims to build a competency-based HRM system to improve recruitment, performance management, training, compensation, and employee relations. The goal is to inject talent and drive into the nation's economic development by strengthening the NRA's human capital. This comprehensive reform seeks to ensure a skilled and motivated workforce capable of effectively managing the country's revenue collection and contributing to sustainable economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Freight Index Highlights Shifting Logistics Trends

Freight Index Highlights Shifting Logistics Trends

The Cass Freight Index report indicates year-over-year growth in both freight volume and expenditures, but a month-over-month decline. E-commerce and air freight are driving volume growth, while rising fuel prices are impacting expenditures. To navigate opportunities and challenges, businesses should focus on digital transformation, supply chain optimization, service diversification, promotion of green logistics, and talent development. This includes embracing technology, streamlining processes, offering a wider range of services, adopting sustainable practices, and investing in employee training to remain competitive in the evolving logistics landscape.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North Carolina Ports Panama Canal Partner to Boost Asian Trade

North Carolina Ports Panama Canal Partner to Boost Asian Trade

The North Carolina State Ports Authority and the Panama Canal Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to leverage the Panama Canal expansion and enhance the competitiveness of US East Coast ports by promoting the “all-water route.” The collaboration will focus on marketing, data exchange, information sharing, and joint training. This partnership aims to address shifts in global trade patterns and facilitate increased trade between Asia and the US East Coast. By working together, they seek to capitalize on opportunities presented by the expanded canal and strengthen their positions within the global supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes customs efficiency, security, and prosperity through Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GED). The 5th WCO Global Conference on Gender Equality and Diversity Network focused on disability inclusion and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of trade-enabling women. The WCO supports its members through the GEOAT tool, training packages, and a pool of experts. It also advocates for enhanced cooperation to collectively build a more equitable and efficient customs system. This collaborative approach aims to foster a customs environment that is both effective and inclusive for all stakeholders.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to FOB Trade Managing Freight and Risk

Guide to FOB Trade Managing Freight and Risk

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the operational procedures for nominated cargo under FOB trade terms, emphasizing the importance of information communication and instruction execution. It details potential risks such as release of goods without original Bill of Lading and cost settlement issues, along with corresponding mitigation strategies. The article also compares and contrasts the differences and applications of HBL, MBL, and OBL, offering comprehensive operational guidance and risk prevention advice for export companies. This aims to help exporters navigate the complexities of FOB shipments and minimize potential losses.

08/21/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Shanghai Port Enhances Cargo Flow with Datadriven Customs Efficiency

Shanghai Port Enhances Cargo Flow with Datadriven Customs Efficiency

This article provides a detailed interpretation of Shanghai Port's "Five-Number Consistency" principle for customs clearance. It emphasizes the consistency of data, including the number of pieces, gross weight, volume, container number, and seal number, across the customs declaration, manifest, bill of lading, terminal pre-recorded data, and tally data. The aim is to help freight forwarding companies avoid cargo delays caused by data errors and improve customs clearance efficiency. Ensuring data alignment across these documents is crucial for smooth and timely processing of goods through Shanghai Port.

08/23/2025 Port Encyclopedia
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Global Trade Risks Rise Without Original Bills of Lading

Global Trade Risks Rise Without Original Bills of Lading

This article delves into the definition, high-risk regions, preventive measures, and response strategies related to 'Delivery without Original Bill of Lading' in international trade. It aims to help foreign trade enterprises mitigate risks, protect their rights, and avoid the predicament of losing both goods and payment. The importance of selecting appropriate trade terms, carefully choosing freight forwarders, strictly adhering to operational procedures, and purchasing export credit insurance is emphasized. Furthermore, it provides effective methods for dealing with 'Delivery without Original Bill of Lading' incidents after they occur.

08/22/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Luabo Air Freight Airport Codes and Customs Guide

Luabo Air Freight Airport Codes and Customs Guide

This article focuses on the Luabo Airport's three-letter code, LBM, to introduce the importance of three-letter codes in air freight. It explains the characteristics of non-customs airports, the key steps in the customs clearance process, and how to efficiently utilize three-letter code search systems. The aim is to help readers better understand air freight operations and ensure the safe and efficient delivery of goods to their destination. This includes understanding the unique requirements and processes associated with airports that don't handle international customs directly.

09/29/2025 Airport Codes
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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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