Latin America Trade Grows with Enhanced Tax Customs Program

Latin America Trade Grows with Enhanced Tax Customs Program

The IMF and the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies jointly concluded a senior seminar on tax and customs administration in Central and South America. This seminar aimed to enhance the strategic skills of tax and customs officials in the region. Using a blended online and offline format, the course covered various aspects of tax and customs management. A fifth session is planned for late November, focusing on developing modern management skills and improving voluntary compliance. The program is designed to foster more effective and efficient tax and customs systems.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE), combating illegal waste trade through enhanced international cooperation and strengthened customs enforcement capabilities, protecting the environment and human health. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in strengthening connections with customs administrations worldwide, promoting joint training, and preparing for enforcement actions related to illegal waste. This collaboration aims to disrupt illicit flows and safeguard global environmental security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS) aims to help customs administrations identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve trade facilitation by quantifying the time taken for goods to clear customs. This article uses the TRS workshop in Kyrgyzstan as an example to detail the implementation steps, benefits, and challenges of TRS. It also looks at future developments, emphasizing that TRS is a key tool for improving customs efficiency and promoting global trade. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their customs procedures and facilitate international commerce.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

INAMA Project Strengthens African Asian Customs Against Wildlife Trafficking

The INAMA project supports nine African and Asian countries in strengthening their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through expert support missions. Focusing on training, legislation, risk management, and action planning, the project enhances customs enforcement capabilities and provides support for future operations. This initiative demonstrates the international community's commitment to wildlife conservation by empowering customs officials to effectively intercept and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Backing for Reform

Cameroon Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Backing for Reform

In 2015, Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO, held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop. The aim was to develop managerial talent to address the challenges of reclaiming outsourced functions. The workshop enhanced the strategic management, leadership, and communication skills of managers. It also resulted in a roadmap for reclaiming outsourced functions, demonstrating a commitment to customs reform. Cameroon Customs expressed gratitude for the WCO's support and looked forward to future development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Enhances Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Facilitation Support

Gambia Enhances Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Facilitation Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in hosting a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop to enhance trade facilitation. Through expert guidance, practical exercises, and action plan development, Gambia aims to establish a trade facilitation baseline, improve its business environment, and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The TRS will precisely identify customs clearance bottlenecks, optimize processes, reduce costs, and enhance business competitiveness.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the HS Harmonized System. Through diagnostics, training, and system upgrades, they aim to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance international competitiveness. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to streamlining customs procedures and facilitating trade, ultimately contributing to economic growth and integration into the global marketplace. The implementation focuses on ensuring a smooth transition and maximizing the benefits of the updated HS system for both businesses and the government.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mooncake Deliveries to North Korea Face Customs Cultural Hurdles

Mooncake Deliveries to North Korea Face Customs Cultural Hurdles

This article explores the feasibility of sending mooncakes to North Korea during the Mid-Autumn Festival. It analyzes North Korean customs restrictions on food shipments and proposes alternative solutions such as diplomatic channels, personal transport, transshipment strategies, and e-commerce platforms. The article also emphasizes the importance of considering packaging, shelf life, and flavor preferences when sending mooncakes. The aim is to help readers legally and compliantly convey Mid-Autumn Festival greetings to friends and relatives in North Korea.

02/05/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Key Insights on Sea Freight Customs Clearance in Thailand

Key Insights on Sea Freight Customs Clearance in Thailand

This article provides an in-depth analysis of customs clearance time and costs for sea freight to Thailand. It details factors influencing clearance time, such as cargo type, declared value, and the choice of customs broker. Furthermore, it offers insights into the composition and estimation of sea freight costs, along with practical tips to expedite customs clearance, ultimately facilitating efficient import processes. The goal is to help businesses understand and optimize their Thailand sea freight operations.

02/05/2026 Logistics
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