WCO Releases Arabic Audit Guide to Enhance Middle East Trade Compliance

WCO Releases Arabic Audit Guide to Enhance Middle East Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released the Arabic version of the 'Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines' to assist Arabic-speaking members in effectively implementing post-clearance audits, enhancing trade compliance, optimizing customs control, and promoting international trade facilitation. Translated by Jordan Customs, the guidelines cover risk management, operational guidance, and digital transformation, contributing to the construction of an intelligent, efficient, and collaborative post-clearance audit system. This aims to improve overall customs effectiveness and streamline trade processes within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Supports Madagascar Customs to Streamline Trade

WCO Supports Madagascar Customs to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Madagascar Customs in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Immediate Release Guidelines, aiming to optimize trade processes, accelerate cargo release, and promote economic growth. Through workshops, gap analysis, and field visits, the WCO is working with Madagascar Customs to advance digital transformation and improve cross-border trade efficiency. This collaboration focuses on enhancing customs procedures and infrastructure to streamline the movement of goods and boost Madagascar's economic competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Saudi Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Digitalization

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Digitalization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides crucial support for the modernization of Saudi Customs, facilitating a more efficient and intelligent trade ecosystem through IT diagnostics and WCO Data Model workshops. Saudi Customs is actively pursuing digital transformation initiatives, including the "Fasah" Single Window, "Nebras" system upgrades, and NII equipment integration. The WCO Data Model will assist Saudi Customs in achieving seamless connectivity with international trading partners, streamlining processes and enhancing data exchange for improved trade facilitation and security.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

The WCO's SMART Borders workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the MENA region, highlighted the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain in customs processes. Through WCO best practice sharing and guidance from ZATCA, participants explored how to leverage technology to enhance border management efficiency, injecting new momentum into the MENA region's digital transformation. The event fostered discussions on optimizing customs procedures and improving security through innovative digital solutions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bosnia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Audit Upgrades

Bosnia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Audit Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities. Through workshops, Bosnian customs officials learned PCA concepts, systematic audit methodologies, and data analysis techniques. This initiative aims to improve Bosnian customs' compliance oversight, optimize the trade environment, promote economic development, and create new opportunities for the intelligent and digital development of post-clearance audits. The training will help ensure accurate revenue collection and facilitate legitimate trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Tech to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO Asia/Pacific region hosted a workshop on disruptive technologies, focusing on the application of technologies like blockchain, AI, and IoT in the customs domain. The meeting aimed to share experiences, gather input for updating relevant WCO research reports, and promote digital transformation within Asia/Pacific customs administrations. This initiative seeks to enhance trade facilitation and compliance levels by leveraging innovative technologies and fostering collaboration among customs organizations in the region.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Plans

WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Plans

This paper provides an in-depth interpretation of the agenda of the 243rd/244th sessions of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee, focusing on key issues such as trade facilitation, e-commerce, and digital customs. It analyzes the latest developments and future trends in global trade facilitation, providing valuable references for businesses and government departments. The paper highlights the WCO's role in promoting efficient and secure trade procedures in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in achieving these goals.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

Europe Customs Chiefs Prioritize Digitalization to Boost Trade Compliance

The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Paperless Export Clearance Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Paperless Export Clearance Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

This paper delves into paperless export release, highlighting its advantages such as improved customs clearance efficiency and reduced operating costs. It details the preparations and considerations for implementing paperless export release, aiming to help companies better understand and utilize paperless customs clearance policies. By streamlining processes and minimizing paperwork, this approach significantly enhances customs clearance efficiency, fostering foreign trade development and reducing delays associated with traditional paper-based procedures. The study emphasizes the importance of digital infrastructure and data security for successful implementation.

08/21/2025 Document Interpretation
Read More