Cambodia Deploys Raman Spectrometers to Tighten Border Security

Cambodia Deploys Raman Spectrometers to Tighten Border Security

Under the WCO Asia Pacific Security Project, funded by the Japanese government, Cambodian Customs has introduced Raman spectrometers for rapid and accurate identification of explosive precursors. This initiative, involving equipment donation and professional training, aims to enhance Cambodia's border security enforcement capabilities. It effectively combats the smuggling of explosive precursors, safeguarding national security and social stability. This effort serves as a valuable reference for customs administrations in other developing countries seeking to strengthen their border control measures against illicit trafficking.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Perboosts Trade Efficiency with Facilitation Project

Perboosts Trade Efficiency with Facilitation Project

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) partnered with SUNAT, the Peruvian Customs Authority, to conduct a strategic planning workshop. The aim was to enhance SUNAT's strategic planning capabilities by refining strategic objectives and developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a more efficient regulatory model. WCO experts tailored a strategic map and integrated control panel for Peruvian Customs, supporting its digital transformation and sustainable development. This collaboration seeks to improve SUNAT's overall effectiveness and contribute to Peru's economic growth through streamlined trade processes.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

The WCO assessed Kenya Customs' implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), analyzing progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. The assessment led to the development of a multi-year implementation plan and a maturity model evaluation. The WCO's work aimed to support Kenya in streamlining its customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing its overall competitiveness. The assessment provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current TFA implementation efforts and identified key priorities for future action, ensuring sustainable and impactful trade facilitation reforms.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) marks progress in global trade facilitation. As a modern customs blueprint, the RKC promotes global trade development by simplifying customs procedures, enhancing transparency, and applying information technology. Countries should actively join and effectively implement the RKC, strengthen international cooperation, address challenges collectively, and build an open and efficient global trading system. The RKC's focus on streamlined processes and technological advancements aims to reduce trade costs and boost economic growth for member nations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

With the accession of the Republic of the Congo, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties. This convention serves as a blueprint for 21st-century customs modernization, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and reduce costs by simplifying customs procedures, optimizing the use of information technology, and effectively implementing risk management. The RKC helps businesses thrive in the global market. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the RKC, fostering a brighter future for global trade facilitation.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Vietnamaustralia Sea Freight Costs and Transit Times Analyzed

Vietnamaustralia Sea Freight Costs and Transit Times Analyzed

Sea freight time from Vietnam to Australia is influenced by various factors, including route selection (direct or transshipment), vessel type (container ship or bulk carrier), cargo type, weather conditions, and port congestion, customs procedures. Choosing the right shipping company and careful planning can effectively control the transportation time. Consider factors like direct routes for faster delivery, but transshipment may be more cost-effective. Always factor in potential delays due to weather or customs. Proper documentation is crucial to avoid delays.

01/30/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Oman Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

Oman Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Oman in establishing an advance ruling system for commodity classification and origin, providing technical guidance through workshops. This system aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability. Oman is actively improving its legal framework, standardizing operational procedures, strengthening information management, and enhancing capacity building to promote trade facilitation. The implementation of advance rulings is a key step in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient trade environment for businesses operating in and with Oman.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Finland Shipping Guide for International Shoe Buyers

Finland Shipping Guide for International Shoe Buyers

Struggling with shipping shoes from Finland after online shopping? This article provides a detailed guide to Finland's postal services, packaging requirements, customs declaration, tax calculation, shipping options, and package tracking. It helps you navigate potential pitfalls and ensure safe delivery of your footwear purchases. Learn about choosing the right postal service, understanding customs regulations, and optimizing your packaging to avoid delays or additional fees. This guide aims to simplify the international shipping process and make your Finland online shopping experience smoother.

02/02/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Customs administrations of five West African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Togo) have launched the development of an electronic transit messaging system. This initiative aims to simplify cross-border transit procedures by standardizing data and sharing information, thereby improving regional trade efficiency and promoting the effective implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The system is expected to inject new impetus into the economic development of the West African region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini Overhauls HR to Improve Trade Facilitation

Eswatini is addressing trade facilitation challenges by reforming its human resource management system. With WCO support, the SRA conducted a 'People Development Diagnostic' to assess capacity gaps and committed to adopting competency-based management. By building competency models, optimizing training programs, improving performance management, and planning career development, Eswatini aims to enhance customs efficiency and promote economic development. This initiative serves as a valuable example for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs operations and leverage human capital for improved trade outcomes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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