WCO Aids Niger Customs in Trade System Upgrade for Africa

WCO Aids Niger Customs in Trade System Upgrade for Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with EU funding, launched the project "Harmonized Commodity Classification Based on WCO Standards to Strengthen African Trade," with Niger as one of the first beneficiary countries. WCO experts assessed Niger Customs to enhance its commodity classification and customs valuation capabilities, unify commodity classification standards, and facilitate African trade. This project will provide valuable experience for other African countries, jointly building a new landscape for African trade.

01/30/2026 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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Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

With WCO support, Mali Customs initiated a competency-based human resource modernization reform. This aims to build a high-quality, professional workforce through a modern training system, career development system, and integrity policies. The goal is to enhance overall customs performance, strengthen organizational competitiveness, and promote Mali's sustainable economic development. This paper analyzes the reform's background, objectives, key achievements, challenges, and opportunities. It also proposes recommendations for an action plan to further the reform's success and ensure its long-term impact on the Malian customs administration.

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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Sudan Customs Modernizes HR with WCO Support

Sudan Customs Modernizes HR with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Sudan Customs in advancing human resource modernization. This is achieved by introducing a competency model to optimize job management and enhance talent development and selection. The aim is to improve the overall effectiveness of Sudan Customs and achieve sustainable development. This project offers valuable lessons for customs administrations in other developing countries. It highlights the crucial role of human resource management in organizational development and emphasizes the importance of investing in people to drive performance and achieve strategic goals.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Modernizes HR with WCO Assistance

Sudan Customs Modernizes HR with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Sudan Customs in its HR management modernization transformation. Through workshops and expert assistance, the WCO helps Sudan Customs build a competency-based HR management system, including tools like a position directory, competency framework, job descriptions, and a competency dictionary. This initiative aims to improve customs service efficiency, enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve the customs image, and ultimately promote Sudan's economic development.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Rules on Franchise Fees Complicate Import Pricing

Customs Rules on Franchise Fees Complicate Import Pricing

This article analyzes whether franchise fees should be included in the customs valuation of imported goods. According to the Customs Valuation Agreement, only fees related to the imported goods themselves should be included. Case studies suggest that if the imported goods do not inherently contain intellectual property, and the franchise fees primarily cover branding and operational systems, they should not be included in the customs valuation. Businesses need to conduct data analysis, clearly define the terms of the agreement, and seek professional advice to ensure accurate valuation and compliance.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Egypt Customs Launches Modernization Plan to Enhance Trade

Egypt Customs Launches Modernization Plan to Enhance Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Egyptian Customs has developed a new vision, mission, and strategic plan aimed at enhancing customs clearance efficiency, optimizing risk management, strengthening international cooperation, and ultimately promoting Egypt's economic development. The strategic plan emphasizes process optimization, technology upgrades, personnel training, and international collaboration. It strives to transform Egyptian Customs into a leading regional customs organization characterized by efficiency, transparency, and security.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO UN OCHA Boost Malis Customs Emergency Response

WTO UN OCHA Boost Malis Customs Emergency Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the United Nations Humanitarian Response Division (UNHRD) on the C-RED project in Mali, aiming to enhance the country's customs clearance capabilities for relief goods. Through needs assessments, strengthened coordination, and the drafting of standard operating procedures (SOPs), Mali is expected to establish a more efficient system for clearing emergency supplies. This initiative will better equip the nation to respond to sudden-onset disasters and improve the flow of humanitarian aid.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates SAFE Framework to Enhance Global Trade Security

WCO Updates SAFE Framework to Enhance Global Trade Security

The 18th meeting of the WCO SAFE Working Group focused on global trade security and facilitation. It laid the groundwork for a safer and more efficient international supply chain through strengthened inter-agency cooperation, updates to the SAFE Framework of Standards, and improvements to the AEO and MRA toolkits. A breakthrough was achieved regarding the Trade Identification Number (TIN) structure. Key issues such as data analysis and integrated supply chain management were also discussed, injecting new momentum into global trade development. The meeting emphasized collaborative efforts to enhance security and streamline customs processes worldwide.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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