Sri Lanka Tackles Plastic Waste With World Customs Support

Sri Lanka Tackles Plastic Waste With World Customs Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Sri Lanka Customs in upgrading its border controls to address the growing problem of cross-border plastic waste flows. Through virtual diagnostic missions, customized implementation plans, and regional workshops, the WCO aims to strengthen customs' management of plastic waste, curb illegal shipments, protect the environment, and build a new global framework for plastic waste governance. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges and enhancing customs' role in preventing illicit trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO for Ecommerce Growth

Armenia Modernizes Customs with WCO for Ecommerce Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Armenian Customs in implementing the Mercator Programme, aimed at simplifying customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving efficiency. The program covers key areas such as advance rulings, risk management, and single window systems, with the goal of modernizing Armenian Customs and promoting its economic development. Other developing countries can learn from this example by actively participating in WCO projects to improve their own trade facilitation levels.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Trade Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Serbian Customs Administration jointly organized a workshop to enhance the modernization of Serbian customs laboratories and customs management capabilities. By focusing on the application of the Harmonized System (HS) and the construction of customs laboratories, Serbian Customs aims to improve the accuracy of commodity classification, build a trade security barrier, and contribute to international trade facilitation. This initiative underscores Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and best practices in customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Boosts Customs Risk Management with Global Partners

Gambia Boosts Customs Risk Management with Global Partners

The Gambia Revenue Authority, with support from the World Customs Organization and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), conducted a series of workshops aimed at building a strategic framework for risk management. This initiative introduces an intelligence-driven risk management approach to enhance trade facilitation and strengthen customs controls. This marks a significant step for The Gambia in improving customs administration and promoting smoother trade processes. The focus is on proactively identifying and mitigating potential risks while simultaneously streamlining legitimate trade flows.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Forum Advances Global Trade Efficiency and Security

WCO Forum Advances Global Trade Efficiency and Security

The 4th WCO Technology and Innovation Forum was held in Argentina, focusing on the role of technology in building efficient, secure, transparent, and resilient global supply chains. Participants shared best practices and discussed future borders, technology-enabled decision-making, and transparency in cross-border transactions. The forum emphasized that public-private partnerships and technological innovation are crucial for driving customs modernization. Key discussions revolved around leveraging technology to enhance security, streamline processes, and foster greater collaboration among stakeholders to facilitate legitimate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO and the Government of Japan, held a seminar to enhance disaster response capabilities and promote digital tools to optimize customs clearance processes. This initiative aims to build a more resilient customs system, providing a more stable and efficient trading environment for businesses and fostering economic development in Cameroon. The focus is on strengthening customs' ability to withstand disruptions and leverage technology for improved efficiency and security in international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Adopts WCO Model to Modernize HR Management

Sudan Customs Adopts WCO Model to Modernize HR Management

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Sudan Customs has launched a human resource modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance the level of customs services and improve the organization's overall competitiveness. The project likely involves developing and implementing a competency model to identify and cultivate the skills and knowledge required for customs officials to effectively perform their duties. This modernization effort signifies Sudan Customs' commitment to aligning with international best practices and improving its efficiency in facilitating trade and protecting national borders.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Portland Port and BNSF Railway Expand Freight Capacity

Portland Port and BNSF Railway Expand Freight Capacity

The Port of Portland collaborates with BNSF Railway, utilizing rail shuttle connections to major ports, exploring differentiated competitive advantages, and building a sustainable development model. This initiative not only enhances the port's competitiveness but also provides new ideas for the development of smaller ports in the post-Panamax era, demonstrating the importance of embracing innovation and adapting to change. This partnership highlights a strategic approach to navigate the evolving landscape of global trade and port operations, focusing on efficiency and environmental responsibility.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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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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