Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO JICA Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly supporting the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities, addressing new trade challenges in East Africa. Using a two-pronged approach combining expert discussions and practical exercises, Kenyan Customs actively participates in building a smart customs administration. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and ultimately contribute to Kenya's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sierra Leone Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

The WCO supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its customs efficiency by hosting a Time Release Study workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize clearance procedures and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on identifying bottlenecks and implementing strategies to improve the speed and predictability of customs processes. The project was funded by the UK's HMRC, demonstrating international collaboration in supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to streamline trade and boost economic growth through more efficient customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Los Angeles Long Beach Ports See August Surge Amid Economic Recovery

Los Angeles Long Beach Ports See August Surge Amid Economic Recovery

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach both achieved record-high throughput in August, driven primarily by a surge in imports. Despite this, port officials remain cautious about the future, citing potential challenges from the pandemic and trade frictions. However, with the global economic recovery underway, the ports face development opportunities. They need to proactively address challenges and enhance their competitiveness to capitalize on these opportunities and maintain their crucial role in global trade.

02/11/2026 Logistics
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Chinaindia Air Cargo Growth Faces Logistics Hurdles

Chinaindia Air Cargo Growth Faces Logistics Hurdles

This paper delves into the critical factors affecting the time efficiency of air freight from China to India, including route distance, freight forwarder selection, cargo type, and customs clearance. Addressing these challenges, it proposes strategies such as optimizing transportation processes, choosing direct flights, and preparing complete documentation. The aim is to improve the efficiency of China-India trade air transport and provide more reliable logistics support for economic and trade exchanges between the two countries.

02/03/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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WCO Evaluates SAFE Framework to Strengthen Global Trade Security

WCO Evaluates SAFE Framework to Strengthen Global Trade Security

The SAFE Working Group meeting assessed the framework's implementation, focusing on data strategies and green customs initiatives. A new AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) curriculum was launched, and the working plan was revised to better reflect current priorities. Discussions emphasized strengthening coordination across various sectors to enhance the overall effectiveness of the SAFE Framework in promoting secure and efficient trade. The meeting highlighted the ongoing commitment to international customs cooperation and trade security.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin American Brokers Praise WCO Trade Reforms

Latin American Brokers Praise WCO Trade Reforms

At the Latin American Association of Customs Brokers Congress, the WCO was lauded for its efforts in advancing customs modernization and fostering cooperation. The WCO's Economic Competitiveness Package aims to streamline customs procedures, strengthen international collaboration, promote technology adoption, and deepen public-private partnerships to enhance global trade efficiency. Latin America is actively implementing modernization measures like e-declaration. Customs brokers need to improve their professionalization, digitalization, and cooperation to jointly promote global trade.

12/30/2025 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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Shanghai Intensifies Crackdown on Export Tax Fraud

Shanghai Intensifies Crackdown on Export Tax Fraud

Shanghai tax authorities have cracked down on export tax rebate fraud, investigating Shanghai Jinhui Investment Industry Co., Ltd. and Ru Chen International Trade (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. in two separate cases. The individuals involved have been severely punished by law, demonstrating the tax authorities' determination to maintain tax order and safeguard national financial security. The crackdown underscores the commitment to preventing economic crimes related to export tax rebates and ensuring fair trade practices.

02/11/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolia Customs Adopts Data Analytics with WCO Backing

Mongolia Customs Adopts Data Analytics with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Mongolian Customs General Administration (MCGA) in hosting a data analysis workshop. This initiative aims to enhance MCGA's evidence-based decision-making and build a data-driven customs administration. As part of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), the workshop focused on developing data governance strategies and improving risk management capabilities. These efforts are crucial for enabling trade facilitation and contributing to economic development in Mongolia.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Enhances Customs Skills with Origin Rules Training

West Africa Enhances Customs Skills with Origin Rules Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly advancing the Rules of Origin 'Pool of Trainers' project in West Africa. A workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to enhance the capacity of West African customs administrations in implementing rules of origin. The initiative focuses on developing experienced trainers and establishing a sustainable training system to facilitate trade and economic development within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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