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
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WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Spanish Scholarship Program has been launched to enhance the professional skills and management capabilities of customs officials from Spanish-speaking countries and promote customs reform and modernization. The program offers tailored curriculum, lectures by WCO experts, and field visit opportunities, helping participants broaden their international perspectives and accelerate their career development. This is an unmissable learning and development opportunity for customs professionals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

Madagascar Shares Disaster Resilience Strategies Amid Crises

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation and Columbia University's National Center for Disaster Preparedness (NCDP), held a workshop in Madagascar to enhance the country's capacity to respond to pandemics and natural disasters. Through the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and practical exercises, Madagascar gained valuable lessons, providing insights for other developing countries facing challenges posed by climate change. The workshop aimed to strengthen disaster preparedness and resilience through customs facilitation and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

West and Central Africa Boost Security with Customs Network

The West and Central Africa Customs Organization (WCO) enhanced the intelligence capabilities and Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) application skills of customs officers in the region through a webinar. This initiative aims to strengthen intelligence sharing and jointly combat fraud and transnational organized crime, thereby maintaining regional security and stability. The webinar focused on improving the officers' abilities to collect, analyze, and disseminate customs intelligence, ultimately contributing to a more effective and coordinated approach to law enforcement within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

WCO Fellowship Program Boosts Customs Modernization in Developing Nations

Participants of the 91st World Customs Organization (WCO) training program have completed the second phase of their training. This program aims to enhance the capabilities of customs officials from developing countries and promote the modernization of their respective national customs administrations. The participants attended leadership workshops at the WCO headquarters and had exchanges with the Secretary-General. They are currently undertaking study visits in China, Japan, or Korea.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Tokyo Conference Strengthens Global Wildlife Protection

Tokyo Conference Strengthens Global Wildlife Protection

The 2014 Tokyo World Wildlife Conference focused on combating illegal wildlife trade, emphasizing the role of customs, evidence-based decision-making, and data empowerment. The conference promoted international collaboration, particularly between Africa and Asia, aiming to enhance global wildlife protection efforts and build a future of harmonious coexistence between humans and nature. It highlighted the importance of strengthened customs enforcement and the use of data to inform effective conservation strategies.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Pact Gains Global Support to Boost Trade in Developing Nations

WTO Pact Gains Global Support to Boost Trade in Developing Nations

To help developing countries fully leverage the potential of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), multiple international organizations and development partners reaffirmed their commitment to providing comprehensive and coordinated support. This includes technical assistance, capacity building, and financial support aimed at streamlining trade procedures, reducing trade costs, and improving trade efficiency. The ultimate goal is to promote fairness and prosperity in the global economy by enabling smoother and more accessible trade processes for all nations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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ATA Carnet Marks 50 Years Easing Global Trade

ATA Carnet Marks 50 Years Easing Global Trade

As the World Customs Organization celebrates the 50th anniversary of the ATA Carnet system, stakeholders emphasized its importance as a model of customs-business partnership in promoting trade and investment. Discussions focused on developing a paperless ATA Carnet, reaffirming the crucial role of customs-business collaboration in enhancing system efficiency. By simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade costs, the ATA Carnet system significantly contributes to global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

WACAM Project Advances Customs Modernization in West Africa

The West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project aims to improve customs management and operational efficiency in West African countries. Through regional workshops and national support missions, it shares best practices in strategic management and provides capacity building support in areas such as human resource management, stakeholder relations, and resource mobilization. The project has successfully held resource mobilization workshops and will continue to advance stakeholder relations workshops, contributing to customs modernization in West Africa. The goal is to create more effective and efficient customs administrations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Bust Dismantles Major Counterfeit Goods Ring

Global Bust Dismantles Major Counterfeit Goods Ring

The World Customs Organization and the U.S. National Intellectual Property Rights Coordination Center jointly launched 'Operation Global Hoax,' uniting customs authorities from 42 countries. The operation resulted in the seizure of a substantial amount of pirated CDs and other counterfeit goods, valued at millions of dollars. This initiative aims to combat piracy conducted through postal and express courier channels, demonstrating the international community's commitment to protecting intellectual property. It also urges the public to resist piracy and support legitimate products.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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