East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

East Africa Launches Customs Capacity Building Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project, 'Train-the-Trainers Programme', has made significant progress in East Africa, enhancing customs capacity by developing a pool of post-clearance audit experts and creating training materials. The project innovatively adopted a 'virtual working group' model during the pandemic to ensure its smooth continuation. Moving forward, the project will further improve training skills and build a sustainable mechanism for customs capacity enhancement in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

The online seminar for West and Central African Customs enhanced intelligence analysis capabilities to combat customs fraud and transnational crime. The training focused on WCO intelligence policies, RILO liaison, and other key areas. This initiative aimed to strengthen regional cooperation among customs administrations in the region. By improving information sharing and analytical skills, the seminar contributes to more effective border control and a safer trade environment. The ultimate goal is to disrupt illicit activities and promote legitimate trade flows within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Balances Crisis Response and Global Opportunities

World Customs Organization Balances Crisis Response and Global Opportunities

At the 7th Annual Conference of International Organizations, the Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) shared WCO's strategies for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuring the stability of the global supply chain. He emphasized the importance of international cooperation and called for strengthened collaboration in areas such as digital transformation, e-commerce development, and disaster management to jointly address global challenges. The WCO's efforts highlight the crucial role of customs organizations in facilitating trade and ensuring security during times of crisis.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reforms Global Trade Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce

WCO Reforms Global Trade Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has issued guidelines to regulate cross-border e-commerce, covering data management, risk control, facilitation, security, tax collection, data analysis, partnerships, and legal frameworks. These guidelines aim to promote trade facilitation, ensure security, effectively collect customs duties, and provide a clear framework for global trade. They address the challenges of the digital economy and foster the sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce, ultimately creating a more efficient and secure global trading environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Samoa Boosts Trade Efficiency Via WCO Partnership

Samoa Boosts Trade Efficiency Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Samoa focusing on Coordinated Border Management. The aim was to enhance interagency efficiency among cross-border regulatory bodies, optimize port operations, and accelerate goods clearance. The workshop emphasized the application of WCO tools and data harmonization practices, promoting communication between different agencies. This initiative lays the groundwork for future improvements in Samoa's border management, ultimately contributing to smoother trade flows and enhanced security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Data Dashboards to Boost Efficiency

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Data Dashboards to Boost Efficiency

The Gambia Revenue Authority introduced a strategic dashboard to enhance decision-making efficiency by centrally displaying key performance indicators (KPIs) and providing managers with insights into organizational operations. Key steps in building the dashboard included defining the target audience, selecting the appropriate dashboard type, and identifying relevant KPIs and data sources. This case offers valuable lessons for various industries, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making. The dashboard helps to monitor progress towards strategic goals and identify areas for improvement, ultimately leading to better tax management practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Tax Authority Adopts Dashboards to Improve Revenue Collection

Gambia Tax Authority Adopts Dashboards to Improve Revenue Collection

With funding from Sweden and support from the World Customs Organization, the Gambia Revenue Authority is actively developing a strategic dashboard. This initiative aims to enhance performance in key areas such as tax collection, trade facilitation, compliance management, reform modernization, and human resource management through data-driven decision-making. The ultimate goal is to comprehensively upgrade and ensure the sustainable development of tax administration in Gambia.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates Kyoto Convention to Modernize Global Customs Standards

WCO Updates Kyoto Convention to Modernize Global Customs Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is leading a comprehensive review of the Revised Kyoto Convention, aiming to build a “Future Customs” model adapted to the 21st century. This revision addresses emerging challenges such as digital trade and supply chain risks, while promoting trade facilitation. Through intelligent regulation, data-driven decision-making, risk management orientation, and collaborative partnerships, the goal is to achieve intelligent, efficient, and collaborative customs supervision, contributing to global trade development. The revised convention seeks to modernize customs procedures and enhance global trade security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Middle East and North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

Middle East and North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

A regional workshop in Amman, Jordan, focused on customs valuation and anti-fraud, aiming to enhance the capabilities of customs officials in the Middle East and North Africa. The workshop covered the WTO Valuation Agreement, WCO's Revenue Package tools, and anti-fraud strategies. Key discussions centered on Decision 6.1 and valuation risk management. Emphasis was placed on international cooperation, capacity building, legal improvements, and technological innovation. The goal was to foster a fairer trade environment by strengthening customs practices and combating fraudulent activities in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Skills to Speed Tariff Reform

Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Skills to Speed Tariff Reform

With the support of the WCO MADAO project, Burkina Faso Customs organized a project management training course to enhance the project management capabilities of customs officials, aiming to better implement customs modernization reforms. The training covered key areas such as project organization, governance, and lifecycle. Through a combination of theory and practice, it helped customs establish its own project management methodology, improve project success rates and resource utilization efficiency, and ultimately promote customs modernization. The training aimed to equip officials with the skills to effectively manage and deliver modernization projects.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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