Global Customs Agencies Target Covidrelated Illicit Trade

Global Customs Agencies Target Covidrelated Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the 'COVID-19-Related Cross-Border Goods Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project' to combat counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade, and ensure the smooth flow of legitimate trade. The project aims to build a global vaccine safety barrier by strengthening cross-border supervision, optimizing customs clearance procedures, enhancing the capacity of customs personnel, and promoting international cooperation. This initiative provides a strong boost to the global fight against the pandemic.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), is implementing a competency-based Human Resource Management system to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder relations. The project involves workshops to improve staff capabilities and plans to implement pilot projects. The WCO has pledged continued support to assist the MRA in achieving its modernization goals. This initiative aims to build a more effective and efficient tax administration system in Malawi.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Boosts Customs Efficiency Through AEO Program

Bolivia Boosts Customs Efficiency Through AEO Program

Bolivian Customs sought to enhance its AEO program by learning from the experiences of Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay Customs through a "cloud dialogue." This article delves into the concept and importance of AEO, sharing the three countries' experiences in organizational structure, communication, and operational strategies. It also looks ahead to the future role of AEO in global trade, emphasizing its significance for corporate reputation and national competitiveness. The collaborative approach highlights the value of international cooperation in improving customs procedures and promoting efficient trade practices.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Adopt WCO Ecommerce Compliance Standards

Asiapacific Customs Adopt WCO Ecommerce Compliance Standards

The 2021 WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Seminar focused on cross-border e-commerce compliance, aiming to promote the effective implementation of the WCO E-Commerce FoS Framework in the Asia-Pacific region. The conference brought together various stakeholders to discuss core issues such as advance electronic data, data exchange, and tax collection. Participants shared experiences, explored challenges, and laid the foundation for building a secure and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. The pandemic has accelerated the development of e-commerce, further highlighting the importance of the framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Customs Group Strengthens Global Trade Ties

Customs Group Strengthens Global Trade Ties

The online annual meeting of the Customs Representatives Association on January 26, 2021, marked its revitalization. WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya congratulated the association's revival, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with customs commissioners. The association aims to modernize, strengthen internal connections, deepen cooperation with the WCO, raise awareness, expand services, build a "customs family" concept, promote global customs cooperation, and address trade challenges. It envisions a more efficient and secure future for international trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Strengthens Asiapacific Plastic Waste Rules Aids Indonesia and Philippines

WCO Strengthens Asiapacific Plastic Waste Rules Aids Indonesia and Philippines

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia Pacific region. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will provide tailored implementation plans and regional workshops to address the challenges posed by the Basel Convention's Plastic Waste Amendments. This initiative aims to collectively combat global plastic pollution by enhancing customs' capacity to monitor and manage transboundary movements of plastic waste.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE), combating illegal waste trade through enhanced international cooperation and strengthened customs enforcement capabilities, protecting the environment and human health. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in strengthening connections with customs administrations worldwide, promoting joint training, and preparing for enforcement actions related to illegal waste. This collaboration aims to disrupt illicit flows and safeguard global environmental security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Centers Adapt to Remote Learning Hurdles

Asiapacific Customs Centers Adapt to Remote Learning Hurdles

The Asia Pacific Customs Training Center (APCTC) conference explored remote training during the pandemic. Experiences were shared from China (VR), Fiji (online platforms), Hong Kong (interactive methods), and India (MOOCs). The World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized the importance of data analysis in remote training programs. The conference highlighted innovative approaches and the crucial role of technology in maintaining customs capacity building efforts throughout the Asia Pacific region despite travel restrictions and other challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

WCO IAPH Partner to Ease Maritime Delays Via Digital Ports

IAPH and WCO co-organized a workshop to accelerate digital transformation, enhance trade facilitation, and improve supply chain security by strengthening customs-port cooperation. They will develop international guidelines to promote data sharing, process optimization, and capacity building, jointly building an efficient, secure, and sustainable global trade ecosystem. The collaboration aims to streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency within the maritime trade sector. This initiative highlights the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing the evolving challenges of global trade and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

WCO Study Shows Faster Customs Clearance Boosts Global Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Time Release Study (TRS) aims to help customs administrations identify bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve trade facilitation by quantifying the time taken for goods to clear customs. This article uses the TRS workshop in Kyrgyzstan as an example to detail the implementation steps, benefits, and challenges of TRS. It also looks at future developments, emphasizing that TRS is a key tool for improving customs efficiency and promoting global trade. The study provides valuable insights for countries seeking to enhance their customs procedures and facilitate international commerce.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More