Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Funded by the Japanese government through the WCO COVID-19 Project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island countries' customs administrations to expedite the clearance of relief goods during natural disasters and other emergencies. The workshop fostered international cooperation, promoted regulatory updates and process optimization, and improved the professional skills of customs officers. This initiative aims to build a robust barrier for the region to cope with potential future natural disasters by strengthening customs' ability to respond effectively.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Enters Global Customs Consultation Phase

Revised Kyoto Convention Enters Global Customs Consultation Phase

The World Customs Organization convened the 29th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee. Key discussions focused on potential draft texts for specific annexes, covering crucial areas such as goods processing, postal traffic, relief consignments, express shipments, travelers, rules of origin, and free zones. The meeting emphasized the importance of a comprehensive review and called for active participation from all parties to collectively promote the modernization and harmonization of global customs rules. This collaborative effort aims to streamline international trade and improve efficiency.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Efficiency

Saudi Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Saudi Arabian ZATCA (Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority) in developing an intelligent evaluation system to improve customs performance and facilitate trade. By implementing the WCO Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), Saudi Customs aims to achieve more efficient and transparent operations, contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030. This collaboration marks a significant step in the global customs modernization process.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Morocco Boosts Customs AI with SECOWCO Backing

Morocco Boosts Customs AI with SECOWCO Backing

Morocco has launched the second phase of the SECO-WCO Trade Facilitation Programme, leveraging AI to enhance customs risk management and trade facilitation. The project aims to improve efficiency and security in cross-border trade through intelligent systems and data analysis. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is providing technical support to Morocco in implementing these advanced technologies and best practices. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce trade costs and improve the overall competitiveness of the Moroccan economy by streamlining customs procedures and minimizing delays.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to help members build comprehensive wellbeing programs and enhance employee and organizational resilience. The training covers six key themes: happiness, program design, resilience building, psychophysiological health, social wellbeing and balance, and stress management. The WCO will conduct pilot programs and establish a team of experts. Future development will include training materials targeted at other organizational levels.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Abu Dhabi Adopts Blockchain to Boost Trade Security Efficiency

Abu Dhabi Adopts Blockchain to Boost Trade Security Efficiency

WCO visited Abu Dhabi Customs to examine its blockchain application and learn about its digital transformation experience. The focus was on the TradeChain platform and explorations in cross-border e-commerce. The WCO suggested strengthening international cooperation in these areas. The visit highlighted the potential of blockchain to streamline customs processes and facilitate trade. Abu Dhabi Customs' advancements serve as a valuable case study for other customs administrations seeking to leverage technology for improved efficiency and security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Customs, with support from the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual forum focusing on optimizing customs valuation risk management. Participating countries shared experiences and discussed database construction, value verification processes, and private sector engagement. Based on this, Peru Customs developed an action plan to strengthen value verification and deepen cooperation with the private sector. The World Customs Organization will continue to provide support to enhance transparency and predictability in cross-border trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils New Strategy for Sustainable Customs Development

WCO Unveils New Strategy for Sustainable Customs Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s new capacity building paradigm aims for sustainable improvement and transformation through shared responsibility and results-orientation. It emphasizes precise needs identification, blended learning and support, and impact assessment. Addressing data challenges is crucial for building a sustainable capacity building ecosystem. This approach contributes to global trade facilitation and prosperity by ensuring that capacity building initiatives are effective, relevant, and lead to lasting positive change within customs administrations and the broader trade environment. The focus is on creating a self-sustaining system that supports continuous development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Boosts Customs Nuclear Detection Capabilities

Sri Lanka Boosts Customs Nuclear Detection Capabilities

Sri Lanka Customs, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the U.S. Department of Energy through the RANDA Project, conducted radiation and nuclear detection training. This initiative aims to enhance customs officers' awareness and response capabilities to related threats. The training covered legal frameworks, risk management, detection technologies, and included field visits and international cooperation. The goal is to build a stronger nuclear security line of defense at the border, improving the ability to identify and interdict illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africa Eswatini Launch Smart Border Efficiency Study

South Africa Eswatini Launch Smart Border Efficiency Study

South Africa and Eswatini jointly launched a Time Release Study at the Oshoek-Ngwenya border post to identify and address bottlenecks in customs clearance and improve trade efficiency. Supported by the World Customs Organization, the study's findings are expected to be released in April 2024 and will provide important reference for the construction of smart borders in both countries. The research aims to streamline border procedures and facilitate smoother trade flows between South Africa and Eswatini.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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