WCO Strengthens Risk Management for Middle Corridor Trade in Central Asia Caucasus

WCO Strengthens Risk Management for Middle Corridor Trade in Central Asia Caucasus

The WCO and JICA collaborated to enhance customs risk management capabilities in the Central Asia and Caucasus region. A training program was held in Georgia to develop Master Trainers, aiming to ensure the smooth operation of the 'Middle Corridor'. This initiative focuses on strengthening regional customs expertise and facilitating efficient trade flows along this crucial trade route. The program supports improved risk assessment and management practices within customs administrations, contributing to secure and efficient border procedures.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) promotes customs efficiency, security, and prosperity through Gender Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (GED). The 5th WCO Global Conference on Gender Equality and Diversity Network focused on disability inclusion and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of trade-enabling women. The WCO supports its members through the GEOAT tool, training packages, and a pool of experts. It also advocates for enhanced cooperation to collectively build a more equitable and efficient customs system. This collaborative approach aims to foster a customs environment that is both effective and inclusive for all stakeholders.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ASEAN AEO Certification Boosts Smes in Global Trade

ASEAN AEO Certification Boosts Smes in Global Trade

A joint report by the World Customs Organization, World Trade Organization, and International Chamber of Commerce highlights the importance of optimizing AEO programs to lower barriers for SMEs, provide differentiated services, enhance promotion, and strengthen international cooperation. This aims to empower SMEs, achieve more inclusive global trade growth, and shares practical experiences from both businesses and customs administrations. The report emphasizes streamlining processes and offering tailored support to facilitate SME participation in global trade through the AEO framework.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

WCO Updates price Actually Paid Definition to Boost Trade Compliance

The new WCO regulations clarify the definition of "price actually paid or payable," assisting companies with compliance, facilitating trade, and improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs valuation. This clarification helps businesses understand and adhere to international valuation standards, streamlining import/export processes. By providing a more precise definition, the WCO aims to reduce valuation disputes and promote fair trade practices globally. Ultimately, this leads to more predictable and transparent customs procedures, benefiting both businesses and customs administrations.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Eswatini Pilot Enhanced Customs Training Program

WCO Eswatini Pilot Enhanced Customs Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a pilot training evaluation project in collaboration with the Eswatini Revenue Authority (ERA) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs personnel, processes, and structures. Funded by the EU-HS Africa Programme, the project utilizes a systematic evaluation framework covering five levels: reaction, learning, behavior, results, and return on investment. Emphasizing collaboration and participation, the project's findings were shared with WCO members in February 2022. This initiative aims to strengthen customs capacity and improve overall performance through comprehensive evaluation methodologies.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Environment Programme, in collaboration with customs administrations from 11 countries, is enhancing capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) through online diagnostic assessments. Focusing on key areas such as training, enforcement, legislation, cooperation, intelligence, and risk management, the program tailors solutions and gathers international experts to build a global anti-smuggling defense line and safeguard ecological security. The initiative aims to improve customs' effectiveness in detecting and preventing the trafficking of endangered species and related products.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Postpandemic Smuggling

WCO Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Postpandemic Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the business community to address the challenges posed by smuggling and counterfeit trade in the post-pandemic era. By strengthening customs-business partnerships, leveraging data analytics and technological innovation, the aim is to build a more secure and efficient global trade system. This collaboration seeks to protect consumer rights, maintain fair market competition, and ultimately achieve sustainable supply chain development. The joint efforts are crucial for mitigating risks and fostering a resilient and trustworthy international trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Customs Enforcement Under Global Pacts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance awareness of the Basel and Montreal Conventions and strengthen controls over the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop fostered cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. Further technical assistance is planned to support the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to bolster Botswana's capacity in enforcing environmental regulations and facilitating legitimate trade while preventing illegal trafficking of harmful materials.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Enhances Risk Management with WCOJICA Initiative

West Africa Enhances Risk Management with WCOJICA Initiative

The WCO/JICA Joint Project successfully completed a Master Trainer Program in West Africa, training 18 experts in risk management and intelligence analysis for customs administrations in six countries, including Benin and Burkina Faso. Through working groups, regional training material development, and virtual training, the project significantly enhanced customs risk management capabilities in the West African region and promoted regional cooperation and sustainable development. The WCO and JICA will continue to support customs capacity building in West Africa.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Digital Shift Regional Ties to Boost African Trade

WCO Urges Digital Shift Regional Ties to Boost African Trade

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization attended the East and Southern Africa Regional Customs Research Conference, emphasizing the importance of digital transformation and regional cooperation for African trade development. The conference focused on the impact of emerging issues on customs and trade, calling for enhanced data utilization, talent development, and collaboration with the private sector to promote the construction of the African single market. The World Customs Organization will continue to support African customs development and contribute to the prosperity of African trade.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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