Data Analytics Boosts Customs Trade Efficiency and Security

Data Analytics Boosts Customs Trade Efficiency and Security

The 215th/216th sessions of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) highlighted the pivotal role of data analysis in modern customs operations. Discussions focused on leveraging big data and innovative technologies to optimize trade facilitation, risk management, supply chain security, and customs-tax cooperation. This charted a course for the future development of customs, emphasizing data analysis as a new engine driving trade facilitation and security. The meeting underscored the importance of data-driven insights for enhancing efficiency and effectiveness in customs administration.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) met and engaged in dialogue with the WCO Policy Commission (PC), focusing on business recovery, the WCO Data Strategy, and Green Customs. Both parties emphasized strengthening cooperation to normalize trade facilitation measures and leveraging data and technology to promote sustainable development, jointly building a more resilient global supply chain. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in addressing current challenges and fostering a more efficient and sustainable global trade environment.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Blockchain and Trade Pacts Boost Global Commerce Efficiency

Blockchain and Trade Pacts Boost Global Commerce Efficiency

This paper explores how blockchain technology empowers Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs) to address cross-border data sharing challenges and promote trade facilitation. Drawing on the practical experience of the CADENA project in Latin America, it demonstrates blockchain's potential in improving efficiency and enhancing trust. The paper also envisions its applications in areas such as digital identity authentication, supply chain traceability, and trade finance. By leveraging the immutability and transparency of blockchain, MRAs can be streamlined, leading to reduced costs and increased trade volumes.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togo Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs AEO Program

Togo Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs AEO Program

The WCO is assisting the Togo Revenue Authority in establishing an AEO program to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative focuses on optimizing processes and strengthening cooperation to promote economic growth in Togo. By implementing the AEO program, Togo aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and attract foreign investment. The program's success will contribute to increased efficiency in cross-border trade and a more competitive business environment for Togolese companies. This collaboration between the WCO and Togo Customs is expected to yield significant benefits for the country's economy.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Mercator Program Boosts Bosnias WTO Trade Facilitation

Wcos Mercator Program Boosts Bosnias WTO Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Mercator Programme, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing trade facilitation measures. This includes organizing workshops to raise awareness, identify priorities, and assist in the establishment of a National Trade Facilitation Committee. This initiative aims to accelerate Bosnia and Herzegovina's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and promote its economic growth and international competitiveness.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Georgia in Strengthening Anticounterfeiting Efforts

WCO Aids Georgia in Strengthening Anticounterfeiting Efforts

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of intellectual property protection at an international conference on combating counterfeiting and piracy in Georgia. He presented the WCO's actions in fighting against counterfeit and pirated goods globally. He called for strengthened international cooperation to jointly build a defense line for intellectual property protection, safeguarding global health, security, and economic development. The WCO emphasizes collaborative efforts are crucial to effectively address the challenges posed by counterfeiting and piracy worldwide.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership Amid Trade Challenges

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership Amid Trade Challenges

Bolivian Customs significantly enhanced its leadership team's strategic decision-making abilities and team cohesion through customized training, team building, and negotiation skills development at a high-level leadership and management development retreat. This initiative strengthened their foundation for addressing future challenges. The WTO-SECO Global Trade Facilitation Programme provided crucial support for this event, fostering improved leadership and collaboration within the Bolivian Customs administration to promote trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership with Executive Training

Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership with Executive Training

Bolivia Customs, through its participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, successfully held an executive leadership and management development workshop. This workshop aimed to enhance the leadership capabilities of the senior management team to address future strategic challenges. Through team building, individual leadership development, and negotiation skills training, the workshop significantly strengthened team cohesion and improved leadership skills, laying a solid foundation for the future development of Bolivia Customs.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Adopts Peoplecentric Customs Reform with WCO Support

Barbados Adopts Peoplecentric Customs Reform with WCO Support

The WCO is assisting Barbados Customs with reforms to enhance human resource management and build a high-performing customs administration that serves national development. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs practices and strengthening the skills and capabilities of customs officers. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more efficient and effective customs service that contributes significantly to Barbados' economic growth and security. The project aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance border security through targeted training and process improvements.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and Americas Sign AEO Trade Pact to Boost Commerce

US and Americas Sign AEO Trade Pact to Boost Commerce

Eleven American countries signed an AEO mutual recognition agreement to facilitate cross-border trade and enhance supply chain security. This agreement, a key initiative under the WCO framework, aims to simplify customs clearance and reduce trade costs through collaboration between customs and the private sector, potentially boosting regional trade growth. Challenges include standard harmonization, information sharing, and capacity building. The future development direction of the AEO program lies in intelligence, automation, and sustainability.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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