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
Read More
Beijing Declaration Signals Global Ecommerce Shift

Beijing Declaration Signals Global Ecommerce Shift

The 2018 Global Cross-border E-commerce Conference's 'Beijing Declaration' provides a roadmap for global cross-border e-commerce development, emphasizing embracing opportunities, win-win cooperation, innovation-driven growth, and inclusive development. By promoting trade facilitation, optimizing tax administration, and ensuring security, it aims to build an open and sustainable cross-border e-commerce ecosystem, fostering global trade development. The declaration highlights the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the evolving landscape of international online commerce.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Tech Innovations Transform Global Border Management

WCO Tech Innovations Transform Global Border Management

This WCO report analyzes the application of disruptive technologies like blockchain and AI in customs, exploring their potential, challenges, and implementation strategies. It discusses how these technologies can revolutionize customs processes, enhance efficiency, and improve security. The report also addresses the hurdles to adoption, such as data privacy concerns and the need for skilled personnel. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of international cooperation and provides recommendations for leveraging disruptive technologies to modernize customs administration and strengthen border security globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

WCO Leads Push for Sustainable Supply Chain Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced its 2021 theme as "Customs bolstering Recovery, Renewal and Resilience," highlighting the crucial role of customs in the sustainable recovery of global supply chains. Through digital transformation, strengthened international cooperation, and enhanced personnel capabilities, customs administrations can better address future challenges and ensure the smooth and secure flow of global trade. This includes adapting to new technologies and fostering collaboration to build more resilient and adaptable supply chains in the face of disruptions.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the United States, engaging in in-depth discussions with U.S. Customs and the State Department on topics including the progress of the “Single Window” project, cultural heritage protection, and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of customs in the tax system and explored new approaches to combatting cultural heritage trafficking through collaboration with museums. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient global trade system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), Serbian Customs held a workshop on customs laboratory modernization and Harmonized System (HS) tariff management. By enhancing laboratory analysis capabilities, optimizing HS code application, and strengthening capacity building, Serbian Customs aims to promote trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and combat smuggling, ultimately boosting its international competitiveness. This initiative reflects Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and improving its customs operations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening its collaboration with the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (ENFORCE) to enhance customs' role in combating the illegal cross-border trade of waste. Through capacity building, information sharing, international cooperation, and policy advocacy, the WCO assists its member customs administrations in effectively implementing the Basel Convention. This collaborative effort aims to address global environmental challenges and build a sustainable future by preventing and countering illegal waste shipments across borders.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
African Customs Labs Enhance Skills Via Asiapacific Training

African Customs Labs Enhance Skills Via Asiapacific Training

In April 2023, the World Customs Organization organized a study visit to Japan for heads of African Customs Laboratories to learn best practices from Asia-Pacific regional customs laboratories. The visit included examining laboratory operation models, technologies, infrastructure, and a tour of the Japan Customs Laboratory. African representatives expressed their commitment to enhancing their national laboratory capabilities and looked forward to future international exchanges and cooperation. The visit highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in strengthening customs laboratory expertise.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Wcos 2021 SAFE Framework Enhances Global Trade Security

Wcos 2021 SAFE Framework Enhances Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Framework 2021 has been officially released, adding a core element of cooperation between customs and other government agencies, and revising content such as smart security devices and mutual recognition arrangements. It aims to enhance supply chain security, efficiency, and transparency, reduce trade costs, and promote global trade facilitation and sustainable development. The updated framework emphasizes collaboration and technology to improve the overall security and flow of goods across international borders.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More