Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance their understanding of the Basel and Montreal Conventions. This initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to control the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop supports Botswana in building a green border and similar activities are planned for other beneficiary countries. The goal is to improve customs' ability to enforce environmental agreements and protect the environment through effective border management.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Tool to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Launches Tool to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The WCO's INAMA project launched an institutional assessment tool to help customs comprehensively enhance their ability to combat endangered species smuggling. This tool assists customs in developing targeted capacity-building plans by evaluating legal frameworks, organizational structures, personnel capabilities, technical equipment, and cooperation mechanisms. Representatives from multiple countries participated in the tool's pilot testing and validation at a workshop held in the Republic of the Congo, laying the foundation for global customs cooperation in combating smuggling crimes and protecting biodiversity.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Issues Trade Recovery Guidance Amid Global Disruptions

WCO Issues Trade Recovery Guidance Amid Global Disruptions

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) 'Trade Recovery Guidelines,' designed to assist national customs administrations in swiftly and efficiently restoring international cargo movement following trade disruptions. It elaborates on the concept of trade recovery, the significance of the SAFE Framework, and the guidelines' three pillars: Action Plan, Customs Actions, and Communication. The article emphasizes the crucial role of international cooperation and public-private partnerships in effectively addressing trade disruptions and ensuring supply chain resilience.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Zambias Antiwildlife Trafficking Efforts

WCO Strengthens Zambias Antiwildlife Trafficking Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its INAMA project, supports Zambia Customs in enhancing its intelligence capabilities to combat the illegal trade in endangered species. A WCO expert team visited Zambia to provide strategic advice and technical assistance, covering intelligence gathering, analysis, dissemination, and risk management. This initiative aims to strengthen Zambia Customs' enforcement capabilities and contribute to global biodiversity conservation efforts. The project focuses on improving intelligence-led enforcement to effectively target and disrupt wildlife trafficking networks operating through Zambian borders.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Supply Chain Security

Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Supply Chain Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Conference reviewed the implementation of the SAFE Framework and planned for future development. The conference focused on data strategies, green customs, capacity building, and border coordination. The aim is to build a secure and efficient global trade system. Discussions centered on enhancing supply chain security, promoting trade facilitation, and leveraging data to improve customs operations. The conference emphasized the importance of international collaboration and innovation in addressing emerging challenges and opportunities in global trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

ADB and WCO Boost Global Trade Efficiency in New Partnership

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance customs efficiency in developing countries. This partnership focuses on capacity building, technical assistance, information sharing, and policy dialogue. The goal is to promote trade facilitation and regional integration, jointly address global trade challenges, and build a more efficient and interconnected global trade landscape. The cooperation aims to improve customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and support sustainable economic growth across the Asia-Pacific region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UK WCO Extend Trade Facilitation for Developing Nations

UK WCO Extend Trade Facilitation for Developing Nations

UK Customs and the World Customs Organization have extended their trade facilitation cooperation project, investing £1.6 million to support Commonwealth developing countries in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to enhance customs capabilities, promote inter-agency cooperation, and establish sustainable mechanisms. The project will help developing countries integrate into the global trading system, fostering economic growth. The extended partnership will focus on building long-term capacity and ensuring the benefits of trade facilitation are realized by participating nations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

WCO Unveils Plan to Modernize Global Trade Systems

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) meeting approved several instruments for submission to the Policy Commission (PC) and Council. The meeting focused on topics such as data strategy, trade facilitation, and e-commerce, aiming to improve customs efficiency and promote international trade development. Representatives from the United Kingdom and Indonesia were elected as the new chair and vice-chair, respectively. The approved instruments are expected to further streamline customs procedures and enhance global trade cooperation within the WCO framework.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini is enhancing the professionalism of its customs workforce by building a modern, competency-based human resource management system to drive trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided expert diagnosis and support, and the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has committed to adopting the principles and developing an implementation plan. This initiative aims to remove trade barriers, improve efficiency, and ultimately promote national economic development. The focus on talent development within the customs administration is crucial for achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Digital Tools Boost Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Digital Tools Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is building an efficient, transparent, and interconnected global trade ecosystem through a range of digital tools. WCO tools, the online bookstore, the Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), and the online learning platform play key roles in standardizing information, knowledge acquisition, combating smuggling, and enhancing skills, respectively. These initiatives collectively promote global trade facilitation and security, contributing to a more seamless and secure international trade environment. The WCO's digital efforts aim to modernize customs procedures and improve cross-border collaboration.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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