Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan hosted a WCO Harmonized System (HS) national workshop aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of tariff classification through international cooperation and capacity building, thereby promoting trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered HS fundamentals, specific commodity classification, and pre-ruling guidance. It also explored future development directions such as intelligent classification, big data analysis, and risk management, assisting Turkmenistan in building a more efficient and intelligent tariff system. The goal is to enhance customs procedures and contribute to smoother international trade flows.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

At the invitation of the Mozambique Tax Authority (MRA) and with funding from the CCF-China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of MRA's Human Resource Management (HRM) system modernization. The aim was to address HR challenges and achieve strategic goals by optimizing the HR framework. The assessment included meetings, interviews, and workshops, culminating in recommendations for improvement submitted to the MRA. The Commissioner General of MRA expressed optimism for future collaboration. This initiative highlights the importance of HR upgrades and customs cooperation for effective capacity building within customs administrations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Customs Honors Veterans Ahead of ICD 2025

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Honors Veterans Ahead of ICD 2025

On the occasion of International Customs Day 2025, the Customs and Excise Division of Antigua and Barbuda recognized three long-serving veteran officers for their outstanding contributions to national development. Their dedication and professionalism are invaluable assets to the customs service, inspiring all customs personnel to contribute to the nation's customs endeavors. The recognition highlights their exceptional service and commitment to upholding the integrity and efficiency of customs operations in Antigua and Barbuda.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Eswatini Revenue Service launched an electronic tariff project. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated online platform that centralizes information on international trade regulatory measures. It provides interactive advance ruling functionalities, enhances trade transparency, reduces trade costs, and promotes trade facilitation. This project supports Eswatini in fulfilling its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and ultimately boosts the nation's competitiveness.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries' customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. From 2019-2020, the project conducted risk management capacity assessment and enhancement activities in Malawi. Through training and cooperation, it helped the Malawi Revenue Authority strengthen risk identification and response, and promoted regional collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. The project focused on improving customs officials' skills in detecting and intercepting illegal wildlife products.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Global Strategy to Combat Counterfeiting

WCO Unveils Global Strategy to Combat Counterfeiting

The 17th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Group was successfully held, focusing on new challenges and responses faced by customs during the pandemic. The meeting reviewed and approved the WCO's work plan on intellectual property protection, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between right holders and customs. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the strategic significance of the WCO's intellectual property protection efforts and offers practical strategies for enterprises to address counterfeiting issues.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

The Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) is undergoing a competency-based HRM reform in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aiming to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder engagement, BCED is committed to modernizing its talent management practices. This involves developing a competency framework, job catalog, and exploring the establishment of an internal HRM department. By strengthening its human resources, BCED seeks to contribute more effectively to economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Cargo Targeting to Strengthen Trade Security

WCO Enhances Cargo Targeting to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Cargo Targeting System (CTS) has undergone a significant upgrade, featuring enhancements in user interface, air cargo targeting capabilities, global deployment, and security. The WCO CTS, through risk assessment, helps customs administrations improve efficiency, ensure trade security, and promote trade facilitation, while adhering to international standards. Successfully implemented in numerous countries, the CTS will continue to strengthen technological innovation, data sharing, and global coverage. This upgrade aims to further optimize customs procedures and enhance overall supply chain security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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