WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a French-speaking “Training of Trainers” workshop to enhance gender equality capacity among its members, aiming to establish a pool of recognized experts in the field. The workshop focused on WCO gender equality tools, such as the GEOAT, and blended learning packages, emphasizing the importance of diagnostics, frameworks, and monitoring & evaluation. The WCO looks forward to collaborating with the newly trained experts to promote gender equality within customs systems globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong Firm Fined 160K for Undeclared Lithium Batteries

Hong Kong Firm Fined 160K for Undeclared Lithium Batteries

Hong Kong's Woodioso Technology was fined RMB 1.08 million by the FAA for failing to declare 30 lithium batteries, highlighting the importance of dangerous goods compliance. Lithium battery transportation is high-risk and requires strict adherence to IATA regulations and aviation authorities' rules. Companies should strengthen training, rigorously audit shipments, and choose compliant partners to prevent undeclared shipments, ensuring safety and sustainable development. Avoiding misdeclaration is crucial to prevent hefty fines and ensure the safe transport of lithium batteries.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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US Trucking Industry Struggles with Severe Driver Shortage

US Trucking Industry Struggles with Severe Driver Shortage

Data from the American Trucking Associations shows that the annualized turnover rate for drivers at large freight fleets has exceeded 100% for two consecutive quarters, highlighting the labor shortage in the freight industry. Factors such as economic recovery, stricter regulations, and an aging workforce are exacerbating the shortage. Experts predict the situation will worsen, potentially leading to higher freight rates. The industry needs to improve compensation and working conditions, strengthen training programs, and promote innovation to address these challenges.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Kerman Airport Emerges As Key Middle East Aviation Hub

Kerman Airport Emerges As Key Middle East Aviation Hub

Kerman Airport is a crucial aviation hub in Kerman Province, Iran, featuring two runways. It serves as an operating base for Mahan Air and a pilot training center. Several airlines operate from the airport, offering routes to major cities across the Middle East. With its strategic location and growing infrastructure, Kerman Airport holds significant potential to play an even more vital role in regional air travel in the future, potentially becoming a more prominent transit point within the Middle East.

09/26/2025 Airport Codes
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New Global Rules Tighten Tracking of Chemical Weapons Precursors

New Global Rules Tighten Tracking of Chemical Weapons Precursors

The World Customs Organization has issued new recommendations urging member economies to incorporate specific substances controlled by the Chemical Weapons Convention into national statistical directories. This aims to more accurately track and monitor the international movement of these sensitive goods. Businesses should comprehensively review their product lines, update internal coding systems, and enhance employee training to ensure trade activities comply with relevant laws and regulations. This proactive approach is crucial for maintaining international trade compliance and preventing the proliferation of chemical weapons.

11/03/2025 HS Code Query
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WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

WCO ENFORCE Team Up to Stop Illegal Waste Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Environment Programme, actively participates in optimizing the Regulatory Compliance Environment Network (ENFORCE) initiative, aiming to strengthen Customs' role in combating the illegal transboundary movement of waste. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in connecting with national Customs administrations, providing training, and coordinating operations to enhance Customs enforcement capabilities and collectively build a global environmental security network. This will contribute to a more secure and sustainable environment by preventing the illegal dumping and trafficking of hazardous waste.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

Bahrain Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Post Clearance Audit workshop in Bahrain to enhance Bahrain Customs' revenue collection capabilities. The workshop focused on international standards, risk management, and audit preparation, emphasizing the importance of risk assessment and data analysis in auditing. Through case studies and practical exercises, it helped Bahrain Customs officials master audit techniques, laying the foundation for building an efficient tax system. The training aimed to improve compliance and reduce revenue leakage through effective post-clearance control mechanisms.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Summit Stresses Trade Resilience Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Summit Stresses Trade Resilience Cooperation

The 25th WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Conference successfully concluded in Sydney, focusing on the theme of 'Customs Engaging Purposefully with Traditional and New Partners,' emphasizing international supply chain resilience. The conference reviewed the implementation of the regional strategic plan, approved a new strategic plan, endorsed a draft WCO resolution supporting enhanced Customs-industry resilience, and approved the establishment of a WCO Regional Training Center in Cambodia. This marks a new chapter for customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Egypt Modernizes Customs with US Aid to Boost Trade Efficiency

Egypt Modernizes Customs with US Aid to Boost Trade Efficiency

The Commercial Law Development Program (CLDP) supported a valuation workshop for Egyptian Customs, aiming to enhance the expertise of Egyptian customs officials in areas such as the WTO Valuation Agreement, price adjustments, and advance ruling systems. Through case studies and direct engagement with challenges, the workshop contributes to trade facilitation in Egypt and fosters a more fair and transparent trading environment for businesses. The training focused on practical application and problem solving to improve efficiency and compliance within the Egyptian customs system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Adopts Wcos AEO Program to Strengthen Trade Security

Bahamas Adopts Wcos AEO Program to Strengthen Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Bahamas Customs in implementing the AEO Program, aiming to enhance trade security and facilitation. Through training, regulatory drafting, and pilot projects, the Bahamas is gradually establishing an AEO system compliant with international standards. This initiative seeks to improve international competitiveness, promote economic development, and safeguard national security. The program's implementation is significant for the Bahamas and offers valuable lessons for other Caribbean nations. It represents a crucial step towards a more secure and efficient trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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