Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes Arabic PCA Guidelines to Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO Publishes Arabic PCA Guidelines to Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the Arabic version of the Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines, Volume 2, translated by Jordan Customs. This aims to enhance post-clearance audit efficiency in Arabic-speaking regions. The guidelines, consisting of two volumes, are tailored for customs management and frontline auditors, offering strategic guidance and practical operational advice to promote global trade compliance. It provides valuable insights and tools for effective audit processes and strengthens overall customs control.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Americas and Caribbean region celebrated International Customs Day, emphasizing the theme of "Recovery, Renewal, Resilience." The focus was on technology empowerment, international cooperation, green development, and a people-centered approach. The aim is to reshape sustainable global supply chains, contributing to global trade security and economic prosperity. The celebration highlighted the importance of customs administrations in building resilient and adaptable systems to face future challenges and support global recovery efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

The WCO Asia-Pacific E-commerce Symposium focuses on 15 core standards for cross-border e-commerce, aiming to promote regional e-commerce standardization, ensure smooth trade flows, and boost economic recovery. The symposium highlights the importance of harmonized customs procedures and data standards to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border transactions within the Asia-Pacific region. By adopting these standards, countries can reduce trade barriers, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust among trading partners, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Customs Boosts IP Protection Via WCO Training

Philippines Customs Boosts IP Protection Via WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for the Bureau of Customs of the Philippines, aiming to enhance its capacity to combat counterfeiting and piracy, and address intellectual property protection challenges during the pandemic. The workshop covered customs' responsibilities under the pandemic, WCO tools and instruments, and rights holders' involvement. This initiative seeks to improve the Philippines Customs' ability to protect intellectual property rights, maintain social security, and safeguard the economic order. The focus was on practical strategies and collaborative approaches to effectively combat IP violations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Tackles Plastic Waste With World Customs Support

Sri Lanka Tackles Plastic Waste With World Customs Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Sri Lanka Customs in upgrading its border controls to address the growing problem of cross-border plastic waste flows. Through virtual diagnostic missions, customized implementation plans, and regional workshops, the WCO aims to strengthen customs' management of plastic waste, curb illegal shipments, protect the environment, and build a new global framework for plastic waste governance. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges and enhancing customs' role in preventing illicit trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

The WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement emphasized the WCO's crucial role in implementing the TFA. Discussions centered on supporting global trade flow through tools and initiatives like National Trade Facilitation Committees, Coordinated Border Management, Time Release Studies, and the Mercator Programme. The meeting also approved a study tool designed to assist members in submitting national practice case studies easily incorporated into implementation guidelines. This aims to further streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency at borders worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Gambia Customs in Enhancing Training Expertise

WCO Aids Gambia Customs in Enhancing Training Expertise

The World Customs Organization's MADAO project is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority in developing a team of expert trainers. Through a 'Training of Trainers' workshop, the project enhances the capabilities of customs personnel, promoting trade facilitation and efficient tax collection. This initiative lays the foundation for customs capacity building in Gambia. Future evaluations will continuously assess the training's impact and contribute to the modernization of customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mexico Hong Kong Expand Trade with AEO Program Recognition

Mexico Hong Kong Expand Trade with AEO Program Recognition

Mexico and Hong Kong have signed an Action Plan for Mutual Recognition of Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs), aiming to streamline cross-border trade processes, improve customs clearance efficiency, and reduce business risks. Through OEA certification, companies can enjoy benefits such as priority customs clearance and reduced inspection rates, enhancing their global competitiveness. This initiative sets an example for other countries, promoting global trade facilitation. The agreement is expected to foster stronger economic ties and create new opportunities for businesses in both regions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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