Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a post-clearance audit diagnostic in Sierra Leone to enhance the country's tax revenue supervision capabilities. Through in-depth research and expert recommendations, the WCO tailored an improvement plan for Sierra Leone, covering legal regulations, risk management, information technology, personnel training, and departmental collaboration. This initiative not only improved Sierra Leone's customs audit level but also provided valuable insights for global customs supervision.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Boost Global Trade

WCO Advocates Gender Equality to Boost Global Trade

The World Customs Organization virtual working group meeting focused on gender equality and diversity within trade facilitation, emphasizing collaboration to foster an inclusive customs environment. Discussions explored the link between gender, inclusion, and trade, highlighting the need to raise awareness of the gender impact of trade policies. Customs administrations shared measures to promote gender equality and inclusion, aiming to ensure that more women and marginalized groups benefit from trade. The meeting underscored the importance of creating a level playing field and addressing systemic barriers to participation in international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hong Kong Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce to US With Key Shipping Strategies

Hong Kong Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce to US With Key Shipping Strategies

This article provides a detailed analysis of the key issues that cross-border e-commerce sellers should pay attention to when shipping express deliveries from Hong Kong to the United States. It covers policy regulations, customs documents, electronic customs clearance, packaging requirements, and logistics transportation options, offering guidance on how to ensure smooth shipping.

08/06/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Colombia Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

WCO collaborated with Colombia's DIAN to enhance its customs audit capabilities through the GTFP. The WCO provided support to optimize PCA strategies and SOPs, fostering trade facilitation and economic growth. This partnership aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more streamlined and competitive trade environment for Colombia. The collaboration highlights the importance of international cooperation in strengthening customs administrations and promoting global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2015. This collaboration aims to improve customs administration in developing countries and promote economic development through capacity building, customs modernization, and trade facilitation. Both parties will deepen cooperation, innovate approaches, and jointly address new global trade dynamics. The goal is to build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

Moldova Simplifies Ecommerce Customs with WCO Backing

With the support of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an e-commerce workshop for the Moldovan Customs Service (MCS) to enhance its cross-border e-commerce processing capabilities. By streamlining procedures, promoting information sharing, and aligning with WCO standards, the MCS aims to accelerate customs clearance, reduce costs, and integrate into the global e-commerce ecosystem. Follow-up technical assistance focusing on relief consignments will be provided to further improve customs efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

Uzbekistan Adopts APIPNR Data to Enhance Border Security

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Uzbekistan Customs actively introduced the Advance Passenger Information System by hosting a national API/PNR workshop. This aims to improve passenger control processes and build an automated risk management system. The initiative emphasizes data sharing and inter-agency cooperation to achieve precise supervision, improve customs clearance efficiency, and ensure national security. The implementation of API/PNR is expected to streamline operations and enhance the effectiveness of customs controls through a data-driven approach.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Peru Adopts Global Standards for Customs Valuation

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, Peruvian Customs held a virtual forum focusing on customs valuation risk management. Participants exchanged experiences on database applications and discussed optimizing value verification procedures and public-private partnerships to combat valuation irregularities. Peruvian Customs plans to strengthen its value verification system and deepen collaboration with the private sector. The WCO will continue to provide support, enhancing transparency and predictability in cross-border trade. The forum highlighted the importance of efficient and fair customs valuation for trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

WCO and ASAPRA Partner to Modernize Customs in the Americas

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the ASAPRA Congress, highlighting the crucial role of customs brokers in supporting customs administration and exploring enhanced cooperation to improve trade facilitation and compliance. The WCO also met with Panama Customs and government agencies to strengthen reform and modernization efforts. These collaborations aim to build an efficient, secure, and seamless trade environment, injecting new impetus into the economic development of the Americas region. The focus is on leveraging partnerships to advance customs modernization and facilitate legitimate trade flows.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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