German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

African students from the University of Münster visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) to gain insights into customs capacity building. Through expert lectures and participation in meetings, the students gained a more direct understanding of the current development status of African customs and the WCO's support measures. The WCO will continue to strengthen cooperation with African customs to help its modernization and transformation. This visit highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation across the African continent.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the addition of Spanish and Arabic versions to its PICARD Professional Standards, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of customs officers worldwide and facilitate international trade. The WCO expressed gratitude to the University of Costa Rica and the Saudi Customs for their translation support. The WCO will continue to promote the standards to support global customs capacity building initiatives. This expansion ensures wider accessibility and implementation of best practices in customs administration across diverse linguistic regions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Pushes Data Standardization

World Customs Organization Pushes Data Standardization

The 3rd Working Group on Data and Statistics (WGDS) meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) focused on customs data standardization, security, and collaboration. Through standardizing enforcement statistics, promoting best practices in data sharing, strengthening cybersecurity protection, and unifying data terminology, the meeting aimed to build a data-driven customs framework. This framework is designed to facilitate and secure global trade by improving data quality and interoperability among customs administrations worldwide. The ultimate goal is enhanced efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos CEN Precertification Enhances Global Trade Security

Wcos CEN Precertification Enhances Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held its first CEN (Customs Enforcement Network) Application Technology and Operational Advisor Pre-certification Workshop in Xiamen. The workshop aimed to cultivate a group of experts proficient in CEN applications, enhance global customs enforcement capabilities, combat cross-border crime, and safeguard trade security. Customs elites from various countries participated in the workshop. Upon certification, they will join the WCO expert pool, providing technical assistance to member countries in need. This initiative strengthens international cooperation in customs enforcement.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Honors WCO Chief for Customs Reform Efforts

Azerbaijan Honors WCO Chief for Customs Reform Efforts

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya was awarded the “Order of Friendship” by the President of Azerbaijan for his outstanding contributions to customs reform in Azerbaijan. The article reviews the transformation of Azerbaijan's customs service, highlighting the WCO's supportive role and outlining future cooperation directions. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in customs modernization. The award recognizes Mikuriya's and the WCO's dedication to assisting Azerbaijan in enhancing its customs procedures and promoting efficient and secure trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Adopts Peoplecentric Customs Reform with WCO Support

Barbados Adopts Peoplecentric Customs Reform with WCO Support

The WCO is assisting Barbados Customs with reforms to enhance human resource management and build a high-performing customs administration that serves national development. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs practices and strengthening the skills and capabilities of customs officers. Ultimately, the goal is to create a more efficient and effective customs service that contributes significantly to Barbados' economic growth and security. The project aims to improve operational efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance border security through targeted training and process improvements.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOWACAM Project Boosts Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

WCOWACAM Project Boosts Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

WCO, in collaboration with WACAM, is developing customs HRM experts in West and Central Africa to enhance management capabilities. Through training and practical exercises, the initiative aims to build a regional think tank, fostering customs modernization. This partnership strengthens regional cooperation and promotes efficient customs practices, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation and economic development within the region. The focus is on equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage human resources and implement modern customs procedures.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eastsouthern Africa Customs Officials Tackle Transfer Pricing

Eastsouthern Africa Customs Officials Tackle Transfer Pricing

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the OECD aimed to enhance the expertise of customs officials in East and Southern Africa on transfer pricing and customs valuation. The initiative promotes regional customs cooperation, maintains fair trade practices, and combats tax evasion. By strengthening the capacity of customs administrations in these areas, the workshop supports efforts to ensure accurate valuation of goods and prevent illicit financial flows, ultimately contributing to a more transparent and equitable global trading system.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs School (BCS) are deepening their collaboration to provide tailored training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. This includes visits to the WCO headquarters and upgraded BCS courses, aiming to enhance their professional capabilities. This initiative intends to better serve African economic development and provide a model for global customs cooperation. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations in Africa and fostering a more efficient and effective global trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of customs training, making online training an inevitable choice. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has published the 'Online Training Transformation Guide' to provide practical guidance for customs training managers. It emphasizes interactive engagement to help build a flexible and efficient online training system, enhance the capabilities of customs personnel, and promote global trade. This guide offers valuable insights for developing effective online training programs and adapting to the evolving needs of customs administrations worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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