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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WCO Intensifies Asiapacific Crackdown on Illegal Plastic Waste

WCO Intensifies Asiapacific Crackdown on Illegal Plastic Waste

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening control over the illegal trade of plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region through virtual diagnostic missions to customs administrations in Indonesia and the Philippines. This project aims to help countries effectively implement the Basel Convention amendment through strategic guidance, operational optimization, and capacity building. By enhancing customs capabilities, the initiative supports the participating nations in addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste and contributes to global environmental protection efforts.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Boosts Textile Customs Checks with WTO Aid

Albania Boosts Textile Customs Checks with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a national workshop on textile analysis in Albania, aimed at enhancing the expertise of the country's customs laboratory in textile classification, analysis, and equipment usage. Through expert lectures and practical exercises, participants acquired key skills in textile identification and gained insights into the WCO's efforts in promoting international customs laboratory cooperation. The workshop strengthens Albania's capabilities in accurately identifying and classifying textiles, contributing to fair trade and revenue collection.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Inter-State School for Customs (ISSC) of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (EMCCA) and assisted in developing a new development strategy. This capacity-based strategy aims to reshape customs talent development through a modernized curriculum, faculty development, and a quality assurance system, contributing to regional trade facilitation and economic development. The WCO will continue to provide support to facilitate the ISSC's transformation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Customs Enhances Efficiency Via WCO Talent Program

Malawi Customs Enhances Efficiency Via WCO Talent Program

The WCO assisted the Malawi Revenue Authority in enhancing trade facilitation capabilities, assessing talent development needs, and launching an e-learning platform. These initiatives aim to solidify the foundation for the future development of customs in Malawi. The support focused on building capacity and implementing modern tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. This comprehensive approach ensures sustainable development and strengthens the role of customs in the national economy.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills with Trainer Program

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills with Trainer Program

The WCO-JICA MTP project focuses on developing customs trainers in Pacific Island Countries, aiming to enhance their skills in valuation and classification. This initiative contributes to improved customs administration and ultimately facilitates regional trade. Through comprehensive training programs and knowledge transfer, the project empowers local customs officials to effectively implement international standards and best practices. This leads to more efficient border procedures and a more predictable trading environment, supporting economic growth and regional integration within the Pacific region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

An assessment by the World Customs Organization (WCO) of its WCO-WACAM project supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) revealed significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO has proposed further collaboration aimed at strengthening customs administration in Ghana, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic development. The project's impact highlights the importance of targeted capacity building initiatives in achieving customs modernization goals and contributing to broader economic growth within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

WCO Strengthens Environmental Rules to Curb Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is strengthening its collaboration with the Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Network (ENFORCE) to enhance customs' role in combating the illegal cross-border trade of waste. Through capacity building, information sharing, international cooperation, and policy advocacy, the WCO assists its member customs administrations in effectively implementing the Basel Convention. This collaborative effort aims to address global environmental challenges and build a sustainable future by preventing and countering illegal waste shipments across borders.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Paraguay Customs Adopts WCO Plan to Improve Efficiency

Paraguay Customs Adopts WCO Plan to Improve Efficiency

The WCO assisted Paraguay Customs in developing a five-year strategic plan and building a management reporting system. This initiative aims to improve decision-making efficiency and enhance customs modernization. The strategic plan provides a roadmap for future development, while the management reporting system enables data-driven insights and performance monitoring. Ultimately, this collaboration with the WCO supports Paraguay Customs in achieving its strategic goals and enhancing its overall effectiveness in trade facilitation and border security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Conference Focuses on Digital Customs Modernization

WCO Conference Focuses on Digital Customs Modernization

The 2026 WCO Technology Conference will focus on digitalization innovations in customs, exploring key topics such as Single Windows and digital ecosystems. The conference aims to facilitate the transformation of customs administrations worldwide. Discussions will cover the latest technological advancements and their application in streamlining processes, enhancing security, and promoting trade facilitation. By bringing together experts and practitioners, the conference seeks to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective customs operations globally.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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