Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

The Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) is undergoing a competency-based HRM reform in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aiming to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder engagement, BCED is committed to modernizing its talent management practices. This involves developing a competency framework, job catalog, and exploring the establishment of an internal HRM department. By strengthening its human resources, BCED seeks to contribute more effectively to economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
IIS 75 4040 Errors Causes and Solutions Explored

IIS 75 4040 Errors Causes and Solutions Explored

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the 404.0 Not Found error in IIS 7.5, specifically targeting errors related to the `CaptchaImage.axd` resource. It meticulously interprets the error message, offering a range of potential causes, troubleshooting steps, and corresponding solutions. The aim is to empower website administrators to quickly identify and resolve the issue, ultimately improving user experience. The troubleshooting guide helps pinpoint the root cause and implement effective fixes for this common problem in IIS 7.5 environments.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Gabon Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization Plan

Gabon Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization Plan

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Gabonese Customs is actively promoting the modernization of its human resource management system, aiming to establish a competency-based modern HRM system. Through evaluating pilot programs, developing HR strategies, strengthening capacity building, and collaborating with the Ministry of Finance, Gabonese Customs is striving to enhance the professional skills and overall work efficiency of its employees, thereby contributing more significantly to national economic development. The reforms focus on building a more skilled and efficient workforce to support the organization's goals.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Launches Leadership Program for Mauritius Revenue Authority

WCO Launches Leadership Program for Mauritius Revenue Authority

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop for the Mauritius Revenue Authority, aiming to enhance the skills of its managers and foster a dynamic leadership culture. The workshop emphasized self-awareness, team building, and change management. Participants explored effective leadership strategies and techniques to improve organizational performance. The training sought to equip managers with the tools necessary to navigate challenges, inspire their teams, and drive positive change within the customs administration. Ultimately, the goal was to cultivate a more effective and responsive customs service in Mauritius.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WIPO Initiative Promotes Gender Equality in Innovation

WIPO Initiative Promotes Gender Equality in Innovation

World Intellectual Property Day focuses on women's innovation. The WCO calls on customs administrations to strengthen intellectual property protection and empower female entrepreneurs. By raising IP awareness, enhancing customs control, and promoting international cooperation, a fair innovation environment can be created for female creators. This collaborative effort paves the way for a future driven by women's innovation. The initiative aims to support female innovators by combating counterfeiting and piracy, ensuring their creations are protected and valued, ultimately fostering economic growth and societal advancement.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Mozambique to enhance customs officers' awareness of the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative aims to strengthen border control of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The activity is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, which supports developing countries' customs administrations in improving their environmental capabilities to address global environmental challenges collectively. The program focuses on building capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of relevant environmental agreements.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Sri Lankan Woman Breaks Barriers in Maledominated Customs Sector

Sri Lankan Woman Breaks Barriers in Maledominated Customs Sector

A Sri Lankan female Deputy Director of Customs shares her story of overcoming challenges and achieving career advancement in a male-dominated field. She encourages women to confidently challenge norms and promotes gender equality within the customs service. Her journey highlights the importance of perseverance and breaking down barriers for women in leadership roles, inspiring others to pursue their professional goals and contribute to a more equitable and inclusive workplace within the customs administration and beyond.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
German Customs Officer Rises to Finance Leadership Role

German Customs Officer Rises to Finance Leadership Role

Constanze Voss, a senior German customs official, shares her career journey from lawyer to customs leader, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and leadership in diverse roles. She encourages young women to be brave and confident, seizing opportunities within the customs field. Voss highlights the German Customs' efforts in promoting diversity and supporting employee work-life balance. Her story inspires women to pursue leadership positions and demonstrates the evolving landscape of the customs profession, embracing inclusivity and offering a supportive environment for all employees.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Environmental Crime

Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Environmental Crime

The 2009 International Customs Day focused on "Customs and the Environment," highlighting the crucial role of customs in combating environmental crime and protecting natural heritage. This paper outlines the challenges faced by customs, introduces the World Customs Organization's responses, and envisions the future development direction of customs in global environmental governance. It calls for strengthened international cooperation to build intelligent and collaborative Green Customs.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More