Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Japanfunded Project Enhances Pacific Islands Disaster Customs Response

Funded by the Japanese government through the WCO COVID-19 Project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop to enhance the capacity of Pacific Island countries' customs administrations to expedite the clearance of relief goods during natural disasters and other emergencies. The workshop fostered international cooperation, promoted regulatory updates and process optimization, and improved the professional skills of customs officers. This initiative aims to build a robust barrier for the region to cope with potential future natural disasters by strengthening customs' ability to respond effectively.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to help members build comprehensive wellbeing programs and enhance employee and organizational resilience. The training covers six key themes: happiness, program design, resilience building, psychophysiological health, social wellbeing and balance, and stress management. The WCO will conduct pilot programs and establish a team of experts. Future development will include training materials targeted at other organizational levels.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sri Lanka Boosts Customs Nuclear Detection Capabilities

Sri Lanka Boosts Customs Nuclear Detection Capabilities

Sri Lanka Customs, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the U.S. Department of Energy through the RANDA Project, conducted radiation and nuclear detection training. This initiative aims to enhance customs officers' awareness and response capabilities to related threats. The training covered legal frameworks, risk management, detection technologies, and included field visits and international cooperation. The goal is to build a stronger nuclear security line of defense at the border, improving the ability to identify and interdict illicit trafficking of nuclear and radioactive materials.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO COVID19 Project Boosts Global Emergency Preparedness

WCO COVID19 Project Boosts Global Emergency Preparedness

The World Customs Organization's COVID-19 Project concluded in May 2023, aiming to enhance member customs' capacity to respond to pandemics and other emergencies. Through capacity building, tool development, and experience sharing, the project significantly improved member customs' emergency preparedness and response capabilities, setting a benchmark for global customs cooperation. The WCO will continue to provide guidance and technical assistance, strengthening international cooperation to address global challenges collectively.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Strengthens Environmental Laws with WCO Backing

Mozambique Strengthens Environmental Laws with WCO Backing

WCO co-organized a workshop to enhance Mozambican officials' awareness of environmental conventions, combat the illegal transfer of hazardous waste, and promote environmentally sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen enforcement capabilities and foster collaboration to address environmental crime. By improving understanding of international agreements and customs procedures, the initiative seeks to protect Mozambique's environment and contribute to global efforts in combating illegal waste trafficking. This joint effort highlights the importance of customs cooperation in safeguarding the environment and ensuring compliance with multilateral agreements.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Boost Customs Modernization Via Regional Cooperation

West and Central Africa Boost Customs Modernization Via Regional Cooperation

The 6th Regional Working Group Meeting of Human Resources and Training Managers of Customs in West and Central Africa in 2016 focused on regional cooperation to accelerate the modernization of customs human resources. The meeting emphasized experience sharing, regional synergy, and the importance of the WCO-WACAM project. Participating countries actively sought project support and discussed key issues such as digital transformation, performance management, leadership development, and talent retention, aiming to jointly build the future of customs in West and Central Africa. The discussions highlighted the need for collaborative efforts and shared strategies.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Senegal Customs Overhauls HR Leads West African Reform

Senegal Customs Overhauls HR Leads West African Reform

Supported by the Swedish government-funded West African Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, Senegalese Customs is actively modernizing its human resource processes. This includes developing key tools such as job and competency directories and building a competency-based management system. The project serves as a model for customs administration modernization in the West African region and provides valuable experience for other countries. It highlights the importance of investing in human resources to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness within the region.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Backing for Reform

Cameroon Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Backing for Reform

In 2015, Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO, held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop. The aim was to develop managerial talent to address the challenges of reclaiming outsourced functions. The workshop enhanced the strategic management, leadership, and communication skills of managers. It also resulted in a roadmap for reclaiming outsourced functions, demonstrating a commitment to customs reform. Cameroon Customs expressed gratitude for the WCO's support and looked forward to future development.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leones NRA Enhances Talent Management for Tax Efficiency

Sierra Leones NRA Enhances Talent Management for Tax Efficiency

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched a Human Resources Modernization Upgrade Program. This initiative aims to build a professional and efficient tax workforce by establishing a competency-based HR system, ultimately improving tax collection efficiency, optimizing the business environment, and contributing to national economic development. The program includes components such as diagnostic assessments, capacity building initiatives, and regional cooperation. It provides valuable experience for other developing countries' tax agencies seeking to modernize their HR practices.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation Training in Southern Africa

The second phase of the WCO and JICA's Southern African Customs Valuation Training Program has concluded. The program aimed to develop trainers and enhance regional customs valuation capabilities. Recommendations include strengthening follow-up support and fostering regional cooperation to sustain the program's impact and build upon the progress achieved in improving customs valuation practices within the region.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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