Togos Customs Modernization Boosts Efficiency Revenue

Togos Customs Modernization Boosts Efficiency Revenue

Togo Customs has achieved significant results in tax collection, clearance efficiency, and regulatory enforcement by introducing a performance management system supported by the World Customs Organization. Tax revenue increased by 46%, clearance times were halved, and the detection rate of irregularities doubled. This experience provides a valuable lesson for other developing countries, emphasizing the importance of high-level commitment, international cooperation, and continuous improvement. It also looks forward to the application of digitalization and intelligence in customs reform.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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AI Tool Enhances Customs Fraud Detection

AI Tool Enhances Customs Fraud Detection

The DATE model, developed by the WCO's BACUDA project, employs artificial intelligence to provide customs authorities with a precise tool for identifying fraud risks. Utilizing a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding technology, the model effectively identifies potential fraudulent activities such as under-invoicing, enhancing risk identification accuracy and reducing labor costs. It has been successfully piloted in a Nigerian customs project.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Exporters Face Stricter Customs Inspections

Ecommerce Exporters Face Stricter Customs Inspections

This article provides a detailed guide for cross-border e-commerce sellers on how to deal with customs inspections during the customs clearance process. It covers preparation before inspection, actions to take upon receiving an inspection notice, cooperation during the inspection, and follow-up measures after the inspection. The aim is to help sellers complete customs clearance efficiently and compliantly, ensuring the smooth release of goods. This guide helps navigate potential hurdles and ensures a smoother transition through the customs process.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

The inaugural meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Methods Forum (CWOF) was successfully held, bringing together global experts to discuss the transformation of customs working methods. The meeting clarified future work directions, emphasizing the importance of technology, personnel, and leadership. It also planned follow-up activities aimed at building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable customs system. The forum highlighted the need for customs administrations to adapt to evolving global challenges and embrace innovative approaches to trade facilitation and border security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

Sudan Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Sudanese Customs has launched a human resource management modernization transformation, adopting a competency-based model. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of talent selection, training, and performance evaluation, building a more competitive human resource system to contribute more significantly to Sudan's economic development. Through international cooperation, Sudanese Customs is learning from best practices and striving to achieve leapfrog development in its human resource capabilities.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Group Strengthens Global Trade Ties

Customs Group Strengthens Global Trade Ties

The online annual meeting of the Customs Representatives Association on January 26, 2021, marked its revitalization. WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya congratulated the association's revival, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with customs commissioners. The association aims to modernize, strengthen internal connections, deepen cooperation with the WCO, raise awareness, expand services, build a "customs family" concept, promote global customs cooperation, and address trade challenges. It envisions a more efficient and secure future for international trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Streamlining Customs to Accelerate Global Shipping

Streamlining Customs to Accelerate Global Shipping

Is your overseas shopping parcel stuck in customs? This article delves into six key factors impacting customs clearance speed: goods type, declaration accuracy, document completeness, courier selection, destination country customs efficiency, and duty payment. It provides practical tips to expedite the process, helping you avoid common pitfalls and receive your package smoothly. Learn how to navigate customs regulations and ensure a faster, hassle-free delivery experience. By understanding these factors, you can proactively minimize delays and improve your chances of a successful and timely customs clearance.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs System Enhances Trade Efficiency

New Customs System Enhances Trade Efficiency

This paper delves into the customs guarantee system, a trade facilitation measure advocated by Canada and Switzerland, designed to allow importers to retrieve goods before final tariff determination. It elaborates on the core principles, implementation details, advantages, challenges, and the rights and limitations of customs inspection within this system. The article emphasizes its significant role in improving customs clearance efficiency, optimizing the trade environment, and reducing the burden on businesses. It calls for countries to actively learn from experiences and improve their customs guarantee systems, fostering smoother international trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

World Customs Organization Strengthens Anticounterfeiting Measures

The World Customs Organization advocates for strengthened international cooperation to enhance customs enforcement and combat counterfeit goods, thereby safeguarding trade order. Facing challenges related to capacity, legal frameworks, and infringement, a multi-faceted collaborative approach is essential to improve the protection system. This includes sharing best practices, harmonizing regulations, and building capacity within customs administrations to effectively identify and seize counterfeit goods. Ultimately, robust customs cooperation is vital for protecting intellectual property rights and fostering fair international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Customs Modernization Reforms

WCO Backs Cambodias Customs Modernization Reforms

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an assistance mission to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and help develop a five-year strategic plan. This initiative aims to promote customs modernization in Cambodia, enhance trade facilitation, and inject new impetus into economic development. The WCO will continue to support Cambodia's customs capacity building and strengthen international cooperation to jointly address global trade challenges.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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