WCO Backs HR Modernization for Customs in Senegal Gabon

WCO Backs HR Modernization for Customs in Senegal Gabon

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, is providing human resource modernization support to the Customs administrations of Senegal and Gabon. This includes refining tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks, as well as identifying change management actions. Both countries plan to validate the tools and launch pilot programs in early 2016. The project aims to improve the management efficiency of Customs in both countries and serve as a model for the West and Central African regions.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho South Africa Study Customs Efficiency to Boost Trade

Lesotho and South Africa jointly released an end-to-end clearance time study report, aiming to optimize border management and improve cross-border trade efficiency. The study focuses on the Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg Bridge border posts, highlighting the importance of trade facilitation in unlocking the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Both countries are committed to implementing the report's recommendations, strengthening economic ties, and promoting regional economic development. The study underscores the critical role of efficient border procedures in fostering trade and growth within the region.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Environment Programme, in collaboration with customs administrations from 11 countries, is enhancing capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) through online diagnostic assessments. Focusing on key areas such as training, enforcement, legislation, cooperation, intelligence, and risk management, the program tailors solutions and gathers international experts to build a global anti-smuggling defense line and safeguard ecological security. The initiative aims to improve customs' effectiveness in detecting and preventing the trafficking of endangered species and related products.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Africa Customs Seminar Advances Gender Equality in Trade

West Africa Customs Seminar Advances Gender Equality in Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a high-level Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) seminar in Nigeria, empowering customs administrations from four West African countries. By raising awareness of gender mainstreaming, focusing on gender and security issues, and utilizing the GEOAT tool, the seminar assisted customs departments in developing and implementing GED action plans. The aim is to promote trade security, inclusive development, and address the challenges faced by women in cross-border trade. This initiative strengthens customs capacity to better serve all members of society.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

Comoros Streamlines Customs with WCO Support to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), which aims to streamline customs procedures and promote trade facilitation. Through national workshops and expert support, the WCO assists Comoros in assessing gaps, developing action plans, and communicating with high-level government officials. This ensures Comoros meets the conditions for joining the RKC by June 2019, embracing a new era of global economy. The initiative helps Comoros modernize its customs practices and integrate more effectively into the international trading system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Latin America Boosts Customs Valuation Skills in Guatemala Summit

Latin America Boosts Customs Valuation Skills in Guatemala Summit

The inaugural Regional Certification Workshop for Spanish-speaking Customs Valuation Experts was successfully held in Guatemala. It brought together customs officials from various countries to enhance their professional skills and certify them as expert trainers. The workshop established a regional expert working group to review and update WCO training materials, promoting experience exchange and knowledge sharing within the region. This initiative injects new vitality into the field of customs valuation in the Americas and the Caribbean.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Enhances Africa Trade Via Kenya Training Hub

WCO Enhances Africa Trade Via Kenya Training Hub

The World Customs Organization supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre in enhancing customs capacity in East and Southern Africa. This initiative aims to strengthen customs administrations through training and development programs, ultimately contributing to improved trade facilitation, revenue collection, and border security. By fostering regional cooperation and harmonization of customs procedures, the project promotes economic growth and development within the region. The WCO's support is crucial for building sustainable customs capacity and ensuring effective implementation of international standards.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Trains African Customs on Gender Equality for Better Teams

WCO Trains African Customs on Gender Equality for Better Teams

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Finnish ESA Project II, held a workshop in Africa to enhance the skills of customs administrations in gender equality. The workshop focused on the application of WCO tools, promoted regional cooperation, and conducted an assessment of Mauritius Customs. The aim is to build more inclusive and diverse customs teams, improve operational efficiency, and enhance service quality. This initiative contributes to creating a more equitable and effective customs environment across the region.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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
Read More