New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

The Executive Program in Commerce and Business Administration (EPCBA) aims to enhance the strategic thinking and practical skills of customs managers from developing countries. The program covers key topics such as international trade theory, business management knowledge, WCO international standards, and the WTO TFA, helping participants address customs challenges and promote global trade facilitation. It provides a comprehensive understanding of modern customs practices and equips participants with the tools necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective roles.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs actively embraces international standards and enhances tariff classification capabilities by hosting WCO Harmonized System workshops, thus improving the business environment. Through digital transformation and international cooperation, Kazakhstan Customs is committed to building an efficient and compliant customs system, promoting trade facilitation, attracting investment, and driving economic development. This contributes to the prosperity of global trade. The focus is on aligning with international best practices to streamline processes and foster a more attractive investment climate.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Modernizes Customs with Harmonized Trade System

Moldova Modernizes Customs with Harmonized Trade System

To modernize trade, Moldovan Customs is optimizing its tariff classification system. In 2013, the World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance, holding HS workshops to enhance the HS knowledge and practical skills of Moldovan Customs officials. This initiative aims to build an efficient and transparent customs system, promote trade facilitation, and lay the foundation for integration into the global trading system. The goal is to improve customs procedures and ensure accurate classification, ultimately streamlining cross-border trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

The WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement emphasized the WCO's crucial role in implementing the TFA. Discussions centered on supporting global trade flow through tools and initiatives like National Trade Facilitation Committees, Coordinated Border Management, Time Release Studies, and the Mercator Programme. The meeting also approved a study tool designed to assist members in submitting national practice case studies easily incorporated into implementation guidelines. This aims to further streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency at borders worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos SAFE Framework Strengthens Global Supply Chain Security

Wcos SAFE Framework Strengthens Global Supply Chain Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Working Group meeting focused on supply chain security and efficiency, discussing the implementation and future development of the SAFE Framework. The meeting highlighted forward-looking topics such as e-seals, regional cooperation, e-commerce inclusion, and blockchain applications. It also addressed innovative practices like standardized document formats, air cargo security, and electronic advance data sets. The aim is to strengthen customs cooperation and build a secure and efficient future for global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

Customs Key to Asiapacific Trade Resilience During Pandemic

The Asian Development Bank and UNESCAP jointly held a webinar focusing on the critical role of customs in safeguarding trade and connectivity during the pandemic. The WCO Secretary General emphasized the need for customs to ensure supply chain transparency and shared WCO's response measures and recommendations for regional cooperation. These included coordinating border management, digitizing procedures, and building capacity. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade and building resilient supply chains during global crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos MADAO Project Enhances Customs Management in West Africa

Wcos MADAO Project Enhances Customs Management in West Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the West Africa Customs Modernization Project (MADAO) to enhance strategic management capabilities. Following regional training, national-level support will be provided to establish strategic systems. This initiative aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness across West Africa by strengthening their strategic planning and management processes. The MADAO project focuses on building sustainable customs capacity through training and the development of robust strategic frameworks, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Remote Training for Capacity Building

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Remote Training for Capacity Building

The 19th WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held online, focusing on the challenges and practices of distance learning under the pandemic. Participants shared experiences, discussed innovative models, and emphasized collaborative construction, aiming to enhance regional customs capacity building and respond to the new international trade environment. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methodologies to effectively address the evolving needs of customs administrations in the region and ensure continued professional development despite global disruptions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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