Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

Ghana Tightens IP Laws to Spur Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an intellectual property (IP) workshop in Ghana to enhance the IP protection capabilities of Ghanaian customs officers, combat counterfeit goods, and promote Ghana's economic development. The workshop, through international cooperation, skills training, and practical exercises, injected new impetus into Ghana's IP protection efforts. It focused on strengthening customs officials' ability to identify and seize counterfeit goods, fostering collaboration between agencies, and raising awareness about the importance of IP rights. The goal was to create a more secure and competitive business environment in Ghana.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Postal and Customs Agencies Streamline Crossborder Ecommerce

Postal and Customs Agencies Streamline Crossborder Ecommerce

The WCO-UPU Liaison Committee meeting focused on Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to enhance the security and efficiency of the postal supply chain. Key topics included data quality, capacity building, and discussions on the EU UCC, pre-loading cargo information, AEO accreditation, e-commerce cooperation, combating illicit trade, and innovative practices. The meeting aimed to support the development of cross-border e-commerce by addressing challenges and promoting secure and streamlined processes. The discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration and information sharing to facilitate legitimate trade and combat illegal activities within the global postal network.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Skills to Speed Tariff Reform

Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Skills to Speed Tariff Reform

With the support of the WCO MADAO project, Burkina Faso Customs organized a project management training course to enhance the project management capabilities of customs officials, aiming to better implement customs modernization reforms. The training covered key areas such as project organization, governance, and lifecycle. Through a combination of theory and practice, it helped customs establish its own project management methodology, improve project success rates and resource utilization efficiency, and ultimately promote customs modernization. The training aimed to equip officials with the skills to effectively manage and deliver modernization projects.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone NRA Adopts Competencybased HR System for Tax Efficiency

Sierra Leone NRA Adopts Competencybased HR System for Tax Efficiency

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), modernized its human resource system by introducing a competency-based HR management system. This initiative aims to enhance organizational effectiveness and build a professional tax workforce to better serve the national economy. This paper analyzes the construction and application of the competency model, and identifies potential challenges faced by the NRA during the transformation process, along with corresponding strategies to address them. The goal is to improve performance and create a skilled and efficient workforce.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Counterfeit Trade

Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Counterfeit Trade

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of combating counterfeit goods at the 6th International Conference “Georgia against Counterfeiting and Piracy.” He called for strengthened international cooperation and presented the WCO's actions in combating counterfeit medicines and medical devices. The conference also addressed new trends in counterfeit goods during the pandemic and how to more effectively combat counterfeiting to protect consumer rights and safety. The discussions emphasized the need for collaborative efforts and innovative strategies to tackle the evolving challenges posed by counterfeit products.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Sungkyunkwan University in Korea, has launched a scholarship program in data analysis for customs officials from developing countries. This program aims to cultivate data analysis experts by enhancing their skills and cultural awareness through online and offline courses, practical projects, and cultural excursions. The initiative supports customs administrations in leveraging data-driven insights to improve management practices in the data era. It focuses on building capacity within developing nations to effectively utilize data for enhanced customs operations and decision-making.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Customs Boosts Leadership for Modernization Efforts

Guatemala Customs Boosts Leadership for Modernization Efforts

Guatemalan Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a leadership workshop to enhance the capabilities of its managers. This initiative aims to promote customs modernization and further facilitate trade. The workshop focused on developing leadership skills necessary for effective management and driving strategic improvements within the customs administration. By investing in its leadership, Guatemalan Customs seeks to streamline processes, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately contribute to economic growth and regional competitiveness. The training underscores the importance of strong leadership in achieving sustainable customs reform and trade facilitation objectives.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Capacity with Upgraded Contact System

Americas Caribbean Boost Customs Capacity with Upgraded Contact System

The second meeting of National Contact Points for Customs Capacity Building in the Americas and the Caribbean aimed to deepen understanding of WCO capacity building programs, strengthen the role of National Contact Points, and promote regional cooperation. The meeting emphasized the importance of National Contact Points in needs assessment, project coordination, and experience sharing, as well as the ROCB's role as an engine for regional capacity building. Future efforts will focus on strengthening the National Contact Point network, optimizing needs assessment processes, promoting regional cooperation, and enhancing customs capacity.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Regional Insights

Bolivia Expands Customs AEO Program with Regional Insights

Bolivian Customs gained insights into the practices and challenges of AEO program implementation through experience sharing with Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay, aiming to optimize its own AEO program. The analysis focuses on the characteristics of the AEO programs in these three countries, explores the opportunities and challenges faced by Bolivia, and proposes recommendations for future development. It emphasizes that the WCO will continue to provide technical support to help Bolivia improve trade facilitation and enterprise competitiveness. The ultimate goal is to enhance Bolivia's AEO program and contribute to smoother international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africas Alldays Airport ADY and FAAL Codes Explained

South Africas Alldays Airport ADY and FAAL Codes Explained

This article provides an in-depth analysis of Alldays Airport in South Africa, focusing on its IATA code ADY and ICAO code FAAL. It explains their application and differences within the aviation industry, offering key airport information. The piece explores methods for finding airport codes and discusses their impact on the local economy. The aim is to enhance readers' understanding of Alldays Airport and its associated codes, providing valuable insights into this specific location and the broader context of airport identification within the aviation system.

11/03/2025 Airport Codes
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