Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

A WCO Mercator Programme diagnostic of Eswatini Customs' PCA aimed to enhance risk management and trade compliance. The assessment recommended improvements to balance control and facilitation, ultimately promoting economic development. The findings highlighted areas for optimization in PCA processes, focusing on data analysis and risk profiling to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will contribute to a more streamlined and secure trade environment, fostering economic growth and regional integration for Eswatini.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Inter-State School for Customs of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (ISSC-CEMAC) in reshaping its development strategy, aiming to modernize its training system through capacity building. The WCO's diagnostic assessment provided recommendations for ISSC improvements, and a new development strategy was jointly formulated to enhance the professional competence of regional customs officers and promote trade facilitation. The focus is on strengthening the ISSC's role as a key training hub for customs administrations in the CEMAC region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malta Customs Adopts Innovation to Strengthen Island Economy

Malta Customs Adopts Innovation to Strengthen Island Economy

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Malta to discuss development opportunities for small island economies. Malta's Finance Minister highlighted the country's economic transformation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs. The Prime Minister presented the vision of a "Blockchain Island" and called for strengthened international cooperation. Malta Customs has achieved significant success in risk management and technology application, providing a valuable reference for customs cooperation among Mediterranean countries. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security in the unique context of a small island nation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Spanish Scholarship Program has been launched to enhance the professional skills and management capabilities of customs officials from Spanish-speaking countries and promote customs reform and modernization. The program offers tailored curriculum, lectures by WCO experts, and field visit opportunities, helping participants broaden their international perspectives and accelerate their career development. This is an unmissable learning and development opportunity for customs professionals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

A regional workshop held by the World Customs Organization in Saudi Arabia focused on coordinating border management, Single Window implementation, and the application of the WCO Data Model in the Middle East and North Africa region. The conference emphasized the importance of strategic planning, business process re-engineering, and data harmonization. The aim is to facilitate regional cross-border trade and economic development by streamlining procedures, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency. This initiative seeks to create a more seamless and effective trade environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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IRU Training Enhances Customs Efficiency and Trade Security

IRU Training Enhances Customs Efficiency and Trade Security

IRU's TIR-EPD training enhances customs efficiency and trade security. This program focuses on leveraging the Electronic Pre-Declaration (EPD) system to facilitate trade and improve risk management. By equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to utilize EPD effectively, the training contributes to faster border crossings, reduced delays, and a more secure supply chain. Ultimately, the TIR-EPD training promotes seamless international road transport and strengthens global trade relationships through improved customs procedures.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Delays Disrupt Supply Chains Cause Backlogs

US Customs Delays Disrupt Supply Chains Cause Backlogs

Stricter US customs policies, increased tariffs, and intensified inspections are hindering deliveries to Amazon and Walmart warehouses, exacerbating port congestion. Exporters need to pay close attention to policy changes, strengthen compliance, and optimize logistics to address these challenges. The tightened regulations are impacting supply chains and require proactive measures to mitigate potential disruptions and delays. Businesses should also explore alternative shipping routes and consider diversifying their customer base to reduce reliance on specific markets.

01/05/2026 Logistics
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Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

WCO Data Model Update Enhances Global Customs Efficiency

The 63rd meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team was successfully held, focusing on the progress of WCO Data Model V4, data maintenance request processing, and supporting the International Maritime Organization (IMO) new dataset. The meeting utilized the WCO Data Model application for the first time, improving data maintenance efficiency. The launch of WCO Data Model V4 will further enhance the standardization of customs data exchange and promote global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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