WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

WCO Updates PICARD Standards to Modernize Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is undertaking a comprehensive upgrade of the PICARD Professional Standards to adapt to the rapidly evolving global trade landscape. The revised standards will focus on public-private partnerships, customs-tax linkages, coordinated border management, and cover emerging trends such as security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. This upgrade aims to cultivate forward-thinking and practically skilled customs professionals, ultimately fostering global trade development. The updated standards will ensure customs administrations are equipped to meet future challenges and opportunities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

Global Standards Set for Customs Leadership Excellence

The WCO's PICARD Programme, in collaboration with the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), has developed a set of professional development standards for customs middle and senior managers. These standards aim to enhance the leadership, management capabilities, and professional skills of customs officials. They can be flexibly applied to internal training and recruitment strategies, helping to build high-performing customs management teams capable of addressing increasingly complex international trade challenges. The standards provide a framework for continuous improvement and professional growth within customs administrations worldwide.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

South Africa Nigeria Strengthen Trade Ties Under Afcfta

Supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme, the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) successfully conducted an experience exchange focusing on post-clearance audit, Authorized Economic Operator (AEO), and risk management. The aim was to enhance the NCS's risk management capabilities, promote trade compliance, and contribute to the prosperity of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). This collaboration underscores the importance of customs cooperation in facilitating trade and strengthening regional economic integration through improved risk assessment and streamlined procedures.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

With WCO support, the Nigeria Customs Service upgraded its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system, strengthening risk management, optimizing trader segmentation, and supporting the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency and promote economic prosperity. Emphasizing data-driven customs management, the project offers valuable lessons for other developing countries looking to modernize their customs operations and improve trade facilitation measures. The focus on risk-based approaches and data analysis is key to achieving tangible improvements in customs performance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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IATA Launches Aviation Crisis Program for Family Assistance

IATA Launches Aviation Crisis Program for Family Assistance

IATA's "Airline ERP and Crisis Management Team Family Assistance" course aims to enhance aviation professionals' capabilities in family assistance and build more resilient crisis response mechanisms. The curriculum covers key areas such as international regulations, FAP design and implementation, reception center management, external coordination, and long-term family support. It helps participants provide timely, comprehensive, and compassionate assistance to affected families, ensuring their well-being during and after a crisis. The course emphasizes practical skills and knowledge necessary for effective family support in the aviation industry.

01/20/2026 Airlines
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Aviation Sector Focuses on Resilience Amid Security Risks

Aviation Sector Focuses on Resilience Amid Security Risks

This course aims to enhance the safety risk management and crisis response capabilities of aviation professionals. By learning key aspects such as risk assessment, risk minimization, and crisis management, participants will acquire practical skills to identify, evaluate, and respond to safety threats. The goal is to build more resilient organizations capable of addressing the increasingly complex safety challenges within the aviation industry. The course emphasizes practical application and real-world scenarios to improve decision-making during critical events and promote a proactive safety culture.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Asiapacific Air Cargo Adopts Digital Tools Amid Safety Challenges

Asiapacific Air Cargo Adopts Digital Tools Amid Safety Challenges

The Singapore Air Cargo Day event highlighted digital transformation and safety risk management in the air cargo industry. Singapore Airlines received CEIV Fresh certification, and SAAA@Singapore was recognized as a CBTA Center of Excellence. Industry experts emphasized that digitalization, safety, cold chain management, and sustainability are crucial for the future of air cargo. The event underscored the importance of embracing technology while mitigating potential security threats to ensure efficient and reliable air freight operations. Focus was also given to maintaining the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Ecommerce Boom Drives Six Key Trends in Freight Industry

Faced with rising freight costs and driver shortages, shippers are actively adjusting their strategies. Six major trends in freight management are emerging: portfolio freight management, collaborative efforts to address driver shortages, reducing detention time, increasing private fleets, adopting technology to manage fleets, and developing autonomous trucks. These trends will reshape the future of freight, helping businesses manage logistics more efficiently. The adoption of autonomous driving especially promises to revolutionize long-haul transportation and alleviate driver scarcity, offering a potential solution to current industry challenges.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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ARX Aerospace Boosts Saudi Aviation Safety with IATA Training

ARX Aerospace Boosts Saudi Aviation Safety with IATA Training

ARX Aerospace and Defense, a Saudi Arabian IATA-certified aviation training center, offers comprehensive aviation safety courses. These courses cover security awareness, fatigue management, human factors, and quality management systems, aiming to enhance the professional skills of aviation personnel and ensure aviation safety. The curriculum is rich and diverse, ranging from basic to advanced levels, suitable for individuals in various roles within the aviation industry. It equips professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain the highest safety standards and contribute to a safer aviation environment.

01/20/2026 Airlines
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