WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization Plan

WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization Plan

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, assessed and optimized the 2015-2017 strategic plan of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This initiative aimed to enhance customs modernization in Ghana, enabling it to better adapt to the international trade environment and safeguard national economic development. The focus was on strategic plan compliance, modernization reforms, capacity building, and improving the monitoring and evaluation unit, along with internal project management capabilities. The project sought to improve GRA's overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs operations.

Global Customs Agencies Protect Vaccine Supply Chains From Counterfeits

Global Customs Agencies Protect Vaccine Supply Chains From Counterfeits

The World Customs Organization launched the “Project to Facilitate and Coordinate Customs Controls on Cross-Border Transport of Critical COVID-19-Related Goods” to combat counterfeit vaccines and other illicit goods, ensuring the efficient flow of legitimate supplies. Funded by Japan Customs, the project strengthens customs supervision through multilateral collaboration and technological empowerment. It aims to build a global pandemic prevention and control barrier, safeguarding human health. This initiative promotes secure and efficient trade in essential goods during the COVID-19 crisis, fostering international cooperation to combat the pandemic.

Burundi Customs Enhances African Trade with WCO Backing

Burundi Customs Enhances African Trade with WCO Backing

With support from the WCO and the EU, the Burundi Revenue Authority held a national workshop on customs laboratories and the Harmonized System classification of chemical products. The aim is to establish its own laboratory to improve tax collection efficiency, strengthen social and environmental protection, and promote trade facilitation. Guided by WCO experts and through learning technical standards, Burundi Customs is committed to building a first-class customs laboratory, contributing significantly to Burundi's economic development. This initiative is crucial for modernizing customs operations and ensuring compliance with international standards.

Asiapacific Rail Freight Expands with WCO Digital Customs Push

Asiapacific Rail Freight Expands with WCO Digital Customs Push

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held its first Asia-Pacific Railway Seminar in Seoul, Korea, aiming to promote the standardization and digital transformation of customs procedures for rail transport. The conference focused on the WCO Railway Guide, simplified customs procedures, the application of advanced technologies, and international cooperation. This initiative is expected to inject new momentum into the development of rail freight in the Asia-Pacific region and further promote regional economic growth. The seminar provided a platform for discussion and collaboration among stakeholders in the railway and customs sectors.

WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), inviting members to participate in self-assessment. This initiative aims to help national customs administrations identify challenges, improve operations, and receive targeted capacity building assistance from the WCO. The PMM comprehensively evaluates customs performance in areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and enforcement. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs worldwide, thereby fostering international trade development and contributing to a more secure and predictable global trading environment.

Moldova Boosts Customs Valuation Skills Via WTO Workshop

Moldova Boosts Customs Valuation Skills Via WTO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a customs valuation workshop in Moldova to enhance the valuation capabilities of Moldovan customs officials within the WTO framework. The workshop focused on establishing and utilizing valuation databases, verifying the authenticity of declared prices, analyzing valuation challenges for special goods, and introducing the advance ruling system. From a data analyst's perspective, the workshop emphasized data standardization, risk assessment model construction, and data support for the advance ruling system, thereby boosting Moldova's trade facilitation level. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures and promote smoother international trade for Moldova.

Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

Global Customs Forum Sets Future Work Priorities

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held the inaugural meeting of the Customs Working Organization Forum (CWOF), bringing together global experts to discuss innovative customs working methods in the “new normal.” The meeting approved the CWOF's terms of reference and outlined future work directions, including the collection of case studies and the development of best practice guidelines. The aim is to build a more resilient and efficient customs working system, adapting to the evolving challenges of international trade and ensuring effective border management in a rapidly changing world.

WCO Promotes Gender Equality in Customs for Womens Day

WCO Promotes Gender Equality in Customs for Womens Day

On International Women's Day 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlights the 'Women in Customs' project, emphasizing the vital role and contributions of women in the customs domain. By sharing stories of outstanding women, the WCO aims to inspire more women to pursue careers in customs and reaffirm its commitment to gender equality and diversity. This commitment is crucial for building a more efficient, secure, and prosperous global trade system. The WCO recognizes the importance of empowering women within its ranks and fostering an inclusive environment for all.

WCO Resumes Leadership Program to Train Future Customs Leaders

WCO Resumes Leadership Program to Train Future Customs Leaders

The WCO relaunched its Leadership Development Programme, aiming to enhance the leadership and management capabilities of customs officials. This initiative addresses international trade challenges and promotes customs modernization. Sixteen countries have benefited from the program. The WCO expresses gratitude to China, Japan, and Korea for their financial contributions and support.