Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

The 19th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeit and Piracy Group was successfully held, focusing on two major issues: e-commerce infringement and standardized procedures for goods destruction. New tools were launched to strengthen global customs cooperation in intellectual property protection and jointly combat infringement and counterfeiting. The meeting aimed to safeguard innovation and development by enhancing customs' role in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of counterfeit goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Releasing Detained EMS Shipments at Customs

Guide to Releasing Detained EMS Shipments at Customs

Don't panic if your EMS package is detained! This article delves into the common reasons for EMS package detention, such as prohibited items and inaccurate declarations. It provides three major strategies: personal declaration and tax payment, commercial customs declaration, and application for return. It also emphasizes the importance of real-time tracking of processing progress and utilizing rights protection channels to safeguard your interests. This helps you quickly resolve the issue and successfully clear customs.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mongolian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

Mongolian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Program

The WCO conducted a leadership workshop for Mongolian Customs, aiming to enhance the capabilities of senior executives and drive reform. Participants provided positive feedback, indicating improvements in management communication. The workshop focused on developing strategic thinking, decision-making, and team management skills crucial for leading the modernization of customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and effective organization. The training is expected to contribute significantly to the ongoing efforts to streamline trade facilitation and strengthen border security in Mongolia.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Support

Burkina Faso Improves Customs Valuation with WCO Support

The Burkina Faso General Directorate of Customs (DGD) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to rebuild its autonomous customs valuation capacity. The WCO assisted by conducting a diagnostic assessment of the DGD's existing system and providing recommendations for improvement. This support helped the DGD establish an efficient, transparent, and compliant customs valuation system, enhancing its autonomous regulatory capabilities and promoting national economic development. The assistance focused on strengthening internal expertise and processes related to valuation.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officers Get Guide to Key Environmental Treaties

Customs Officers Get Guide to Key Environmental Treaties

This handbook provides customs officers with a practical guide to key Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) such as the Basel Convention and CITES. It aims to assist frontline personnel in quickly identifying violations and taking appropriate action. The handbook emphasizes its use in conjunction with the 'Green Customs Initiative MEA Guide'. It helps customs officials understand their role in enforcing environmental regulations and preventing illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods, thereby contributing to global environmental protection and sustainable development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

Central America Advances Customs Modernization Via Publicprivate Partnerships

A seminar on customs modernization and border management cooperation in Central America was held in Chile, emphasizing the crucial role of public-private partnerships in promoting trade facilitation and economic development. Participants shared experiences, discussed challenges, and expressed confidence in future collaboration. The World Customs Organization highlighted the importance of risk management and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. New member countries also expressed a strong desire to continue advancing relevant cooperation. The event underscored the commitment to modernizing customs procedures and enhancing regional trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

WCO Upgrades Tool to Improve Customs Valuation Compliance

The World Customs Organization has upgraded its Diagnostic Tool on Tariff Classification, Valuation and Origin. This tool aims to assist national customs administrations in identifying and addressing weaknesses in tariff, valuation, and origin management. By improving management efficiency and reducing trade risks, it ultimately promotes global trade facilitation. The upgraded tool focuses on optimizing the diagnosis of rules of origin and enhancing user-friendliness. The improvements are expected to lead to better compliance and contribute to a more streamlined and predictable international trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Boosts Customs Skills to Improve Tax Revenue

Namibia Boosts Customs Skills to Improve Tax Revenue

With the support of the EU-WCO Harmonized System Programme for Africa, the Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) organized a national commodity classification workshop. This initiative aims to enhance the commodity classification skills of customs officers, address issues such as incorrect classification and false declarations, and close tax loopholes. By combining online learning with offline workshops, the program strengthens both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, building a comprehensive support system. This contributes to customs modernization, ultimately promoting economic prosperity in Namibia.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Customs Boosts Textile Inspection After WCO Training

Zimbabwe Customs Boosts Textile Inspection After WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a textile classification training in Zimbabwe to enhance the professional skills of the country's customs officers. The training aims to safeguard revenue, maintain fair trade, and protect intellectual property. Combining theory and practice, the program utilizes methods such as microscopy and burn testing to help Zimbabwean customs develop keen observational skills. This initiative contributes to the country's economic development by improving customs' ability to accurately classify textiles and prevent illicit trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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