Philippine Customs Boosts Trade Reforms with WCO Backing

Philippine Customs Boosts Trade Reforms with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership workshop for senior officials of the Philippine Customs, aiming to enhance strategic alignment, trust-building, and leadership skills. The workshop focused on challenges such as cross-departmental collaboration, decision-making processes, and strategic thinking. Initiatives like Time Release Study (TRS) were highlighted as tools for customs modernization and promoting trade facilitation reforms. The program sought to equip participants with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive positive change within the Philippine Customs administration and contribute to improved efficiency and effectiveness.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

The Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) is undergoing a competency-based HRM reform in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aiming to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder engagement, BCED is committed to modernizing its talent management practices. This involves developing a competency framework, job catalog, and exploring the establishment of an internal HRM department. By strengthening its human resources, BCED seeks to contribute more effectively to economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

West Africa Enhances Customs Risk Management During Pandemic

Supported by the WCO/JICA joint project, West African Customs administrations continued to enhance their risk management and intelligence analysis capabilities during the pandemic through online training. The MTP project, involving six countries including Benin, aims to cultivate a team of experts proficient in these skills and has made significant progress. By adopting innovative training methods, the project overcame the challenges posed by the pandemic and injected new momentum into customs capacity building in West Africa. The online format allowed for continued learning and development despite travel restrictions and social distancing measures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

WCO and Sida Collaborate to Modernize African Customs

The WCO, in partnership with Sida, launched the "Project to Promote Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization" aimed at enhancing customs capacity in Sub-Saharan Africa. The project optimizes the cross-border trade environment, fostering economic growth and poverty reduction. It focuses on strategic capacity building, operational efficiency improvements, promotion of trade facilitation measures, strengthened regional cooperation, and ensuring sustainable development. The initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately contributing to increased trade flows and economic prosperity in the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

Mozambique Tightens Customs to Curb Hazardous Waste Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with organizations like the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Mozambique to enhance customs officers' awareness of the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative aims to strengthen border control of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The activity is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, which supports developing countries' customs administrations in improving their environmental capabilities to address global environmental challenges collectively. The program focuses on building capacity for effective implementation and enforcement of relevant environmental agreements.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Boosted by Unique Customs Reference Codes

Global Trade Boosted by Unique Customs Reference Codes

The Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) serves as an "electronic staple" in international trade, aiming to connect various stages of trade, improve customs supervision efficiency, and facilitate trade. This article delves into the definition, objectives, characteristics, and implementation challenges of UCR, and explores its future development trends. It emphasizes the crucial role of UCR in customs modernization and provides recommendations for companies to address the implementation of UCR. The UCR's potential to streamline processes and enhance security in global trade is highlighted.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
German Customs Officer Rises to Finance Leadership Role

German Customs Officer Rises to Finance Leadership Role

Constanze Voss, a senior German customs official, shares her career journey from lawyer to customs leader, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, communication, and leadership in diverse roles. She encourages young women to be brave and confident, seizing opportunities within the customs field. Voss highlights the German Customs' efforts in promoting diversity and supporting employee work-life balance. Her story inspires women to pursue leadership positions and demonstrates the evolving landscape of the customs profession, embracing inclusivity and offering a supportive environment for all employees.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Philippine Customs Boosts Reform Efforts with WCO Backing

Philippine Customs Boosts Reform Efforts with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Leadership and Management Development Workshop for senior officials of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines. This initiative aims to solidify reform achievements and enhance crisis response capabilities within the BOC. Through customized training and a blend of theory and practice, the workshop supports the BOC in building a more resilient management system. It also lays the groundwork for future collaboration to effectively implement the World Trade Organization's (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement, ultimately contributing to smoother and more efficient trade processes.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Nigeria Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Training Program

Nigeria Customs Enhances Leadership with WCO Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Leadership and Management Development Workshop for the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), aiming to enhance the capabilities of senior management and drive NCS reform and modernization. The workshop covered topics such as strategic management, people management, and change management. Participants responded enthusiastically, expressing their intention to apply what they learned. The Comptroller General of the NCS highly praised the workshop, recognizing its crucial role in developing the skills necessary to address future challenges.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Benin Customs Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Assistance

Benin Customs Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Benin Customs Administration in implementing a competency-based human resource management system, aiming to enhance customs administration in the region. Through the WCO-WACAM project, Benin Customs completed a job directory, competency inventory, and job descriptions, and developed a detailed work plan, laying the foundation for HR modernization. This initiative not only improves the quality of Benin Customs staff but also provides a reference for other African countries. This project contributes to strengthening customs efficiency and effectiveness.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More