West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

The meeting of heads of customs from West and Central Africa focused on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The World Customs Organization reaffirmed its support, emphasizing the critical role of customs departments and the importance of infrastructure. Discussions also covered addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, combating counterfeit medicines and vaccines, and strengthening capacity building and regional cooperation. These efforts aim to contribute to regional economic development and the prosperity of the African continent. The importance of efficient customs procedures for the AfCFTA's success was highlighted.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Middle East North Africa Customs Crack Down on Artifact Smuggling

Middle East North Africa Customs Crack Down on Artifact Smuggling

The World Customs Organization held a seminar in Tunisia, focusing on combating cultural heritage smuggling in the Middle East and North Africa region. Participants suggested strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of customs officers, utilizing technological tools, and improving laws and regulations. The aim is to more effectively protect invaluable cultural heritage. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and modern approaches to counter the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts, ensuring the preservation of these treasures for future generations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

West and Central Africa Strengthen Antismuggling with Joint Customs Training

The online seminar for West and Central African Customs enhanced intelligence analysis capabilities to combat customs fraud and transnational crime. The training focused on WCO intelligence policies, RILO liaison, and other key areas. This initiative aimed to strengthen regional cooperation among customs administrations in the region. By improving information sharing and analytical skills, the seminar contributes to more effective border control and a safer trade environment. The ultimate goal is to disrupt illicit activities and promote legitimate trade flows within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the "Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Programme for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," supports Customs administrations and national environmental agencies in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The program develops risk indicators for goods and substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. This aims to combat the illegal cross-border movement and trade of hazardous waste, thus maintaining the sustainability of the global environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands Trade Program with WCO Backing

Azerbaijan Expands Trade Program with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides technical assistance to Azerbaijan Customs to enhance its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. Through workshops, WCO experts and Azerbaijani Customs representatives discussed the effectiveness of the AEO program, expansion opportunities, and alignment with the SAFE Framework. The goal is to promote trade facilitation, improve supply chain security, and contribute to Azerbaijan's economic growth. The assistance aims to elevate the operational standards of Azerbaijan Customs.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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ATA Carnet Marks 50 Years Easing Global Trade

ATA Carnet Marks 50 Years Easing Global Trade

As the World Customs Organization celebrates the 50th anniversary of the ATA Carnet system, stakeholders emphasized its importance as a model of customs-business partnership in promoting trade and investment. Discussions focused on developing a paperless ATA Carnet, reaffirming the crucial role of customs-business collaboration in enhancing system efficiency. By simplifying customs procedures and reducing trade costs, the ATA Carnet system significantly contributes to global trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Launches Trade Efficiency Program for Businesses

Uzbekistan Launches Trade Efficiency Program for Businesses

The World Customs Organization is assisting Uzbekistan in upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to enhance customs risk management capabilities, provide certified companies with trade facilitation benefits, reduce operating costs, and strengthen customs-business partnerships. The upgraded AEO program offers strategic opportunities for businesses to expand their operations within the Uzbek market by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Mastering International Package Tracking

Guide to Mastering International Package Tracking

This article provides a comprehensive guide to package tracking, covering options for international shipping, how to find sender tracking numbers, the feasibility of checking package status via mobile phones, tips for arranging pickup services, and efficient methods for tracking package information, helping readers easily master the logistics of their packages.

08/07/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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