Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

Kyrgyzstan Boosts Customs Oversight Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national post-clearance audit (PCA) workshop in Kyrgyzstan to enhance the country's customs audit capabilities. Funded by the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund, WCO experts used interactive teaching and practical exercises to help participants master the theoretical knowledge and operational skills of PCA. The successful workshop will contribute to strengthening Kyrgyzstan's PCA system, promoting trade facilitation, and safeguarding national economic security. The training covered key aspects of PCA implementation and risk management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Ethiopia Adopts Wcobacked Customs Advance Ruling System

Ethiopia Adopts Wcobacked Customs Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Ethiopia in establishing an advance ruling system to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Ethiopian customs officials clarified the responsibilities of the advance ruling department, discussed revisions to the legal framework, and addressed procedural issues. The establishment of the advance ruling system will help Ethiopia better integrate into the global trading system, improve its competitiveness, and attract more investment. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs processes and providing predictability for traders.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahrain Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Modernization Support

Bahrain Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Modernization Support

With WCO support, Bahrain Customs enhanced its post-clearance audit capabilities through workshops and learned about pre-arrival processing systems to meet WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement requirements. This initiative aims to optimize customs clearance processes, improve efficiency, and inject new vitality into Bahrain's economic development. The WCO's continued support will help Bahrain Customs modernize and serve as a model for other developing countries. The training focused on risk management and data analysis techniques to improve audit effectiveness and targeting.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

WCO Launches ACE Portal to Strengthen Global Customs Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the ACE Expert Portal to optimize global expert resource management and enhance capacity building efficiency. This platform empowers individual expert development, facilitates knowledge sharing, and supports member-driven development. Through centralized management and permission settings, the ACE Expert Portal helps the WCO build a talent-driven customs organization, contributing to global trade security and facilitation. It aims to streamline expert identification, deployment, and knowledge transfer, ultimately strengthening customs administrations worldwide.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Adopts VR for Regional Training

Asiapacific Customs Adopts VR for Regional Training

The 20th Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific was held in Bangkok, Thailand. The meeting focused on empowering and strengthening regional cooperation through VR technology to enhance customs capacity building and promote regional customs modernization. The importance of impact assessment in capacity building was emphasized. The meeting also explored the challenges and future development directions of customs training under the pandemic, aiming to build a safer and more efficient regional trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Shutdown Disrupts Lunar New Year Imports

US Shutdown Disrupts Lunar New Year Imports

The US government shutdown has resulted in missing key economic data, posing challenges for importers preparing for the Lunar New Year. Despite anticipated declines in cargo volume, the Port of Los Angeles remains optimistic about achieving its annual goals. Businesses need to strengthen supply chain resilience, adapt flexibly to uncertainties, and pay close attention to trade policy changes to achieve sustainable development. The lack of reliable data makes forecasting demand and managing inventory particularly difficult during this crucial period.

01/08/2026 Logistics
Read More
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
Read More
MENA Customs Boost Data Analytics at WCO Doha Workshop

MENA Customs Boost Data Analytics at WCO Doha Workshop

The World Customs Organization held its first regional workshop on data analysis in Doha, Qatar. The aim was to enhance data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and explore its applications in customs management. The workshop shared best practices and laid the groundwork for developing data analysis strategies in the MENA region. This initiative seeks to improve customs efficiency, promote trade security, and foster economic development by leveraging data-driven insights.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Importers Adjust Strategies As De Minimis Threshold Tightens

US Importers Adjust Strategies As De Minimis Threshold Tightens

US importers face challenges due to tightening “de minimis” rules. This necessitates adjustments to supply chains, optimization of customs clearance processes, seeking legal counsel, and exploring alternative sourcing and distribution strategies. Adapting to these changes is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the evolving trade landscape. Importers should proactively assess their current practices and implement strategies to mitigate potential disruptions and ensure compliance with the new regulations. Careful planning and execution are essential for navigating these complexities and preserving profitability.

01/07/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More