Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

At the request of the Namibian Customs and Excise Department, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic support mission focused on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through extensive consultations with Namibian public and private sectors, the WCO will provide a tailored report with recommendations and collaborate with NCE to develop an implementation plan. This initiative aims to enhance capacity building and international cooperation, ultimately assisting Namibia in achieving trade facilitation and economic growth. The mission highlights the importance of customs cooperation in supporting TFA implementation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UAE Customs Adopts Wcobacked Training System

UAE Customs Adopts Wcobacked Training System

At the invitation of the UAE's Federal Customs Authority (FCA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted in harmonizing the recruitment and training standards for Customs inspectors nationwide. Through diagnostic assessments, the WCO provided systematic improvement recommendations, covering unified recruitment criteria, optimized training systems, and strengthened qualification certifications. The aim is to enhance the professionalism of the UAE Customs workforce and promote international trade facilitation. This initiative focuses on building capacity and ensuring consistent application of Customs procedures across the country, ultimately contributing to more efficient and secure trade flows.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts Datadriven Customs for Digital Shift

Global Trade Adopts Datadriven Customs for Digital Shift

International Customs Day 2022 focused on data-driven customs digitalization. This report explores the construction of a data ecosystem, emphasizing data culture and the importance of data quality. It analyzes the leading role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in promoting data sharing and collaboration among customs administrations. The report highlights how leveraging data can enhance trade facilitation, improve risk management, and ultimately contribute to more efficient and secure global trade flows. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with building a robust and sustainable data ecosystem for customs.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Trade Security with Wcobacked AEO Program

Indonesia Boosts Trade Security with Wcobacked AEO Program

Indonesia is expanding its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO). A seminar was held in Jakarta, sharing experiences from the EU, US, and Japan. The program aims to enhance supply chain security by certifying businesses, granting them benefits such as streamlined customs clearance and reduced risk. Future plans include integrating the AEO program with aviation security. The WCO has pledged continued collaboration to promote trade facilitation, attract investment, and improve Indonesia's international competitiveness. The AEO program is crucial for Indonesia's economic growth and global trade integration.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tajikistan Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Tajikistan Adopts WCO Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Tajikistan Customs to assist the country in launching a new TRS cycle and improving cross-border trade efficiency. By reviewing the TRS methodology, demonstrating the TRS software, and sharing experiences, the workshop laid the foundation for Tajikistan Customs to optimize clearance procedures, identify bottlenecks, and reduce trade costs. This initiative supports the country's economic development and enhances its international competitiveness. The workshop aimed to improve customs efficiency through practical application of the TRS methodology.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Modernizes HR to Enhance West African Trade

Burkina Faso Customs Modernizes HR to Enhance West African Trade

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), has officially adopted human resource tools such as a competency framework and job catalogue to enhance talent management and organizational effectiveness. This initiative, a key outcome of the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, will help Burkina Faso Customs achieve its organizational goals, facilitate trade, and promote economic development in the West African region. The implementation aims to modernize HR practices and build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of international trade and customs administration.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Gambia in Trade Facilitation Via AEO Program

WCO Aids Gambia in Trade Facilitation Via AEO Program

With support from HMRC, the WCO is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in implementing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and advancing Coordinated Border Management (CBM). Through online training, field visits, and joint workshops, the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of the GRA and other border agencies. This optimization of customs clearance processes is expected to promote trade facilitation in Gambia, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs for businesses involved in international trade. The project is crucial for Gambia's economic development by streamlining border procedures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Revises Strategies to Strengthen Global Trade Capacity

WCO Revises Strategies to Strengthen Global Trade Capacity

The 16th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Capacity Building Committee, themed "Reshaping the WCO Capacity Building Paradigm," emphasized strategic alignment and resource optimization. The meeting aimed to update capacity building strategies to address global trade challenges. Discussions focused on the elements and operational aspects of the new paradigm, highlighting the importance of multi-stakeholder collaboration. The committee also elected new chairs and vice-chairs, setting the direction for global customs capacity building initiatives. The conference sought to modernize approaches to better support member states in navigating the evolving international trade landscape.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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