Middle East and North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

Middle East and North Africa Crack Down on Customs Fraud

A regional workshop in Amman, Jordan, focused on customs valuation and anti-fraud, aiming to enhance the capabilities of customs officials in the Middle East and North Africa. The workshop covered the WTO Valuation Agreement, WCO's Revenue Package tools, and anti-fraud strategies. Key discussions centered on Decision 6.1 and valuation risk management. Emphasis was placed on international cooperation, capacity building, legal improvements, and technological innovation. The goal was to foster a fairer trade environment by strengthening customs practices and combating fraudulent activities in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawis Customs Talent Strategy Wins World Praise

Malawis Customs Talent Strategy Wins World Praise

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully assessed the talent development foundation of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), aiming to help build a stronger human resource system to address the challenges posed by the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The assessment covered key areas such as strategic orientation, capacity building, and training systems. A national e-learning platform was also launched to support the MRA in enhancing customs professional capabilities. This initiative is crucial for Malawi to effectively implement trade facilitation measures and improve its overall customs efficiency.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs successfully held an executive leadership retreat through participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. The project addressed key customs strategic challenges, tailoring team-building and individual leadership development solutions. This significantly enhanced the cohesion, leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and negotiation skills of the executive team. This initiative lays a solid foundation for Bolivia Customs to address future challenges and contributes to national trade facilitation efforts. The program aimed to improve overall effectiveness and prepare the organization for upcoming reforms.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) to focus on trade facilitation through a gender equality lens. Through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations, the initiative aims to empower Togolese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women traders. The goal is to build a more equitable, secure, and efficient trading environment, fostering economic growth and social development in Togo. This partnership highlights the importance of inclusive trade practices and the role of customs in promoting gender equality.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) through the C-RED project to support Mali in enhancing its customs clearance capacity for emergency relief goods. This initiative aims to strengthen customs' preparedness for emergencies in West Africa by focusing on capacity building, coordination mechanisms, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The goal is to ensure the rapid delivery of relief supplies, contributing to the protection of lives and livelihoods during crises.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

Gambia Advances Tax Reform with WCO to Boost West African Standards

With the support of the WCO, the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) has initiated strategic management reforms aimed at enhancing organizational project management capabilities and strategic monitoring and evaluation frameworks. This collaboration aims to position the GRA as a strategic management role model in West Africa, ultimately increasing fiscal revenue and promoting economic development. The reforms focus on building internal capacity and establishing robust mechanisms for tracking progress and ensuring accountability in achieving strategic objectives. The expected outcome is a more efficient and effective revenue collection system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training Across West and Central Africa

WCO Enhances Customs Training Across West and Central Africa

The WCO-WACAM project aims to establish a regional pool of human resources experts for Customs administrations in West and Central Africa. Through capacity building, tool development, and follow-up support, the project enhances HR management within Customs departments, ultimately improving their efficiency and competitiveness. It emphasizes a competency-based HRM approach and develops tools such as job catalogs, competency frameworks, and job descriptions. These resources lay the foundation for Customs modernization and contribute to more effective and professional Customs operations in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niche Heat Press Brand HTVRONT Hits 70M Revenue Milestone

Niche Heat Press Brand HTVRONT Hits 70M Revenue Milestone

HTVRONT transformed the niche home heat press machine into a bestseller, achieving over $70 million in annual revenue through precise market positioning, continuous product innovation, and effective marketing strategies. Their success stems from differentiated product features, building a one-stop DIY experience, innovative marketing approaches, and a keen understanding of global DIY market trends. This provides valuable lessons for other brands seeking to expand internationally. They focused on creating a comprehensive ecosystem for DIY enthusiasts, making the heat press accessible and appealing to a wider audience.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Amazon Adds 250000 Seasonal Jobs Amid Retail Slump

Amazon Adds 250000 Seasonal Jobs Amid Retail Slump

Amazon plans to hire 250,000 employees and increase average wages during the holiday season to meet the surge in demand. This contrasts with some retailers' seasonal hiring reductions, highlighting Amazon's expansion strategy and market confidence. By increasing distribution centers, expanding service offerings, and improving employee compensation, Amazon is building a more competitive ecosystem and laying the foundation for future growth. The significant hiring initiative demonstrates Amazon's commitment to meeting customer needs and solidifying its position as a leading e-commerce player during the peak shopping period.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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Ozon Adjusts SKU Policy to Balance Inventory Breadth and Curation

Ozon Adjusts SKU Policy to Balance Inventory Breadth and Curation

Ozon's SKU policy adjustment significantly increases the SKU limit for new stores, encouraging a broader product listing approach. This presents both opportunities and challenges for sellers. While extensive product listings can rapidly expand market reach, they may also increase the risk of unauthorized product replication. High-quality sellers need to conduct thorough market analysis, monitor sales trends, develop unique sourcing strategies, strengthen brand building, and optimize customer service. Finding a balance between broad product listings and curated selections is crucial for success on the Ozon platform.

02/03/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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