WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with various partners, successfully conducted a training-of-trainers workshop for customs officers in the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of customs personnel to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The training covered cultural property identification, risk management, and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of implementing relevant WCO resolutions. This training represents a significant step by the WCO in the field of cultural heritage protection and contributes to strengthening the defenses against cultural property crime.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Joins Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso has acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), becoming the 111th contracting party. The RKC simplifies customs clearance procedures, promotes trade facilitation, and enhances global competitiveness. By adopting the RKC, Burkina Faso aims to streamline its customs operations, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately boost its economic growth. This accession underscores the country's commitment to international standards and its desire to integrate more effectively into the global trading system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Uses Time Release Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nicaragua Uses Time Release Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), is utilizing a Time Release Study (TRS) to identify and address bottlenecks in its cargo clearance process. Through on-site visits and action plan development, Nicaragua aims to reduce clearance times, enhance trade efficiency, improve competitiveness, and foster a better business environment. Facing challenges related to data accuracy, inter-agency coordination, and technical capacity, Nicaragua is actively working to overcome these obstacles and lay the foundation for future trade facilitation improvements.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

WCO Aids Uganda in CITES Enforcement for Endangered Species

The WCO assessed the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the CITES Convention. The assessment revealed shortcomings, leading to the development of an improvement plan. This plan aims to combat the illegal trade in wild flora and fauna by strengthening customs enforcement and ensuring compliance with CITES regulations. The initiative seeks to enhance the URA's effectiveness in detecting, preventing, and suppressing wildlife trafficking, contributing to broader wildlife conservation efforts.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Adopt Luxor Resolution for Ecommerce Compliance

Global Customs Adopt Luxor Resolution for Ecommerce Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) adopted the Luxor Resolution, providing a guiding framework for cross-border e-commerce regulation. It encompasses eight key principles, including advance data, facilitation, security, and taxation. The WCO also reaffirmed its leading role in cross-border e-commerce management to the WTO, pledging support for the WTO's Work Programme on Electronic Commerce. The Luxor Resolution aims to promote trade facilitation, address security challenges, and foster the healthy and sustainable development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Boosts Customs Intelligence to Curb Wildlife Trafficking

Malawi Boosts Customs Intelligence to Curb Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continues to support the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA) in strengthening its intelligence functions to enhance its risk management capabilities in combating illegal wildlife trade. Through the WCO-INAMA project, the MRA has optimized its business processes and job responsibilities, laying the foundation for the implementation of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). This initiative is of great significance for the ecological security of Malawi and the world.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

Kenya Enhances Trade Efficiency with WCO Mercator Review

The WCO assessed Kenya Customs' implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), analyzing progress, challenges, and areas for improvement. The assessment led to the development of a multi-year implementation plan and a maturity model evaluation. The WCO's work aimed to support Kenya in streamlining its customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing its overall competitiveness. The assessment provided valuable insights into the effectiveness of current TFA implementation efforts and identified key priorities for future action, ensuring sustainable and impactful trade facilitation reforms.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Boosts Trade with Regional Audit Collaboration

East Africa Boosts Trade with Regional Audit Collaboration

With the support of the WCO/JICA joint project, the tax authorities of the five East African countries launched a senior trainer program for Post Clearance Audit (PCA) to enhance regional PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. By establishing a network of experts, improving training capabilities, and developing cooperation plans, customs administrations in East Africa will strengthen cooperation, address challenges, and contribute to regional economic development. The initiative aims to build a sustainable framework for PCA expertise and collaboration within the East African Community.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Guide Mastering Customs Tariff Classification

Global Trade Guide Mastering Customs Tariff Classification

Incorrect tariff classification leads to customs clearance delays and audits. Accurate classification is crucial for avoiding delays, mitigating risks, optimizing costs, and safeguarding reputation. Proper classification ensures compliance with customs regulations, preventing penalties and disruptions to the supply chain. Investing in accurate tariff classification processes is essential for smooth international trade operations and maintaining a competitive edge. It minimizes potential financial losses and protects the company's standing within the industry. Ultimately, accurate classification streamlines processes and fosters trust with customs authorities.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Dutch Customs Boosts Global Trade Via WCO Exchange Program

Dutch Customs Boosts Global Trade Via WCO Exchange Program

The Netherlands Customs Administration hosted experts from Cameroon and Sierra Leone to share expertise on rules of origin and commodity classification. This initiative aimed to enhance the capabilities of the visiting customs officials in these crucial areas. By sharing best practices and providing practical training, the Netherlands Customs Administration fostered international cooperation and contributed to trade facilitation. This collaboration also served to enhance the Netherlands Customs Administration's reputation as a leader in customs expertise and international partnership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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