Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, supports the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). GRA is pioneering a competency-based HRM approach in West and Central Africa, reviewing and refining key tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks. This initiative aims to build a highly qualified tax workforce, improve operational efficiency and service delivery, and contribute significantly to national economic development. The focus is on creating a sustainable and effective HRM system within the GRA.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya WCO Boost Customs Compliance and Risk Management

Kenya WCO Boost Customs Compliance and Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Kenya Revenue Authority's (KRA) customs compliance and risk management efforts in collaboration with the Swedish Tax Agency (STA). This initiative aimed to enhance KRA's tax collection efficiency, close tax loopholes, optimize the business environment, and improve international competitiveness. This collaboration marks a significant step in the modernization of Kenya's tax administration and provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The partnership focused on strengthening KRA's capabilities in key areas, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and improved governance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cape Verde WCO Launch Trade Efficiency Study

Cape Verde WCO Launch Trade Efficiency Study

With support from the WCO-WACAM project, Cape Verde Customs is preparing its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks, optimize customs procedures, and enhance trade competitiveness. Through WCO expert workshops and public-private partnership action plans, Cape Verde aims to fulfill the Trade Facilitation Agreement, establishing an efficient and transparent customs system to promote economic development. The TRS will provide valuable data for informed decision-making and targeted reforms, ultimately streamlining the flow of goods and boosting Cape Verde's participation in global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

With support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), Nicaraguan Customs launched an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. This initiative aims to optimize customs procedures and enhance trade security and efficiency through capacity building and Time Release Study (TRS). The program seeks to streamline the flow of goods, reduce release times, and contribute to Nicaragua's economic development by fostering a more secure and efficient trading environment. Ultimately, the AEO program is expected to boost international trade and investment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Training Enhances African Customs Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown

WCO Training Enhances African Customs Wildlife Trafficking Crackdown

The WCO INAMA project conducted basic intelligence training in Kenya to enhance the capacity of African customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. The training focused on the intelligence cycle, risk assessment, and international cooperation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in protecting endangered wildlife resources. It promoted collaboration among various stakeholders to effectively combat wildlife crime. The initiative aims to strengthen regional efforts in disrupting trafficking networks and safeguarding biodiversity by equipping customs officers with essential intelligence skills.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecps First Phase Aims to Boost Regional Economies

Ecps First Phase Aims to Boost Regional Economies

This paper analyzes the first phase of the ECP Action Plan from a data analyst perspective, exploring its core objective of enhancing regional economic competitiveness and specific measures. It focuses on key tools such as the Transit Manual, the SME Business Perspectives Checklist Model, the Compendium on Coordinated Border Management, and the Customs-Business Partnership Guide. The paper also looks forward to the future development of the ECP Action Plan, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making and the application of emerging technologies. This analysis provides insights into how the ECP aims to boost trade and economic growth within the region.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Customs Modernization with Updated ECP Plan

WCO Advances Customs Modernization with Updated ECP Plan

The WCO's revised Phase IV of the ECP Action Plan aims to advance global customs modernization and promote trade facilitation and security. This is achieved through initiatives like compiling transit trade best practices, revising data model guidelines, focusing on Small Island Economies, researching Special Customs Zones, reviewing the Kyoto Convention, exploring rail customs procedures, developing PLACI guiding principles, aligning AEO with ICAO programs, and updating the disruptive technology report. These efforts collectively contribute to a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Ecommerce Rules Speed Up Parcel Clearance With Edata

New Ecommerce Rules Speed Up Parcel Clearance With Edata

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) jointly released guidelines on Electronic Advance Data (EAD) exchange between postal operators and customs, aiming to improve customs clearance efficiency for cross-border e-commerce parcels. The guidelines clarify process standards, provide technical support, and emphasize cooperation and communication. This initiative helps businesses enhance their operational efficiency in international trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Setting Refund Policies for Crossborder Events

Guide to Setting Refund Policies for Crossborder Events

Dashu Cross-border event platform offers flexible refund settings, allowing event organizers to enable/disable refund functionality and set refund deadlines (refunds allowed until the event ends or a specified number of days before the event ends). Once an event payment is successful, the refund settings cannot be changed, so please set them carefully. This provides event creators with control over their refund policies and helps manage expectations for attendees regarding potential refunds.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Firm Daxue Enhances Refund Flexibility for Customer Engagement

Crossborder Firm Daxue Enhances Refund Flexibility for Customer Engagement

Dashu Cross-border offers flexible event refund settings. Merchants can customize refund deadlines in event management, allowing refunds until the event ends or within a specified number of days before the event concludes. Once the first user has paid, the refund settings cannot be changed. This provides a better user experience by offering control over refund policies and mitigating potential disputes related to event cancellations or changes. This feature is particularly useful for cross-border e-commerce events where refund policies need to be clearly defined.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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