Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

Ivory Coast Customs Modernizes Operations with ROCB Assistance

The West and Central Africa Capacity Building Office has assisted Côte d'Ivoire Customs in making progress in human resources and project management. By developing a job directory, competency framework, and job descriptions, and by introducing project cycle management and results-based management principles, it has laid the foundation for the modernization of Côte d'Ivoire Customs. The two parties will continue to collaborate to refine relevant tools and methods and develop action plans to consolidate the achievements made.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Standardizes Global Customs Procedures to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO Standardizes Global Customs Procedures to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the standardization, harmonization, and security of global customs data through the work of the Data Model Project Team (DMPT) and the Information Management Sub-Committee (IMSC). By developing data models, revising maritime standards, and exploring emerging technologies, the WCO strives to build a more efficient, secure, and convenient global trade environment. This work lays a solid foundation for global trade connectivity and facilitates seamless international commerce.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Adopts WCO Study to Modernize Customs Efficiency

Bahamas Adopts WCO Study to Modernize Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Bahamas Customs in conducting its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify clearance bottlenecks, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. With WCO training and technical support, the Bahamas aims to significantly reduce clearance times, lower trade costs, and meet the requirements of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to promote economic growth and enhance the country's international image by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

Burkina Faso Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Time Release Study

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the WCO's WACAM project, conducted its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify clearance bottlenecks and improve efficiency. The WCO provided training and technical assistance to help Burkina Faso implement the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, improve the business environment, and promote trade development. The TRS, through data analysis, provides Customs with improvement measures to reduce trade costs and enhance international competitiveness.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a strategic planning and project management workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) to enhance its institutional capacity. The workshop assisted DIAN in building a results-based management system, designing a future development model for Customs, and mastering effective coordination tools. This laid a solid foundation for DIAN's Customs reform efforts, enabling more efficient and effective operations and contributing to increased trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the "Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Programme for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," supports Customs administrations and national environmental agencies in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The program develops risk indicators for goods and substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. This aims to combat the illegal cross-border movement and trade of hazardous waste, thus maintaining the sustainability of the global environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

The inaugural meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Methods Forum (CWOF) was successfully held, bringing together global experts to discuss the transformation of customs working methods. The meeting clarified future work directions, emphasizing the importance of technology, personnel, and leadership. It also planned follow-up activities aimed at building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable customs system. The forum highlighted the need for customs administrations to adapt to evolving global challenges and embrace innovative approaches to trade facilitation and border security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Launches Electronic Single Window to Streamline Trade

Zimbabwe Launches Electronic Single Window to Streamline Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zimbabwe Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) project. It enhances capacity through workshops and strengthens collaboration with government agencies to streamline trade procedures. The project aims to reduce operational costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance Zimbabwe's international competitiveness, ultimately leading to economic prosperity. WCO's support is crucial for the effective implementation and sustainability of the ZeSW, contributing to Zimbabwe's trade facilitation efforts and economic growth.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Simplify Global Customs

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Simplify Global Customs

The 29th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee focused on optimizing customs procedures, discussing potential draft texts in key areas such as goods handling and postal transportation. The meeting aimed to simplify global customs formalities, improve efficiency and transparency, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses and promoting international trade development. The next meeting will be held in September 2022 to continue advancing the revision process.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Strengthens Disaster Resilience Amid Rising Humanitarian Needs

Madagascar Strengthens Disaster Resilience Amid Rising Humanitarian Needs

The World Customs Organization, the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, and the National Center for Disaster Preparedness at Columbia University collaborated to enhance Madagascar's disaster response capabilities. Through improved standard operating procedures, workshops, and simulations, the country effectively coordinated relief efforts during Tropical Cyclone Batsirai. This experience provided valuable lessons for other nations facing similar challenges. The collaboration focused on strengthening customs procedures and inter-agency cooperation to ensure efficient delivery of aid and resources during emergencies, ultimately minimizing the impact of disasters on the vulnerable population.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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