Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs is implementing a five-year strategy in response to the World Customs Organization's Mercator Program. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations, promote economic development, and enhance international competitiveness. The strategic plan focuses on streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and aligning with global best practices. By embracing international standards and modern technologies, Antigua and Barbuda Customs seeks to facilitate trade, strengthen border security, and contribute to the nation's sustainable economic growth. This modernization effort is crucial for attracting investment and fostering a more competitive business environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

Guatemala Boosts Trade Compliance with Customs Valuation Training

The Guatemala National Workshop on Customs Valuation aims to improve customs valuation practices and promote trade compliance and efficiency. The workshop covers topics such as the interpretation of the WTO Valuation Agreement, Guatemalan customs regulations, practical valuation operations, risk management, and dispute resolution. Through knowledge sharing and capacity building, it helps Guatemala integrate into the global trading system. The workshop seeks to strengthen Guatemala's ability to accurately value goods, facilitate legitimate trade, and prevent revenue loss, contributing to its economic development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Harmonized Customs Terms Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Wcos Harmonized Customs Terms Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) International Customs Terminology aims to establish unified customs terminology standards and facilitate international trade. It is recommended that all parties widely apply this interpretation, accurately cite it at the international level, and incorporate it into legislation and education. The WCO encourages all parties to provide timely feedback on implementation, jointly building a more prosperous global trade system. This standardization promotes clarity and efficiency in cross-border transactions, reducing ambiguity and fostering smoother international commerce.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Extends CTPAT Program to Nonasset 3pls

US Customs Extends CTPAT Program to Nonasset 3pls

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) launched a five-year pilot program, for the first time allowing non-asset based Third-Party Logistics (3PL) providers to participate in the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (CTPAT). This aims to strengthen supply chain security and address potential vulnerabilities. Participating companies must meet security standards, receive facilitation benefits, and contribute to overall supply chain security enhancement. The pilot program will provide experience for future CTPAT program expansion.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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WCO Examines Customs Codes for Sustainable Textile Trade

WCO Examines Customs Codes for Sustainable Textile Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in facilitating sustainable textile trade. Participants discussed leveraging the HS coding system to identify environmentally friendly textiles, raising practical issues concerning textile waste classification, eco-labeling standards, and incorporating sustainability into product identification. The aim was to promote a greener HS coding system.

02/12/2026 HS Code Query
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Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

Pacific Islands Boost Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project's Mentor Training Programme (MTP) has been successfully implemented in Pacific Island Countries. By training local trainers, the program builds sustainable customs capacity and enhances the expertise of customs officers in the areas of Customs Valuation (CV) and the Harmonized System (HS). This initiative provides strong support for regional economic development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade facilitation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Customs Program

Kenya Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Customs Program

Kenya Customs requested the WCO to conduct an assessment of its trade facilitation measures. The assessment highlighted progress in information availability and risk management. However, improvements are needed in coordination between agencies, capacity building initiatives, and the further development of ICT infrastructure for customs procedures. The report emphasized the importance of addressing these areas to enhance trade efficiency and reduce trade costs for businesses operating in Kenya.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Boosts Digital Training for Workforce Development

Asiapacific Customs Boosts Digital Training for Workforce Development

The World Customs Organization and the Asia Pacific Regional Office for Capacity Building jointly organized an online seminar to discuss how Asia-Pacific customs administrations can address training management challenges in the context of digital transformation. The conference focused on blended learning models, competency model building, and training effectiveness evaluation. It aimed to enhance the capabilities of customs personnel, optimize human resource management, and promote regional cooperation and knowledge sharing. The seminar provided insights into adapting training strategies for a digital age.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Cloud Training for Workforce Growth

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Cloud Training for Workforce Growth

Under the framework of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Asia-Pacific customs administrations discussed the challenges and opportunities in training management amidst digital transformation through online seminars. They reached a consensus on capacity building, talent development strategies, and the effective implementation of virtual training models. The aim is to build a talent cultivation system adaptable to future development, jointly address challenges, and achieve the common development of regional customs. This collaboration fosters a skilled workforce prepared for the evolving landscape of international trade and customs procedures.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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