G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

G7 Urges Customs Reform to Enhance Global Trade

The G7 Trade Ministers' joint statement highlights new trends in global trade, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in enhancing supply chain resilience, regulating e-commerce, and addressing climate change. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively responds, committing to strengthen cooperation with emerging economies and enhance customs capacity building to address modern business challenges and promote efficient, responsible global trade. This includes focusing on streamlined procedures, data sharing, and technology adoption to improve border management and facilitate legitimate trade flows while combating illicit activities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

Serbia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WTO Swiss Trade Aid

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), Serbian Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and attract more business participation. Through capacity building, strategic optimization, and dialogue with the private sector, Serbia's AEO program will better align with international standards, providing businesses with a more convenient trading environment and promoting economic development. The upgrades focus on streamlining processes and enhancing security within the supply chain.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African customs laboratory leaders visited the Asia-Pacific region to learn from best practices and enhance their capabilities. Through laboratory visits and experience sharing, the African representatives gained in-depth understanding of the operational models, technological applications, and management methods of regional customs laboratories in the Asia-Pacific. This activity promoted capacity building for African customs laboratories and laid the foundation for regional cooperation, contributing to African trade development and economic prosperity. The visit focused on practical knowledge transfer and establishing future collaborative efforts.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Overhauls Tax Agency for Improved Efficiency

Botswana Overhauls Tax Agency for Improved Efficiency

The Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS), in collaboration with the WCO, implemented a competency-based human resource management program. This initiative aimed to enhance organizational performance, improve employee engagement, and strengthen border management. The program focused on identifying and developing the necessary skills and knowledge for BURS staff to effectively carry out their duties, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and effective tax administration system in Botswana. The partnership with WCO provided valuable expertise and support in the design and implementation of the competency model.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Customs experts from the Asia-Pacific region gathered in India to discuss best practices in customs transit. The workshop focused on the WCO Transit Guidelines, shared experiences in railway transit, and explored future development directions. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the application of information technology, improve laws and regulations, enhance capacity building, and foster public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to jointly build a new landscape for customs transit in the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Oman Customs Data Analysis Capabilities

WCO Boosts Oman Customs Data Analysis Capabilities

At the request of Oman Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop to enhance their data analysis capabilities. The workshop focused on developing a data mobilization strategy, cultivating data analysis talent, and recommending a phased implementation of data analysis projects. It also emphasized strengthening external cooperation and building a data-driven culture to support Oman Customs' data-driven transformation. This aims to improve efficiency in areas such as risk assessment, revenue collection, and trade facilitation, ultimately leading to better customs operations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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South Africa Boosts Border Tech Leadership with WCO Backing

South Africa Boosts Border Tech Leadership with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop for the South African Revenue Service (SARS) executive team. The workshop aimed to enhance teamwork and individual leadership skills, enabling them to address key challenges and effectively implement trade facilitation reforms. Focusing on personal communication, team trust, and organizational strategic management, the workshop facilitated the development of tailored action plans. These plans support the SARS leadership model and the construction of 'Smart Borders,' ultimately striving for a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Tunisia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Updated Customs Training

Within the framework of the EU-WCO Africa Harmonized System Programme, Tunisian Customs is strengthening national-level Harmonized System training. This aims to enhance customs officers' technical skills in commodity classification and their training abilities, building a professional team. The initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and predictability, contributing to Tunisia's economic development. The training program focuses on improving the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately benefiting both traders and the national economy by ensuring consistent and correct application of the Harmonized System.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Ukraine Customs Training to Strengthen Trade

WCO Enhances Ukraine Customs Training to Strengthen Trade

The WCO is assisting the Ukrainian Customs Training Center in clarifying its role, developing strategies, and enhancing European customs capabilities. This support aims to improve the center's ability to deliver effective training programs and contribute to the overall modernization of customs operations in the region. By strengthening customs procedures and knowledge, the initiative ultimately seeks to facilitate regional trade and economic growth. The focus is on building a sustainable training infrastructure that can continuously adapt to evolving needs and challenges within the customs environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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