Burundi Adopts Competencybased HRM System for Revenue Authority

Burundi Adopts Competencybased HRM System for Revenue Authority

With support from the World Customs Organization, the Burundi Revenue Authority is undergoing modernization through the development of a competency-based HRM system. This aims to improve operational efficiency, increase tax revenue, and enhance stakeholder relations. The workshop focused on empowering the HR department to build a competency model and develop an action plan. The WCO will continue to provide support to help the Burundi Revenue Authority achieve its modernization goals. This initiative highlights the importance of HR in driving organizational change and improving public service delivery.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Boosts African Customs Modernization Trade

EUWCO Project Boosts African Customs Modernization Trade

The EU-WCO cooperation project promotes customs modernization in Africa by optimizing the Harmonized System and rules of origin, and strengthening capacity building. This creates a more efficient trade environment, fostering intra-African trade and regional economic integration. The project has yielded significant results and will continue to support African customs development, contributing to the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area. Its focus on streamlining procedures and enhancing skills will be crucial for unlocking Africa's trade potential and fostering sustainable economic growth across the continent.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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Aviation Industry Advancing Toward Netzero IATA Reports

Aviation Industry Advancing Toward Netzero IATA Reports

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has launched a sustainability consulting service to empower aviation businesses in reducing their carbon footprint and achieving net-zero transition. The service covers carbon footprint assessment, net-zero strategy development, emissions reduction leverage analysis, ESG disclosure and reporting, airport decarbonization, and technological innovation. IATA will also host a series of industry events to provide a platform for exchange and collaboration on sustainable development within the aviation sector. This initiative aims to accelerate the industry's progress towards a more environmentally responsible future.

01/08/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Aviation Board Advances Data Standards for Digital Transformation

Aviation Board Advances Data Standards for Digital Transformation

IATA's ATSB is dedicated to developing aviation data exchange standards, promoting interconnectivity and digital transformation. The Open API Working Group is building a 'common language' to facilitate industry collaboration. This initiative aims to streamline data sharing and improve operational efficiency across the aviation sector by establishing standardized protocols and interfaces. The focus is on creating a more connected and data-driven ecosystem within the industry, ultimately leading to enhanced decision-making and improved passenger experiences. The 'common language' fosters interoperability between different systems and stakeholders.

01/08/2026 Airlines
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