WCO Helps Togo Increase Revenue by Tightening Customs Controls

WCO Helps Togo Increase Revenue by Tightening Customs Controls

The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed a three-phase capacity building assistance program for Togo Customs, aimed at helping the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) reclaim outsourced customs valuation functions and enhance its valuation capabilities. The program, through diagnostic assessments, expert training, and the establishment of an electronic database, helped Togo Customs close tax loopholes and increase fiscal revenue, providing stronger financial support for national development. The initiative strengthened Togo's ability to accurately assess customs duties and improve overall customs administration.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania Upgrades Border Security with Smart Risk Management

Tanzania, with assistance from the World Customs Organization and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, is upgrading its customs risk management framework. This aims to enhance customs efficiency, promote trade facilitation, and combat smuggling through more precise risk identification and response. The upgrade is a significant step towards improving the country's customs administration and contributing to national economic development and trade security. The improved framework will allow for better resource allocation and targeted interventions, ultimately streamlining trade processes and reducing illicit activities.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WHO Ships Monkeypox Test Kits to Sri Lanka Under New Guidelines

WHO Ships Monkeypox Test Kits to Sri Lanka Under New Guidelines

This article details Sri Lanka's regulations regarding the import of monkeypox test kits. It explicitly states that mailing monkeypox test kits to Sri Lanka is prohibited and explains the rationale behind this restriction. The article provides guidance for individuals requiring monkeypox testing, emphasizing the importance of seeking professional medical assistance from healthcare facilities. Finally, it addresses frequently asked questions concerning issues such as entrusted carrying, returns, and potential future policy changes related to monkeypox test kit imports in Sri Lanka.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

Bangladesh Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Talks

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly initiated by the World Customs Organization and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs, has launched a specific assistance program for Bangladesh. This program aims to help Bangladesh Customs optimize goods release processes and improve trade efficiency. In-depth strategic dialogues were held on the issue of Time Release Study (TRS), and a comprehensive TRS work plan was developed to ensure the sustainability of goods release times and strengthen the autonomy of Bangladesh Customs.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Overhauls HR to Boost Trade Efficiency

Sudan Customs Overhauls HR to Boost Trade Efficiency

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Sudanese Customs has launched a Human Resources modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance the professionalism and efficiency of the customs workforce by establishing a competency-based management system. The goal is to better serve national economic development and international trade security. The project encompasses assessing the current management situation, developing practical tools, formulating a roadmap, and providing ongoing expert support. This comprehensive approach seeks to transform HR practices within Sudanese Customs.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Joins World Customs Organization

Antigua and Barbuda Joins World Customs Organization

Antigua and Barbuda officially joined the World Customs Organization (WCO) as its 182nd member. This strengthens the WCO's presence in the Americas/Caribbean region and injects new vitality into global customs cooperation. The WCO is dedicated to improving customs management efficiency through setting standards, providing assistance, and promoting cooperation. Its core mission is to facilitate trade and enhance security worldwide. Antigua and Barbuda's membership will contribute to these efforts and benefit from the WCO's expertise in international trade and customs procedures.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretaries General met, emphasizing deepened cooperation through enhanced data sharing, technical assistance, and security facilitation measures. Key areas include data standardization, passenger data exchange, the application of emerging technologies, and policy dialogues. The aim is to improve the security, efficiency, and sustainability of global trade. This collaboration seeks to streamline processes, enhance risk management, and foster a more secure and predictable international trading environment, ultimately benefiting both customs and maritime sectors.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Guatemala in Boosting Trade for Economic Growth

WCO Aids Guatemala in Boosting Trade for Economic Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, provides technical assistance to Guatemala's Tax Administration (SAT) to effectively implement trade facilitation measures. Following an assessment, a WCO expert team offered recommendations for improvement, covering areas such as information transparency, procedural simplification, risk management, inter-agency cooperation, and private sector involvement. The WCO committed to providing follow-up support to help Guatemala enhance trade efficiency and promote economic growth. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and boost Guatemala's participation in global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s C-RED project aims to enhance the capacity of West African customs to respond to epidemics. Through multilateral cooperation and streamlined customs procedures, it has significantly improved the region's efficiency in responding to emergencies. The C-RED+ project plans to expand its coverage and leverage new technologies to build a more robust lifeline, providing a stronger guarantee for global humanitarian assistance. This initiative strengthens customs' role in facilitating aid delivery and ensuring timely responses to crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Law Firm Sues 70 Online Stores Over Bee Art Copyright

Law Firm Sues 70 Online Stores Over Bee Art Copyright

Keith Law Firm is representing copyright enforcement cases involving 70 cross-border e-commerce stores infringing on Hannah Mae Rosengren's "Save the Bees" artwork. Maijia is providing legal assistance to help sellers mitigate risks associated with these claims. The cases highlight the increasing scrutiny of intellectual property rights in the cross-border e-commerce sector and the potential legal challenges faced by sellers. Understanding copyright laws and proactively ensuring compliance are crucial for avoiding costly litigation and protecting business operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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