Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Namibia in completing a capacity assessment for its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The aim is to assist Namibia in launching an AEO pilot project and its full implementation by 2018 through work plans in key areas such as risk management, post-clearance audit, legal reform, and IT upgrades. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and economic development within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Walmart Expands Drone Delivery in Retail Innovation Push

Walmart Expands Drone Delivery in Retail Innovation Push

Walmart is partnering with Flytrex to test drone delivery services in Fayetteville, North Carolina, aiming to solve the "last mile" delivery challenge. Despite challenges such as safety, regulations, and costs, drone delivery holds significant potential for improving efficiency, reducing expenses, and potentially reshaping the future delivery landscape of the retail industry. The pilot program explores the feasibility and benefits of integrating drone technology into Walmart's existing delivery infrastructure for faster and more convenient customer service.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), is implementing a competency-based Human Resource Management system to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder relations. The project involves workshops to improve staff capabilities and plans to implement pilot projects. The WCO has pledged continued support to assist the MRA in achieving its modernization goals. This initiative aims to build a more effective and efficient tax administration system in Malawi.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to help members build comprehensive wellbeing programs and enhance employee and organizational resilience. The training covers six key themes: happiness, program design, resilience building, psychophysiological health, social wellbeing and balance, and stress management. The WCO will conduct pilot programs and establish a team of experts. Future development will include training materials targeted at other organizational levels.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China's FTZs Boost Trade Efficiency with Innovative Reforms

China's FTZs Boost Trade Efficiency with Innovative Reforms

The Free Trade Zone has enhanced trade facilitation and customs efficiency through innovative regulation and experience replication, successfully lowering warehousing and logistics costs. The pilot free trade zones in Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Liaoning, and Sichuan have implemented effective measures to support various types of trade, significantly boosting enterprise competitiveness and market participation. The simplification of customs processes and the application of technology have made import and export trade increasingly efficient, driving regional economic development and changing the market landscape.

07/29/2025 Logistics
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Namra Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Namibias Trade

Namra Introduces AEO Program to Enhance Namibias Trade

The Namibian Revenue Agency (NamRA) is fully implementing the AEO program to enhance supply chain security, streamline trade processes, and improve business competitiveness. Through pilot verification training and continuous optimization, NamRA is committed to working with businesses to build an efficient and convenient trade environment, promoting national economic prosperity. The AEO program aims to simplify customs procedures for trusted traders, reducing clearance times and costs. This initiative is expected to boost Namibia's trade performance and attract foreign investment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil and Uruguay signed an AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot program, aiming to simplify customs clearance, enhance supply chain security, and promote bilateral and regional trade facilitation through joint certification of compliant traders. This represents a significant milestone in customs cooperation between the two countries and serves as a model for global trade security and facilitation. The MRA is expected to reduce border delays and costs for certified companies, fostering greater economic integration within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Wcobacked Competencybased HR System

Gambia Revenue Authority Adopts Wcobacked Competencybased HR System

The Gambia Revenue Authority, with support from the World Customs Organization, implemented a competency-based human resource management model. This included developing job catalogs and competency frameworks, which received positive feedback after a pilot phase. Future plans involve creating onboarding programs and sharing experiences with national institutions to promote the modernization of human resource management at the national level. The implementation of the competency model is a key component of the ongoing tax reform efforts in Gambia.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Chinas 1039 Trade Model Eases Crossborder Ecommerce Hurdles

Chinas 1039 Trade Model Eases Crossborder Ecommerce Hurdles

Cross-border e-commerce sellers face challenges when applying the 1039 policy, including differences in pilot registration and filing, difficulties in logistics provider cooperation, limitations in Single Window agreement activation qualifications, and bank account permission requirements. To effectively leverage the advantages of the 1039 policy and overcome customs clearance difficulties, sellers need to seek professional services and enhance their understanding of the policy. Addressing these hurdles is crucial for maximizing the benefits of the 1039 customs clearance model.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Bolivia Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted an online Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Bolivian Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation in Bolivia. By reviewing processes, optimizing questionnaires, and preparing pilot projects, Bolivian Customs is ready for TRS implementation. The goal is to reduce goods release times, lower costs for businesses, improve the investment climate, and enhance national competitiveness. The TRS will help identify bottlenecks and inefficiencies in the customs clearance process, leading to targeted reforms and improvements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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