WCO Enhances Global Customs Response to COVID19 Supply Chains

WCO Enhances Global Customs Response to COVID19 Supply Chains

The World Customs Organization (WCO) COVID-19 Project aims to enhance the emergency response capabilities of national customs administrations and ensure the stability and security of global supply chains. Through capacity building, tool development, and international cooperation, the project has significantly improved customs' ability to respond to emergencies, laying the foundation for a safer and more stable future for global trade. It focuses on strengthening resilience and promoting collaboration to navigate disruptions and maintain essential trade flows.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Boosts Customs with HS Chemical Classification Lab Upgrades

Tanzania Boosts Customs with HS Chemical Classification Lab Upgrades

Tanzania, with funding from Norway, held a HS Chemicals Classification Workshop and a Customs Laboratory Development Training Program. These initiatives aim to enhance commodity classification skills and laboratory management capabilities. The long-term plan includes establishing a central, standardized Customs Laboratory to further improve regulatory compliance and trade facilitation within the country.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Supported by the Swedish-funded WACAM project, The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is pioneering the WCO-promoted competency-based HRM model in West and Central Africa. By reviewing key HRM tools and strengthening institutional capacity, GRA aims to become a regional benchmark, leading industry development and providing valuable experience and lessons for other customs agencies. This initiative represents a significant step towards modernized customs administration and enhanced talent management within the region, potentially setting a new standard for customs operations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs Adopts Harmonized System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Comoros Customs is actively preparing for the early application of the Harmonized System (HS) through capacity building and expert support. This initiative aims to improve trade efficiency, optimize tariff management, and attract foreign investment. This presents opportunities for businesses, requiring them to strengthen their understanding of the HS, optimize supply chains, and expand market channels. Establishing a strong partnership with Comoros Customs is crucial to collectively embrace a bright future for trade development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

Global Customs Code Update Targets Plastic Waste by 2028

The 2028 edition of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System (HS) introduces more specific subheadings for plastic articles, enhancing the identification of particular plastic products, including environmentally sensitive polymers, expanded polystyrene articles, and single-use plastics. This will facilitate customs data collection, assisting governments in developing more effective policies to control plastic pollution and promote a circular economy and environmental sustainability. The refined HS codes will enable better tracking of plastic trade flows and inform targeted interventions to reduce plastic waste.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

WCO Enhances Ukraines Customs Training With Regional Center Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) deployed a technical assistance mission to support Ukraine Customs' capacity building, focusing on assessing and assisting the Khmelnytskyi Regional Training Center (RTC) in defining its role and strategic planning. Through workshops, the RTC clarified its position within the WCO's capacity building framework and developed future directions. This initiative aims to enhance customs management in Ukraine and the broader European region, contributing to international trade and global security. The mission helped RTC to identify key areas for improvement and develop a roadmap for future growth and development.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Time Release Study

Bahamas Customs Enhances Trade with WCO Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Bahamas Customs in conducting its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify clearance bottlenecks, optimize processes, and lay the groundwork for implementing a Single Window system. This initiative helps the Bahamas comply with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhances trade efficiency, improves the business environment, and provides new impetus for WTO accession and economic development. The implementation steps of the TRS and the advantages of the Single Window are also detailed.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Boosts Customs Valuation Skills in Guatemala Summit

Latin America Boosts Customs Valuation Skills in Guatemala Summit

The inaugural Regional Certification Workshop for Spanish-speaking Customs Valuation Experts was successfully held in Guatemala. It brought together customs officials from various countries to enhance their professional skills and certify them as expert trainers. The workshop established a regional expert working group to review and update WCO training materials, promoting experience exchange and knowledge sharing within the region. This initiative injects new vitality into the field of customs valuation in the Americas and the Caribbean.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shipping to Saudi Arabia Time Distance and Customs Guide

Shipping to Saudi Arabia Time Distance and Customs Guide

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the time, distance, and influencing factors involved in shipping freight to Saudi Arabia. It compares the advantages and disadvantages of sea and air freight and offers practical advice for customs clearance and delivery. This guide helps businesses efficiently plan China-Saudi Arabia trade transportation. It covers factors affecting transit times, including port congestion, customs procedures, and local distribution networks. The analysis aims to optimize logistics strategies and minimize delays for businesses engaged in trade between China and Saudi Arabia.

02/02/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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