WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Liberia in Boosting Customs Revenue

WCO Aids Liberia in Boosting Customs Revenue

At the request of the Liberia Revenue Authority, the World Customs Organization sent an expert mission to Liberia to strengthen its customs valuation and classification infrastructure. Through assessments, workshops, and recommendations, the mission assisted Liberia in implementing relevant World Trade Organization agreements and developing a strategy to terminate private sector inspection contracts. The goal was to enhance revenue collection, promote trade facilitation, and foster economic development within the country. The mission's work focused on building sustainable capacity and ensuring compliance with international standards.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia has developed an innovative customs talent cultivation model in cooperation with Riga Technical University, the State Revenue Service, and the private sector, creating a multi-stakeholder ecosystem. This model combines theory and practice, integrates multiple disciplines, and continuously improves training quality, offering valuable insights for other countries. Simultaneously, the WCO Management Development Program empowers customs leaders and contributes to building a global community for customs talent development. This collaborative approach fosters a more effective and globally connected customs workforce.

11/30/-0001 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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Israel Boosts Global Trade with Streamlined Compliance Innovation

Israel Boosts Global Trade with Streamlined Compliance Innovation

Israel's Trade Facilitation Committee has formalized existing high-level trade facilitation standards. With customs prioritization and coordination, they successfully updated regulations, offering a valuable model for other countries. This initiative streamlines processes and reduces barriers to trade, contributing to economic growth and international competitiveness. The updated regulations enhance transparency and predictability, benefiting businesses engaged in import and export activities. The success of this program highlights the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the private sector in achieving trade facilitation goals.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

WCO Promotes Gender Equality to Strengthen Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Virtual Working Group (VWG) on Gender Equality and Diversity convened to explore how to enhance collaboration with the private sector to promote gender-inclusive trade facilitation, better addressing the needs of women traders and marginalized groups. The WCO is building a more gender-equal customs environment through initiatives like online learning modules and the 'Women in Customs' campaign. These efforts aim to ensure that customs procedures and policies are equitable and supportive of all stakeholders, regardless of gender.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Prologis Invests in Energy and AI to Transform Logistics

Prologis Invests in Energy and AI to Transform Logistics

Prologis discussed the future of energy and AI-driven supply chains with the U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Energy security is paramount, requiring diversified energy sources and expedited project approvals. AI is poised to reshape logistics and optimize supply chains. Prologis is actively exploring AI applications to lead industry transformation, focusing on how AI can improve efficiency and sustainability within their vast logistics network. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration between the private sector and government to address these critical issues.

02/04/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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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