WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a CITES-Framework Action Plan training in Gabon, aimed at enhancing the capacity of African customs officers to combat illegal wildlife trade. Hosted by the Gabonese Customs Administration, the training involved representatives from multiple countries, focusing on discussing challenges and sharing experiences. The U.S. Department of State funded the training. The WCO-INAMA project is dedicated to protecting Africa's biodiversity through training and cooperation. This initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling wildlife crime and strengthening customs enforcement efforts.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Tax Modernization with Talent Initiative

Lesotho Revenue Authority Advances Tax Modernization with Talent Initiative

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively implementing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance operational efficiency and tax collection capabilities. Supported by the World Customs Organization through the EPCB-HRMP project, the initiative aims to assist LRA in building a strategic HR management system. This system focuses on aligning talent with roles, ultimately contributing to LRA's modernization goals. This endeavor offers valuable lessons and best practices for other African tax administrations seeking to modernize their HR practices and improve overall performance.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bnsfs 15B Barstow Hub to Transform US Supply Chains

Bnsfs 15B Barstow Hub to Transform US Supply Chains

BNSF Railway is investing $1.5 billion in the Barstow International Gateway in Southern California to improve U.S. supply chain efficiency, reduce port congestion, and create jobs. This facility will enable the direct transfer of goods between ships and trains, enhancing overall logistics efficiency. It aims to streamline the flow of goods and alleviate bottlenecks within the supply chain by providing a seamless intermodal connection. The project represents a significant investment in infrastructure designed to modernize and optimize the movement of freight across the country.

01/20/2026 Logistics
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WCO Data Model Enhances Crossborder Ecommerce Security

WCO Data Model Enhances Crossborder Ecommerce Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model Project Team (DMPT) emphasizes the crucial role of data in building a secure and efficient cross-border e-commerce environment and released the new WCO Data Model 3.7.0. The meeting focused on data standardization, information sharing, and data exchange related to e-commerce, aiming to improve risk management and customs clearance efficiency. This contributes to a safer and more efficient future for cross-border e-commerce by promoting harmonized data standards and facilitating seamless information flow between stakeholders.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Prologis Reports Rising Demand in Logistics Real Estate Sector

Prologis Reports Rising Demand in Logistics Real Estate Sector

The Prologis IBI Index indicates a rebound in logistics real estate demand, with net absorption, new leasing signings, and project pipelines exceeding expectations. Large enterprises and e-commerce are driving growth, while intelligentization, sustainability, and customization are emerging trends. Vacancy rates are expected to remain stable in the short term. However, the market is projected to tighten again in the long run, potentially leading to accelerated rental growth. The index highlights a positive shift in market dynamics and anticipates continued expansion in the logistics sector.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

Zambia Tax Authority Adopts WCO Tool to Boost Efficiency

With support from the Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation Project, WCO experts assisted the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in leveraging the Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM) to enhance strategic decision-making and governance. By establishing a data-driven performance evaluation system, ZRA aims to optimize operational efficiency and achieve customs modernization, ultimately contributing more significantly to Zambia's economic development. The PMM helps ZRA to monitor progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that resources are allocated effectively, leading to better trade facilitation and increased revenue collection.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Boosts Trade with Regional Audit Collaboration

East Africa Boosts Trade with Regional Audit Collaboration

With the support of the WCO/JICA joint project, the tax authorities of the five East African countries launched a senior trainer program for Post Clearance Audit (PCA) to enhance regional PCA capabilities and promote trade facilitation. By establishing a network of experts, improving training capabilities, and developing cooperation plans, customs administrations in East Africa will strengthen cooperation, address challenges, and contribute to regional economic development. The initiative aims to build a sustainable framework for PCA expertise and collaboration within the East African Community.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tianhong Digital Enhances Food Safety with New Agrisupply Standards

Tianhong Digital Enhances Food Safety with New Agrisupply Standards

Tianhong Digital Technology has received three certifications, signifying high government recognition of its agricultural product quality management system. Through agricultural product quality grading, the Green Shield Project, and the 'One Inspection Pass' pilot program, Tianhong Digital Technology has built a comprehensive quality management system. This enhances testing efficiency and accuracy, ensuring full product control and traceability. It contributes to Shenzhen's goal of creating a first-class consumer environment and sets a benchmark for the industry. The system ensures high standards and consumer confidence in agricultural products.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chicago Rail Plan Stalled Over Funding Opposition

Chicago Rail Plan Stalled Over Funding Opposition

The STB rejected the GLBT's application for a new railway bypassing Chicago, citing insufficient funding, lack of support, and resident opposition. This decision leaves Chicago's rail congestion unresolved in the short term, posing ongoing challenges to the supply chain. The proposed project aimed to alleviate bottlenecks, but its failure to secure adequate financial backing and community buy-in proved fatal. The rejection underscores the complexities of infrastructure development and its impact on national freight movement. Alternative solutions for mitigating Chicago's rail congestion are now urgently needed.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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SE US Ports Invest 3B to Rival Major Logistics Hubs

SE US Ports Invest 3B to Rival Major Logistics Hubs

Georgia and South Carolina are collaborating on the Jasper Ocean Terminal to enhance the competitiveness of Southeast coastal ports and contend for logistics leadership in the US and globally. By expanding inland reach, developing deep-water ports, upgrading cold chain logistics, and strengthening regional cooperation, the Southeast coastal ports aim to become a crucial hub in the US logistics system, offering new opportunities for global trade. This project focuses on infrastructure development and strategic partnerships to solidify the region's position in the international supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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