WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

The 9th Global Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Capacity Building Offices, Regional Training Centers, and Vice-Chair Offices highlighted the critical role of regional institutions in capacity building. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to the WCO’s annual Capacity Building Needs Assessment, donor engagement, and the maintenance of regional experts. Discussions also focused on the development of new tools, such as the WCO Training Diagnostics tool, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of member customs administrations, and addressing global trade challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCO-JICA cooperation is helping East African customs authorities cultivate customs audit experts, enhancing regional customs audit capabilities, and promoting trade development. The initiative focuses on strengthening the skills and knowledge of customs officers in conducting effective audits, thereby improving compliance and revenue collection. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother trade flows within the East African region by ensuring fair and transparent customs procedures and combating illicit trade activities through improved audit practices. Ultimately, this contributes to economic growth and regional integration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Conference Aims to Boost Americascaribbean Trade

WCO Conference Aims to Boost Americascaribbean Trade

The 2012 WCO Americas and Caribbean Region Donors' Conference was held in Washington, D.C., bringing together experts to strengthen regional trade cooperation. The conference reviewed projects, discussed the professional development of customs officials, and deepened the strategic partnership between the WCO and institutions like the IDB and IMF. This collaboration aimed to inject new impetus into regional trade facilitation and economic prosperity. The discussions focused on enhancing customs procedures and fostering a more collaborative environment for trade within the Americas and Caribbean region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

WCO Workshop Enhances Panama Customs Valuation Practices

With the support of the China Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual workshop on customs valuation for Panama Customs, aiming to enhance its capacity to implement the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation. The workshop covered key concepts, latest developments, and post-clearance audit applications of the Agreement. Through a combination of theory and practice, it improved participants' skills in document review, customs clearance, and risk management. The WCO will continue to deepen cooperation to support global customs capacity building and promote trade prosperity.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Interpretation of Tariff Preferences Under China-south Korea and China-australia Free Trade Agreements by the General Administration of Customs

Interpretation of Tariff Preferences Under China-south Korea and China-australia Free Trade Agreements by the General Administration of Customs

This paper elaborates on how to enjoy tariff preferences under the China-South Korea and China-Australia Free Trade Agreements. It outlines the processes for querying agreement information and applying for certificates of origin, and provides consultation channels for any issues encountered, offering practical reference for importers and exporters.

07/21/2025 Logistics
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St Lucia Customs CCLEC Enhance Trade Ties in Caribbean

St Lucia Customs CCLEC Enhance Trade Ties in Caribbean

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Saint Lucia, meeting with Saint Lucia Customs, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), and government officials. Discussions focused on the trade challenges and opportunities facing small island economies in the Caribbean region. The visit emphasized the importance of customs reform and regional cooperation. The Secretary General also conducted field visits to observe customs operations, with the aim of promoting regional trade facilitation and security. The overall goal is to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Caribbean.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Shenzhen Airport Boosts Regional Economy

Shenzhen Airport Boosts Regional Economy

Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport is a vital aviation hub in China, significantly contributing to regional economic development. This paper analyzes its strategic position, current operations, and future plans, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities it faces. Shenzhen Airport should continue to strengthen infrastructure construction, improve service quality, and expand its international route network. The goal is to become a world-class international aviation hub, further boosting the regional economy and solidifying its position as a key player in global air travel.

09/26/2025 Airport Codes
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Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

Bosnia Advances Trade Reforms with WCO Eyes WTO Entry

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Mercator Programme, supports Bosnia and Herzegovina in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). A national workshop was held to raise awareness of the TFA among stakeholders, identify implementation priorities, and promote the establishment of a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). The workshop focused on the technical measures of the TFA and provided recommendations for Bosnia and Herzegovina's future trade facilitation efforts. This initiative aims to help Bosnia and Herzegovina integrate into the global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Mercator Program Boosts Palestinian Trade Efficiency

Wcos Mercator Program Boosts Palestinian Trade Efficiency

The WCO commended Palestine's Mercator Program for its contributions to customs modernization and trade facilitation, supporting the implementation of the WTO Agreement. The WCO expressed its anticipation for deepened cooperation to further promote Palestine's economic development. The Mercator Program has significantly aided in streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade costs, and enhancing the overall efficiency of cross-border trade, aligning with international standards and best practices. The WCO looks forward to continued collaboration to build upon these achievements and foster sustainable economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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