Benin Customs Boosts Gender Equality with WCO Backing

Benin Customs Boosts Gender Equality with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with Benin Customs to promote inclusive customs by implementing Gender Equality and Diversity (GEDC) policies. This follow-up mission included awareness workshops, assessed the progress of the GED action plan implementation, and offered recommendations for improvement. The aim is to establish a more equitable and efficient working environment within Benin Customs. The mission focused on evaluating the effectiveness of current initiatives and identifying areas where further action is needed to ensure a truly inclusive and diverse workforce within the Benin Customs administration.

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

California Pioneers US Transportation Infrastructure Reform

California Pioneers US Transportation Infrastructure Reform

California is leading a transformation to reshape US transportation infrastructure through the bipartisan H.R. 3001 bill. This initiative invests in freight networks, addresses aging infrastructure, and enhances economic competitiveness. The bill establishes a Freight Transportation Infrastructure Trust Fund, providing states with funding to meet growing infrastructure demands. Building upon the success of the FAST Act, this legislation aims to lay a foundation for the future of the American economy by improving critical transportation networks and supporting efficient movement of goods.

Georgia South Carolina Ports Form Southern States Chassis Pool

Georgia South Carolina Ports Form Southern States Chassis Pool

The Georgia Ports Authority and the South Carolina Ports Authority have partnered to submit an agreement to the Federal Maritime Commission to establish the 'South Atlantic Chassis Pool 3.0' (SACP 3.0). This aims to address chassis aging, shortages, and market fragmentation in container shipping in the Southeastern United States. Operated by the North American Chassis Pool Cooperative (NACPC), the pool focuses on improving chassis quality, increasing scale, and providing a cost-based pricing model. The goal is to enhance container shipping efficiency and reduce logistics costs for shippers in the region.

02/03/2026 Logistics
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WCO Tool Boosts Risk Management for Jordan Customs

WCO Tool Boosts Risk Management for Jordan Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Jordan Customs' risk management capabilities to support its efforts in enhancing risk management. The assessment covered four key areas: risk management policies, strategic planning, intelligence, and compliance, providing recommendations for improvement. The WCO's new diagnostic tool was piloted during this mission, offering valuable lessons for other customs administrations seeking modernization. Jordan Customs will develop an action plan based on the assessment findings, and the WCO will continue to provide support to its implementation.

WCO Supports Guineabissau Customs Modernization Efforts

WCO Supports Guineabissau Customs Modernization Efforts

Under the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, funded by the Swedish government, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Guinea-Bissau Customs in resource mobilization. Through training, Guinea-Bissau Customs enhanced its project planning capabilities, completing draft project proposals and a donor mapping exercise. The next step involves the WACAM project assisting the country in hosting a national donor roundtable conference to promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to secure funding and partnerships crucial for advancing customs reforms and efficiency in Guinea-Bissau.

Philippines Advances Customs Reform with WCO World Bank Backing

Philippines Advances Customs Reform with WCO World Bank Backing

Philippine Customs is collaborating with the WCO and the World Bank to advance reform and modernization projects. The projects focus on three key goals: strengthening the information technology architecture, revitalizing human resource management, and establishing a customs academy. These initiatives aim to enhance customs efficiency and service capabilities, ultimately promoting the economic development of the Philippines. The WCO's specialized tools provide strong support for the implementation of these projects.

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

International Aid Strengthens Malis Customs Crisis Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) through the C-RED project to support Mali in enhancing its customs clearance capacity for emergency relief goods. This initiative aims to strengthen customs' preparedness for emergencies in West Africa by focusing on capacity building, coordination mechanisms, and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The goal is to ensure the rapid delivery of relief supplies, contributing to the protection of lives and livelihoods during crises.

WCO Aids Bosnias Tax Authority in Risk Management Boost

WCO Aids Bosnias Tax Authority in Risk Management Boost

Funded by the WCO's Eurocustoms Fund, a risk management workshop was held for the Indirect Taxation Authority of Bosnia and Herzegovina (ITA BiH) to enhance its risk management capabilities. The workshop covered risk assessment, analysis, and response strategies, sharing international best practices. This initiative aims to lay the foundation for a robust risk management system within ITA BiH, ultimately improving tax collection efficiency and combating illicit activities. The training will help the ITA BiH better identify and mitigate potential threats, leading to more effective and secure customs operations.

Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Support

Congo Enhances Customs Valuation with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the General Directorate of Customs and Excise of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DGDA) in its transition following the termination of contracts with private inspection companies. A WCO expert mission visited the DRC to help DGDA officials consolidate their knowledge, introduce new tools, and provide technical support through meetings and workshops. The aim is to establish an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, promoting economic development and integration into the global economy for the DRC.