Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Botswana to enhance the capacity of customs officials in controlling hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop aimed to improve customs officers' knowledge and skills related to the identification, detection, and prevention of illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods covered under various multilateral environmental agreements. This initiative underscores the importance of customs authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and combating environmental crime.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini is enhancing the professionalism of its customs workforce by building a modern, competency-based human resource management system to drive trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided expert diagnosis and support, and the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has committed to adopting the principles and developing an implementation plan. This initiative aims to remove trade barriers, improve efficiency, and ultimately promote national economic development. The focus on talent development within the customs administration is crucial for achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Digital Tools Boost Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Digital Tools Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is building an efficient, transparent, and interconnected global trade ecosystem through a range of digital tools. WCO tools, the online bookstore, the Customs Enforcement Network (CEN), and the online learning platform play key roles in standardizing information, knowledge acquisition, combating smuggling, and enhancing skills, respectively. These initiatives collectively promote global trade facilitation and security, contributing to a more seamless and secure international trade environment. The WCO's digital efforts aim to modernize customs procedures and improve cross-border collaboration.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Launches Initiative to Streamline Global Trade Transit

WTO Launches Initiative to Streamline Global Trade Transit

This World Trade Organization document emphasizes optimizing international trade transit transport, with the core principle being 'Freedom of Transit.' This grants shippers the autonomy to choose routes, simplifies transit procedures, and enhances information transparency. The aim is to reduce transportation costs, shorten delivery times, promote regional economic integration, and foster global trade prosperity. By streamlining cross-border movement of goods, the initiative seeks to unlock the potential of international commerce and contribute to a more efficient and interconnected global economy.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

Moldova Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Enhance Trade

The Republic of Moldova has officially joined the revised Kyoto Convention, becoming the 139th contracting party, marking a significant step in simplifying its customs procedures and promoting trade facilitation. This move will bring various benefits to Moldova and contribute to the global trade facilitation process. The World Customs Organization will continue to support Moldova in effectively implementing the Convention, aiming to improve trade efficiency and economic growth. This accession underscores Moldova's commitment to international standards and its dedication to streamlining cross-border trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

WCO Aids Mozambique in Tax Authority HR Modernization

With funding from China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Mozambique Tax Authority in modernizing its human resources management system. Through diagnostic assessments and workshops, the WCO provided recommendations to improve employee competence, enhance organizational efficiency, and ultimately better achieve its strategic goals. This capacity building initiative aims to strengthen the Mozambique Tax Authority's HR practices, leading to improved performance and effectiveness in revenue collection and customs administration. The project focuses on developing skills and knowledge within the organization.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officers Honored for Combating Global Wildlife Trafficking

Customs Officers Honored for Combating Global Wildlife Trafficking

Twelve customs officials have been certified by the World Customs Organization as experts in combating wildlife smuggling. They will provide expertise, training, and operational support to customs authorities worldwide to address the escalating problem of wildlife trafficking. The article delves into the causes of wildlife smuggling and proposes recommendations for combating it, urging global collaboration to protect endangered species. This international effort aims to strengthen customs controls and enforcement, ultimately disrupting the illegal wildlife trade and safeguarding vulnerable animal populations.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of customs training, making online training an inevitable choice. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has published the 'Online Training Transformation Guide' to provide practical guidance for customs training managers. It emphasizes interactive engagement to help build a flexible and efficient online training system, enhance the capabilities of customs personnel, and promote global trade. This guide offers valuable insights for developing effective online training programs and adapting to the evolving needs of customs administrations worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) designated 2014 as the "Year of Communication," emphasizing enhanced information sharing within customs, across departments, with the trade community, and the public. This aims to improve customs cooperation efficiency and promote global trade facilitation and security. This article elaborates on specific aspects of improving communication efficiency and stresses the sustainability of communication mechanisms. By fostering better communication, customs administrations can streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance overall effectiveness in facilitating legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a training manual on preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. This manual aims to enhance the expertise and skills of frontline customs officers, strengthening their role in protecting cultural heritage. The tool's publication contributes to improved global cultural heritage protection and fosters international cooperation among customs administrations. It provides practical guidance and resources to help customs officers identify, detect, and seize illegally traded cultural artifacts, ultimately combating the devastating impact of cultural heritage crime.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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