West Africa Enhances Customs Skills with Origin Rules Training

West Africa Enhances Customs Skills with Origin Rules Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are jointly advancing the Rules of Origin 'Pool of Trainers' project in West Africa. A workshop held in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to enhance the capacity of West African customs administrations in implementing rules of origin. The initiative focuses on developing experienced trainers and establishing a sustainable training system to facilitate trade and economic development within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Guide Aids Customs in Pandemic Trade Continuity

WCO Guide Aids Customs in Pandemic Trade Continuity

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 'Communication Guidelines in Times of Crisis' to assist member customs administrations in addressing communication challenges posed by the pandemic and maintaining the stability of global supply chains. The guidelines cover communication objectives, audiences, channels, and strategies, emphasizing timeliness, accuracy, and transparency. The WCO encourages members to share best practices to collectively combat the pandemic and build a safer and more efficient global trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sudan Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

Sudan Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Sudanese Customs has launched a human resource management modernization transformation, adopting a competency-based model. This initiative aims to enhance the effectiveness of talent selection, training, and performance evaluation, building a more competitive human resource system to contribute more significantly to Sudan's economic development. Through international cooperation, Sudanese Customs is learning from best practices and striving to achieve leapfrog development in its human resource capabilities.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO ASAPRA Partner to Simplify Customs Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Association of Professional Customs Brokers of the Americas (ASAPRA) are deepening cooperation to enhance trade facilitation and compliance through information sharing, training collaboration, and technological innovation. This initiative aims to reduce compliance costs for businesses, improve customs clearance efficiency, and enhance global competitiveness. By fostering a smoother and more efficient trade environment, this partnership will help businesses seize trade opportunities and build a shared future.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US Customs Clarifies Import Rules for Smartwatches and Drones

US Customs Clarifies Import Rules for Smartwatches and Drones

The Harmonized System Committee of the World Customs Organization has released its latest commodity classification decisions, clarifying the customs classification standards for high-tech products such as smartwatches and drones. This move helps companies accurately declare import and export goods, reduce trade risks, and promote the improvement of international trade rules. It provides clearer guidelines for customs authorities and businesses alike, ensuring consistent application of tariffs and trade regulations for these rapidly evolving technologies.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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Pacific Islands Boost Tax Revenue with Regional Training

Pacific Islands Boost Tax Revenue with Regional Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched the 'Master Training Program (MTP)' to enhance the revenue management capacity of Customs administrations in Pacific Island Countries. The program focuses on developing tax experts and improving the accuracy of customs valuation and HS code classification, thereby promoting trade facilitation and sustainable economic development. Pacific Island Customs administrations have identified revenue-related issues as a primary focus of the MTP.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Fasttracks Trade Single Window with WCO Backing

Zimbabwe Fasttracks Trade Single Window with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Zimbabwe's Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) project by conducting workshops to enhance interaction with cooperating government agencies and improve trade facilitation. The workshops covered key topics such as the single window model and data harmonization, and shared Nigeria's successful experiences. Zimbabwe is committed to following the workshop recommendations to promote the construction of ZeSW and facilitate economic development. The focus is on streamlining processes and data exchange for efficient trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

Malawi Implements Competencybased HR System for Tax Authority

The Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), is implementing a competency-based Human Resource Management system to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder relations. The project involves workshops to improve staff capabilities and plans to implement pilot projects. The WCO has pledged continued support to assist the MRA in achieving its modernization goals. This initiative aims to build a more effective and efficient tax administration system in Malawi.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

Global Customs Body Strengthens Crackdown on Illegal Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively supports the Environmental Network for Optimizing Regulatory Compliance on Illegal Traffic (ENFORCE), combating illegal waste trade through enhanced international cooperation and strengthened customs enforcement capabilities, protecting the environment and human health. The WCO will assist ENFORCE members in strengthening connections with customs administrations worldwide, promoting joint training, and preparing for enforcement actions related to illegal waste. This collaboration aims to disrupt illicit flows and safeguard global environmental security.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

WCO Introduces Employee Wellbeing Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new training materials on employee wellbeing and stress management, aiming to help members build comprehensive wellbeing programs and enhance employee and organizational resilience. The training covers six key themes: happiness, program design, resilience building, psychophysiological health, social wellbeing and balance, and stress management. The WCO will conduct pilot programs and establish a team of experts. Future development will include training materials targeted at other organizational levels.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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