Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Skills with WCO Training

Burkina Faso Customs Boosts Skills with WCO Training

With the support of WCO projects, Burkina Faso Customs is enhancing the project management capabilities of its senior management. This initiative aims to advance customs reform and modernization, ultimately enabling the achievement of strategic goals. The capacity building efforts are crucial for effective implementation of reform initiatives and ensuring sustainable improvements within the customs administration. This focused development of project management skills is expected to contribute significantly to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of Burkina Faso Customs.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kenya Customs Adopts Wcobacked Blended Learning for Training

Kenya Customs Adopts Wcobacked Blended Learning for Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-ESA Project II, supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre (RTC) in adopting a blended learning approach to enhance the professional skills of customs officers. This involves integrating online and offline resources. The project includes establishing a national e-learning platform, training trainers, and piloting customs review courses. Blended learning is emerging as a new trend in customs training, contributing to global trade facilitation. This initiative aims to modernize training methods and improve the effectiveness of customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Montenegro Customs Boosts Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

Montenegro Customs Boosts Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a risk management workshop for Montenegro Customs to enhance its risk assessment and selectivity capabilities. Through training, Montenegro Customs officials mastered advanced risk assessment methods and tools, strengthened risk management awareness, and laid a solid foundation for future customs operations. This event promoted information exchange and cooperation, promoted WCO risk management tools, and helped Montenegro Customs establish a sound risk management system. The workshop aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness in border control.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DOJ Expands Whistleblower Program to Tackle Customs Fraud

DOJ Expands Whistleblower Program to Tackle Customs Fraud

The U.S. Department of Justice has expanded its pilot program for corporate whistleblower rewards to include customs fraud and tax evasion. Rewards can reach up to 30% of the forfeited amount. This aims to combat tax evasion tactics like misrepresenting the origin or misclassifying goods, maintaining a fair trade environment. Insiders and competitors with relevant information are encouraged to report, but should be aware of the risks and seek professional assistance. Companies should strengthen compliance operations to avoid legal pitfalls.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

WCO Launches Global Program to Enhance Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM), inviting members to participate in self-assessment. This initiative aims to help national customs administrations identify challenges, improve operations, and receive targeted capacity building assistance from the WCO. The PMM comprehensively evaluates customs performance in areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and enforcement. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of customs worldwide, thereby fostering international trade development and contributing to a more secure and predictable global trading environment.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

WCO Advocates Green Customs to Promote Sustainable Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first symposium focusing on “Green Customs,” exploring the role of the Harmonized System (HS) in supporting environmentally sustainable trade. The meeting brought together representatives to propose more feasible “green” solutions for the 2027 and subsequent HS versions. It emphasized the importance of international cooperation and innovation in promoting sustainable development within global trade practices. The symposium aimed to identify concrete steps for integrating environmental considerations into the HS nomenclature.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Training in Pacific Region

WCO JICA Boost Customs Training in Pacific Region

The WCO and JICA's Master Trainer Programme is being implemented in Pacific Island Countries to cultivate customs valuation and HS coding experts. This initiative aims to enhance customs capacity, ultimately facilitating trade development within the region. The program focuses on building sustainable expertise within the local customs administrations, enabling them to effectively implement international standards and best practices. By strengthening customs operations, the programme contributes to improved revenue collection, border security, and overall economic growth in the Pacific Island nations.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Niger Customs Deploys Geospatial Tech to Curb Smuggling

Niger Customs Deploys Geospatial Tech to Curb Smuggling

Niger Customs utilized high-resolution satellite imagery analysis to identify 855 border crossings in the Torodi region, effectively combating smuggling activities. This initiative demonstrates the significant potential of geospatial intelligence data in border management and provides valuable experience for other countries. The use of satellite imagery allowed for detailed mapping and analysis of remote areas, leading to improved surveillance and interdiction efforts against illegal trade.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Detentions Causes Durations and Outcomes for Imports

Customs Detentions Causes Durations and Outcomes for Imports

Customs detention of international logistics cargo often occurs due to suspected illegal activities or smuggling. The detention period typically does not exceed one year, with a maximum of two years, excluding periods for reconsideration and litigation. Possible outcomes include release of the cargo, pre-emptive sale, payment of duties, confiscation, or forfeiture. Timely communication and cooperation with the investigation are crucial for resolving the issue and minimizing potential losses. Understanding the reasons for detention and providing necessary documentation can expedite the process.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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