Kenya Enhances Customs Training Via WCO Elearning Platform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Kenya Regional Training Centre (CRF) in introducing e-learning, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities and efficiency of Kenyan customs officers. This initiative seeks to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and enhance international competitiveness. This effort not only boosts Kenya's own capabilities but also provides valuable lessons for other developing countries, contributing to a more efficient, convenient, and secure global trade environment. The e-learning model is expected to significantly improve knowledge dissemination and skills development within the Kenyan customs administration.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge

WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Smart Customs Project is fostering global customs cooperation and innovation through an agilely developed community portal. This portal serves as a project information hub, a secure collaboration space, and a platform for exchanging experiences. It gathers technical application guidelines and research findings to help customs administrations address challenges and promote trade facilitation. The active participation of national contact points is crucial for the project's success. The portal aims to be a central point for accessing resources and engaging with the Smart Customs initiative.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge

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.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge

Global Customs Agencies Protect Vaccine Supply Chains From Counterfeits

The World Customs Organization launched the “Project to Facilitate and Coordinate Customs Controls on Cross-Border Transport of Critical COVID-19-Related Goods” to combat counterfeit vaccines and other illicit goods, ensuring the efficient flow of legitimate supplies. Funded by Japan Customs, the project strengthens customs supervision through multilateral collaboration and technological empowerment. It aims to build a global pandemic prevention and control barrier, safeguarding human health. This initiative promotes secure and efficient trade in essential goods during the COVID-19 crisis, fostering international cooperation to combat the pandemic.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge

Bill of Lading Crucial Document in Global Trade

The Bill of Lading (B/L) is a crucial document in international trade, serving as a receipt for goods, evidence of a contract of carriage, and a document of title. This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the B/L's functions, operational key points, and distinctions from other transport documents. It also explores the influencing factors of ocean freight rates and transit times. The study emphasizes the central role of the B/L in international trade and its future development trends, highlighting its significance in facilitating global commerce and ensuring secure cargo delivery.

Philippines Renewable Energy Shift Stalls Over High Costs

S&P Global reports that the Philippines may struggle to achieve its renewable energy targets due to a weak grid, complex approvals, and high financing costs. The intermittency of solar power and insufficient energy storage force the country to rely on traditional energy sources. While market liberalization attracts investment, significant challenges remain. These hurdles hinder the widespread adoption of renewable energy and impact the country's ability to transition to a cleaner energy mix. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for the Philippines to meet its climate goals and secure a sustainable energy future.

WCO Boosts Global Trade with New Performance Metrics

The World Customs Organization has launched the second round of its Performance Measurement Mechanism, aiming to empower member customs administrations to improve strategic decision-making and overall effectiveness through a standardized assessment framework. This mechanism covers key areas such as trade facilitation, revenue collection, and security, promoting global customs modernization and contributing to trade facilitation and economic security. A call is made for active participation from all members to jointly build an efficient and secure global customs system. This initiative will help customs administrations enhance their performance and contribute to a safer and more prosperous global trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge

Swazi Lilangeni Volatility Against US Dollar Sparks Analysis

The exchange rate between the Swiss Lira (SZL) and the US Dollar (USD) has been unstable in recent years. Latest data indicates that 10 Swiss Lira is approximately equivalent to 0.5625 US Dollars. This article analyzes the performance of the exchange rate, its influencing factors, and the tools and services for managing foreign exchange, providing valuable information support for multinational transactions.

08/19/2025 Exchange Rate Query