Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Counterfeit Trade

Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Counterfeit Trade

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of combating counterfeit goods at the 6th International Conference “Georgia against Counterfeiting and Piracy.” He called for strengthened international cooperation and presented the WCO's actions in combating counterfeit medicines and medical devices. The conference also addressed new trends in counterfeit goods during the pandemic and how to more effectively combat counterfeiting to protect consumer rights and safety. The discussions emphasized the need for collaborative efforts and innovative strategies to tackle the evolving challenges posed by counterfeit products.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully held the 3rd Working Group Activity of the Advanced Rules of Origin Trainers Project for the East and Southern Africa region in Zambia. This project aims to cultivate qualified customs trainers, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through systematic training and curriculum development, the project will provide a solid foundation of skilled personnel for regional trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Sungkyunkwan University in Korea, has launched a scholarship program in data analysis for customs officials from developing countries. This program aims to cultivate data analysis experts by enhancing their skills and cultural awareness through online and offline courses, practical projects, and cultural excursions. The initiative supports customs administrations in leveraging data-driven insights to improve management practices in the data era. It focuses on building capacity within developing nations to effectively utilize data for enhanced customs operations and decision-making.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Maldives Customs Strengthens Leadership for Faster Strategy Execution

Maldives Customs Strengthens Leadership for Faster Strategy Execution

The Maldives Customs Service enhanced its leadership effectiveness and accelerated the implementation of the Mercator Programme through a WCO-tailored executive development program. The program focused on three key dimensions: organizational development, team building, and individual leadership. With the Director General taking the lead, a strategic plan has been developed, promising a brighter future for the organization. This initiative aims to strengthen customs management and drive strategic goals forward.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos Green HS Initiative Promotes Sustainable Global Trade

Wcos Green HS Initiative Promotes Sustainable Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the 'Green HS' initiative, aiming to support global sustainable trade by revising the Harmonized System (HS) code. The inaugural workshop focused on agricultural biodiversity and food security, bringing together stakeholders to gather proposals for the 2027 and subsequent HS revisions. This initiative seeks to transform the HS into a powerful tool for promoting sustainable trade practices worldwide. The goal is to ensure that HS codes accurately reflect and facilitate environmentally friendly and socially responsible trade activities.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs successfully held an executive leadership retreat through participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. The project addressed key customs strategic challenges, tailoring team-building and individual leadership development solutions. This significantly enhanced the cohesion, leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and negotiation skills of the executive team. This initiative lays a solid foundation for Bolivia Customs to address future challenges and contributes to national trade facilitation efforts. The program aimed to improve overall effectiveness and prepare the organization for upcoming reforms.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Training in Pacific Islands

WCO JICA Boost Customs Training in Pacific Islands

The WCO/JICA joint project implements an Advanced Training of Trainers program in Pacific Island Countries. It aims to enhance the autonomous training capabilities of these countries' customs administrations in areas like customs valuation and commodity classification. This is achieved by building a regional pool of trainers and developing customized training materials. Ultimately, the project contributes to regional economic development by strengthening customs expertise and promoting efficient trade practices within the Pacific Island region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Algeria Boosts Customs Tech with Dutch Lab Expertise

Algeria Boosts Customs Tech with Dutch Lab Expertise

Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study its customs laboratory, aiming to learn from its best practices in operational models, infrastructure, and technology applications. This visit was a support activity under the EU-WCO HS-Africa Programme, designed to assist Algeria in building a modern customs laboratory and enhancing its capabilities in tariff classification, commodity analysis, and trade facilitation. The initiative seeks to strengthen Algeria's customs infrastructure and expertise, ultimately contributing to more efficient and effective trade processes.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zambia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

Zambia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) in establishing an internationally compliant Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade facilitation, strengthen supply chain security, and ultimately achieve mutual recognition agreements with neighboring countries, promoting regional trade development. The support involves capacity building and study visits. This collaboration is part of the UK's HMRC's 'Accelerating Trade Facilitation' program, designed to assist Zambia in meeting international standards and improving its overall trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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