Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

Togo WCO Boost Women Traders Via Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Togolese Revenue Office (OTR) to focus on trade facilitation through a gender equality lens. Through capacity building, stakeholder engagement, and policy recommendations, the initiative aims to empower Togolese Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), particularly women traders. The goal is to build a more equitable, secure, and efficient trading environment, fostering economic growth and social development in Togo. This partnership highlights the importance of inclusive trade practices and the role of customs in promoting gender equality.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

WCO Launches Gender Equality Program for Frenchspeaking Regions

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a French-speaking “Training of Trainers” workshop to enhance gender equality capacity among its members, aiming to establish a pool of recognized experts in the field. The workshop focused on WCO gender equality tools, such as the GEOAT, and blended learning packages, emphasizing the importance of diagnostics, frameworks, and monitoring & evaluation. The WCO looks forward to collaborating with the newly trained experts to promote gender equality within customs systems globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 15th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on broader accession and effective implementation of the Convention, discussing key principles, challenges, and potential solutions. The meeting highlighted the RKC's crucial role in supporting the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. A decision was made to establish a new virtual working group to review and update the Convention, ensuring its adaptation to modern customs management needs. This aims to promote trade facilitation and development globally.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

US and World Customs Organization Discuss Trade Efficiency Heritage Protection

World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya visited the United States, engaging in in-depth discussions with U.S. Customs and the State Department on topics including the progress of the “Single Window” project, cultural heritage protection, and international cooperation. The meeting highlighted the crucial role of customs in the tax system and explored new approaches to combatting cultural heritage trafficking through collaboration with museums. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient global trade system.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, five West African countries have launched an electronic transit information project. This initiative aims to improve the efficiency of regional trade and facilitate economic integration within the region. By streamlining customs procedures and enhancing data exchange, the project seeks to reduce transit times and lower trade costs, ultimately boosting economic growth and strengthening regional partnerships. This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of these nations to fostering a more integrated and prosperous West African trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

WCO Urges Stronger Customsbusiness Ties at Shanghai Forum

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the IFCBA conference, emphasizing customs-business cooperation for trade facilitation. The focus was on the efforts of Chinese Customs and discussions centered around WCO surveys aimed at improving trade efficiency. The importance of collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector was highlighted as a key driver for streamlining border procedures and reducing trade costs. The conference provided a platform for exchanging best practices and exploring innovative approaches to enhance customs operations and promote seamless international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Enhances Trade with Wtobacked Reform Plan

Zimbabwe Enhances Trade with Wtobacked Reform Plan

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority on a two-year program to assist Zimbabwe in effectively implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement. The program covers key areas such as risk management, information release, post-clearance audit, and freedom of transit. It also supports the work of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to promote trade development in Zimbabwe.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

An assessment by the World Customs Organization (WCO) of its WCO-WACAM project supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) revealed significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO has proposed further collaboration aimed at strengthening customs administration in Ghana, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic development. The project's impact highlights the importance of targeted capacity building initiatives in achieving customs modernization goals and contributing to broader economic growth within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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