Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

The Colombian Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a workshop to enhance its digital transformation capabilities and build a future customs model. The workshop emphasized data-driven decision-making as a key component of this transformation. The initiative aims to modernize customs processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade. By leveraging digital technologies and data analytics, Colombian Customs seeks to streamline operations and enhance its ability to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Lesotho Upgrades Tax Talent Management System

Lesotho Upgrades Tax Talent Management System

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is modernizing its human resource management system to improve operational efficiency and tax collection. The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the LRA through training and capacity building, assisting in the implementation of a competency-based HRM system to build a highly effective tax workforce. With strong commitment from LRA senior management and continued empowerment from the WCO, the LRA aims to achieve its modernization goals. This collaboration focuses on developing a skilled and competent workforce to drive revenue generation and improve tax administration.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Adopts Datadriven Customs for Digital Shift

Global Trade Adopts Datadriven Customs for Digital Shift

International Customs Day 2022 focused on data-driven customs digitalization. This report explores the construction of a data ecosystem, emphasizing data culture and the importance of data quality. It analyzes the leading role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in promoting data sharing and collaboration among customs administrations. The report highlights how leveraging data can enhance trade facilitation, improve risk management, and ultimately contribute to more efficient and secure global trade flows. It also discusses the challenges and opportunities associated with building a robust and sustainable data ecosystem for customs.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Improved Classification Skills

Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Improved Classification Skills

With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs organized a commodity classification capacity building workshop. The aim was to establish a sound advance ruling system, enhance customs officers' skills, and promote trade facilitation. This event strengthened international cooperation and laid the foundation for Madagascar's integration into the global trading system and improvement of its business environment.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs has enhanced the commodity classification skills of its officers through capacity-building training. This lays the foundation for building a modern advance ruling mechanism. This initiative aims to optimize the business environment, promote trade facilitation, and help Madagascar integrate into the global trading system. The improved classification expertise contributes to efficient customs procedures and supports Madagascar's economic growth by streamlining international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Customs Body Advocates Standard File Format for Trade Security

Global Customs Body Advocates Standard File Format for Trade Security

The WCO promotes the Unified File Format (UFF) to break down barriers in Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) data and build smart borders. It encourages testing of UFF 2.0 and planning for UFF 3.0, aiming to enhance the security and efficiency of global trade. This initiative facilitates seamless data exchange and interoperability, ultimately improving border control and risk management through standardized data formats and procedures. The UFF aims to streamline customs processes and foster greater collaboration among border agencies worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Certification Boosts Trade in Francophone Africa

WCO Certification Boosts Trade in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Technical and Operational Advisors (TOA) accreditation program, aims to cultivate customs experts proficient in commodity classification, rules of origin, and valuation. This initiative enhances customs capacity in French-speaking African countries, reduces trade costs and friction, and creates more market opportunities for businesses. By fostering expertise and efficiency, the program contributes to a future where trade facilitation is embraced, benefiting both governments and the private sector. The ultimate goal is to streamline processes and promote economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Boosted by AEO and MRA Agreements

Global Trade Boosted by AEO and MRA Agreements

A World Customs Organization online seminar focused on the implementation and development of AEO and MRA in the Americas and the Caribbean. The seminar aimed to share best practices and expand the benefits for AEO enterprises. It emphasized the importance of integrity in AEO programs, discussed cross-sectoral cooperation, e-commerce integration, and free zone linkages, and pointed the way forward for the future development of AEO. AEO and MRA are crucial tools for companies to enhance their international competitiveness and are important engines for global trade facilitation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Maldives Customs Strengthens Leadership for Strategic Reforms

Maldives Customs Strengthens Leadership for Strategic Reforms

The Maldives Customs Service held an executive retreat to drive the implementation of the Mercator Implementation Plan. Focusing on organizational development, team building, and individual leadership, the meeting featured tailored training and interactive sessions to enhance the comprehensive capabilities of the customs leadership team. The Commissioner emphasized immediate action, urging the development of action plans to collectively build a more outstanding customs service.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Latin American Tax Officials Gain Skills in Advanced Training Program

Latin American Tax Officials Gain Skills in Advanced Training Program

The IMF, the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies, and the WCO jointly delivered a high-level course on tax and customs administration in Latin America. The course aimed to enhance the management capabilities of senior tax and customs officials in the region to address challenges. The upcoming fifth edition will focus on modern management skills and improving voluntary compliance. The Global Trade Facilitation Programme provides crucial support to the region, fostering economic development. This initiative is vital for strengthening governance and promoting sustainable growth within the Latin American context.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More