Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO SECO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), conducted a strategic planning and project management workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN) to enhance its institutional capacity. The workshop assisted DIAN in building a results-based management system, designing a future development model for Customs, and mastering effective coordination tools. This laid a solid foundation for DIAN's Customs reform efforts, enabling more efficient and effective operations and contributing to increased trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Simplify Global Customs

Revised Kyoto Convention Aims to Simplify Global Customs

The 29th session of the Revised Kyoto Convention Management Committee focused on optimizing customs procedures, discussing potential draft texts in key areas such as goods handling and postal transportation. The meeting aimed to simplify global customs formalities, improve efficiency and transparency, ultimately benefiting consumers and businesses and promoting international trade development. The next meeting will be held in September 2022 to continue advancing the revision process.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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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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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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WCO Guide Aids Customs in Pandemic Trade Continuity

WCO Guide Aids Customs in Pandemic Trade Continuity

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 'Communication Guidelines in Times of Crisis' to assist member customs administrations in addressing communication challenges posed by the pandemic and maintaining the stability of global supply chains. The guidelines cover communication objectives, audiences, channels, and strategies, emphasizing timeliness, accuracy, and transparency. The WCO encourages members to share best practices to collectively combat the pandemic and build a safer and more efficient global trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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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Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Staff Resilience Via WCOSECO Program

Bolivia Customs Boosts Staff Resilience Via WCOSECO Program

The WCO-SECO GTFP project assisted Bolivian Customs in enhancing stress management skills and team cohesion among its officers. This support helped them navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project recommended establishing a permanent mechanism for stress management and resilience building within the customs administration to ensure continued well-being and effectiveness of customs officers in the face of ongoing and future pressures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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