WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

WCO Backs Uzbekistans Customs System Upgrade

At the request of the State Customs Committee of Uzbekistan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic mission to assess its customs valuation system and propose reforms. The assessment covered legal framework, valuation capacity, risk management, post-clearance audit, information technology application, and cooperation mechanisms. The reform aims to improve trade facilitation in Uzbekistan, attract foreign investment, and promote economic growth. The WCO's recommendations are expected to enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more favorable business environment.

Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

Customs Preclearance Boosts Crossborder Ecommerce Efficiency

A WCO seminar in Tunisia explored advance processing systems and e-commerce challenges to improve customs efficiency. Advance processing uses pre-arrival data for risk assessment, speeding clearance, controlling risks, and facilitating compliance. E-commerce challenges require customs to adopt risk management, technology, and collaboration strategies. Tunisian Customs is actively revising regulations, piloting programs, sharing data, and building capacity to embrace change, ultimately benefiting consumers. This proactive approach aims to streamline processes, enhance security, and adapt to the evolving landscape of international trade in the digital age.

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

East Africa Boosts Antismuggling Efforts with WCO JICA Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly held a workshop in Uganda to enhance customs intelligence analysis capabilities and strengthen anti-smuggling efforts in East Africa. Customs officials from various East African countries collaborated to develop post-seizure analysis training materials. Experts from the WCO and Japan Customs provided guidance to help East African customs improve their intelligence-driven risk management and combat smuggling crimes. The workshop aimed to build capacity and foster regional cooperation in tackling cross-border illicit trade.

Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

Sierra Leone Boosts Trade with WCO Customs Upgrade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Sierra Leone Customs' valuation capabilities to support its WTO commitments and enhance trade facilitation and revenue management. This assessment aims to identify areas for improvement and provide targeted capacity building initiatives. By strengthening customs valuation procedures, Sierra Leone can ensure accurate revenue collection, streamline trade processes, and promote a more transparent and efficient trading environment. The WCO's support is crucial for Sierra Leone to effectively implement its WTO obligations and achieve sustainable economic growth through improved trade practices.

WCO Launches Online Training for Strategic Trade Controls

WCO Launches Online Training for Strategic Trade Controls

The WCO STCE project held an online Train-the-Trainers workshop to enhance experts' remote teaching skills, enabling them to effectively deliver strategic trade control courses. The course was divided into two phases, covering online teaching techniques, new curriculum experience, and practical exercises. Participants from 14 customs administrations actively participated, improving their online teaching skills and contributing to global strategic trade control. The workshop strengthens the capacity of trainers to deliver high-quality STC training remotely, expanding the reach and impact of the STCE program.

Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

Philippines Boosts IP Protection in Customs Via WCO Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Philippine Customs to enhance its capacity to combat counterfeit and pirated goods. The workshop focused on customs challenges under the pandemic, WCO's intellectual property protection tools, and counterfeit goods identification. Rights holders were invited to provide training. The workshop significantly improved the intellectual property protection awareness and counterfeit goods identification skills of Philippine Customs officials, promoting cooperation between customs and rights holders. This initiative aims to strengthen IP enforcement and protect legitimate trade in the Philippines.

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

WCO and Japan Launch Global Customs Training Program

WCO and Japan Launch Global Customs Training Program

The WCO-Japan Career Development Programme (CDP) is considered a prestigious training ground for customs professionals globally, aiming to enhance the expertise of customs officials from various countries and foster international cooperation. The program combines theoretical learning with practical exercises, providing participants with comprehensive career development opportunities. It contributes to global trade facilitation and security by equipping customs officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate complex international trade environments. The CDP plays a vital role in building capacity within customs administrations worldwide.

EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Inter-State School for Customs of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (ISSC-CEMAC) in reshaping its development strategy, aiming to modernize its training system through capacity building. The WCO's diagnostic assessment provided recommendations for ISSC improvements, and a new development strategy was jointly formulated to enhance the professional competence of regional customs officers and promote trade facilitation. The focus is on strengthening the ISSC's role as a key training hub for customs administrations in the CEMAC region.

Peru Boosts Border Efficiency with WCO Trade Partnership

Peru Boosts Border Efficiency with WCO Trade Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a follow-up mission to Peruvian border agencies to strengthen cooperation and improve border control efficiency. By introducing the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) concept and developing a roadmap, focusing on enhanced information sharing, standardized procedures, risk management, and capacity building, Peru aims to establish an efficient and collaborative border control system. This initiative is expected to facilitate trade, boost economic development, and create new opportunities for growth. The mission highlights the importance of international collaboration in modernizing border operations.