Global Customs Agencies Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

Global Customs Agencies Tackle Ocean Plastic Pollution

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively participates in UN World Oceans Day, highlighting customs' crucial role in marine environment protection. Through enforcing the Basel Convention, upgrading trade tools, and implementing the Asia Pacific Plastic Waste Project, customs are committed to combating illegal plastic waste trade and protecting marine ecosystems. The WCO calls for global collaboration, urging everyone to contribute, even in small ways, to safeguard our blue planet. This includes preventing plastic waste from entering waterways and promoting responsible consumption habits to reduce overall plastic pollution.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Customs to Rival Asiapacific Trade Hubs

Indonesia Boosts Customs to Rival Asiapacific Trade Hubs

Indonesia and the World Customs Organization (WCO) have signed an agreement to establish a Regional Training Center (RTC) and a Regional Customs Laboratory (RCL) in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officers and improve commodity inspection capabilities in the Asia-Pacific region. The goal is to combat smuggling, facilitate trade, and strengthen global supply chain resilience. Indonesia will play a more significant role in regional customs cooperation through these facilities, contributing to improved efficiency and security in international trade.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Strengthens Trade Program with Regional Expertise

Bolivia Strengthens Trade Program with Regional Expertise

Bolivia is drawing on the AEO experiences of Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay to optimize its own AEO program. This aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase the number of AEO-certified companies, and ultimately promote economic development. By learning from successful implementations in other countries, Bolivia seeks to streamline its customs processes and improve the competitiveness of its businesses in the global market. The focus is on creating a more efficient and secure trading environment through strengthened customs cooperation and the wider adoption of AEO standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Implements Stress Management Program

Bolivia Customs Implements Stress Management Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP) provided stress management and resilience training to Bolivian customs officers. Through a blended online and offline approach, the training helped officers identify sources of stress, master stress management tools, and enhance emotional intelligence, ultimately achieving work-life balance. The project aimed to improve the individual well-being and job satisfaction of customs personnel, as well as enhance the overall effectiveness and service quality of the customs organization. This capacity building initiative fosters a healthier and more productive work environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Boosts Tax Efficiency with Talent System Upgrade

Madagascar Boosts Tax Efficiency with Talent System Upgrade

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA) is modernizing its human resource management system through a competency-based approach in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO). This project aims to enhance the professional skills of tax officials, optimize HR processes, and ultimately improve tax efficiency and promote economic development. The WCO will continue to provide capacity-building support to help the MRA achieve its modernization goals. The focus is on building a skilled and efficient workforce to improve revenue collection and contribute to Madagascar's economic growth.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches New Framework for Sustainable Customs Modernization

WCO Launches New Framework for Sustainable Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a new paradigm for capacity building, emphasizing shared responsibility and results-orientation. This approach aims to ensure that capacity building support translates into sustainable improvements and fosters institutional transformation through precise needs assessments, blended learning, and effective impact evaluations. Experts are calling for the utilization of WCO assessment tools to overcome data challenges and collaboratively address issues within capacity building. The goal is to ensure capacity building efforts lead to tangible and lasting positive change within customs administrations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Philippine Customs in Trade Reform Push

WCO Backs Philippine Customs in Trade Reform Push

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to enhance trade facilitation. Through capacity building, field missions, and high-level meetings, the WCO is promoting the implementation of Time Release Study (TRS) and the Quick Release Guidelines. The cooperation also deepens in areas like risk management, integrity building, and other human resource management aspects. The initiatives aim to inject new vitality into the Philippine economy by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and transparent trading environment.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan Streamlines Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Uzbekistan hosted a workshop on customs strategic planning to enhance management capabilities and promote trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness through strategic planning and performance evaluation. The Global Trade Facilitation program provided support for the event. The initiative underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to streamlining customs procedures, reducing trade barriers, and fostering a more competitive business environment. Ultimately, this leads to increased trade volume and economic growth. The focus on strategic planning and performance evaluation ensures sustainable improvements in customs administration.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guide to Key Incoterms for International Trade

Guide to Key Incoterms for International Trade

This article provides an in-depth analysis of four Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW, and DDP. It elaborates on the risk and cost allocation points at various stages of maritime transportation for each term. Through comparative analysis, the article helps readers understand the applicable scenarios for different Incoterms, enabling them to make more informed decisions in international trade. It highlights the nuances of responsibility and financial burden associated with each term, ultimately guiding businesses to choose the most suitable Incoterm for their specific needs and circumstances.

02/12/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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Philippine Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

Philippine Customs Enhances Trade Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assists the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines to improve customs clearance efficiency. Through measures such as Time Release Study (TRS) and Immediate Release Guidelines, processes are optimized and inter-agency collaboration is promoted. This aims to implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), unlock the Philippines' trade potential, and drive economic growth. The WCO's support focuses on streamlining procedures and fostering cooperation to enhance the BOC's effectiveness and contribute to the country's overall economic prosperity.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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