WCO and ICAO Enhance Air Cargo Security to Support Global Trade

WCO and ICAO Enhance Air Cargo Security to Support Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly released new regulations to strengthen air cargo security and facilitate trade. Through the 'Joint Guiding Principles on Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information' and the 'Joint Guidance on the Coordination of Customs Authorized Economic Operator and Aviation Security Regulated Agent/Known Consignor Programmes', the initiative aims to improve risk assessment and program coordination. This collaborative effort seeks to build a safer and more efficient global air cargo supply chain.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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North Macedonia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked Reforms

North Macedonia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked Reforms

The WCO (World Customs Organization) is assisting North Macedonia Customs in enhancing leadership capabilities. This initiative focuses on reshaping the management culture, optimizing operational processes, and fostering a learning organization. The goal is to drive positive transformation within the customs administration, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. Key aspects include developing strong leadership skills at all levels, building cohesive and collaborative teams, and implementing modern management practices. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more agile and responsive customs service.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Disruptive Tech Transforms Global Trade and Customs

Disruptive Tech Transforms Global Trade and Customs

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization are actively promoting the application of disruptive technologies in customs globally. Through collaborative research, project implementation, and report publication, they aim to raise awareness among members about technology applications, promote trade facilitation, and enhance border security. Embracing technological change is crucial for customs to modernize and improve competitiveness. This includes exploring AI, blockchain, and IoT to streamline processes, improve risk management, and foster a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

Global Customs Maritime Groups Boost Trade Security Via Data

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretaries General met, emphasizing deepened cooperation through enhanced data sharing, technical assistance, and security facilitation measures. Key areas include data standardization, passenger data exchange, the application of emerging technologies, and policy dialogues. The aim is to improve the security, efficiency, and sustainability of global trade. This collaboration seeks to streamline processes, enhance risk management, and foster a more secure and predictable international trading environment, ultimately benefiting both customs and maritime sectors.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Sierra Leone Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Sierra Leone in enhancing its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities through a workshop, technical assistance, and an action plan. This aims to effectively implement the World Trade Organization (WTO)'s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The initiative focuses on strengthening the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority (NRA)'s customs risk management, improving control effectiveness, and promoting trade facilitation. Ultimately, this contributes to the country's sustainable economic development by optimizing revenue collection and streamlining trade processes.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Bahamas Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Bahamas Customs has launched its first Time Release Study (TRS). This initiative aims to quantify the time taken at each stage of the customs clearance process, identify bottlenecks, and optimize procedures. The goal is to improve customs efficiency, reduce trade costs, enhance the business environment, and prepare for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). The WCO provides technical assistance and training to help Bahamas Customs modernize and promote trade facilitation.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

Egyptian Customs Boosts Leadership Skills Via WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership and management development workshop in Alexandria, Egypt, for senior officials of the Egyptian Customs Authority. The workshop aimed to enhance their leadership skills and ability to drive reform. Topics covered included leadership, integrity, gender equality, negotiation, personnel management, communication, and change management. The workshop fostered individual and organizational development and provided strong support for the modernization process of Egyptian Customs. It focused on building the capabilities needed to effectively manage and lead the organization through ongoing changes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on customs-related matters and enhance global trade efficiency and security. The two organizations will collaborate on technical assistance, information sharing, and combating illicit trade, with a focus on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the application of coordination mechanisms. This partnership aims to address global trade challenges and promote sustainable development by fostering streamlined customs procedures and improved international collaboration in trade-related areas.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Enhances Trade Via WTO Customs Training

Comoros Enhances Trade Via WTO Customs Training

The World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) jointly held a workshop to provide technical assistance on customs valuation to Comoros, which is seeking to join the WTO, helping it fulfill its accession obligations. The workshop focused on the WTO's Valuation Agreement, covering valuation methods, appeal procedures, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The aim was to enhance Comoros' trade competitiveness and build an efficient and transparent trade environment. The training is crucial for Comoros to align its customs practices with international standards.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algeria Boosts Trade Security with Dutch Customs Lab Aid

Algerian experts visited the Netherlands to study customs laboratories, aiming to adopt best practices for building a modern customs laboratory in Algeria. The visit focused on work organization, infrastructure, and technology application, with a deep dive into the laboratory's role in tariff classification. This initiative is part of the EU-World Customs Organization (WCO) HS-Africa Programme, designed to enhance customs management in African countries, promoting trade facilitation and security. The knowledge gained will contribute to Algeria's efforts to improve its customs procedures and efficiency.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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