West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

West Africa Customs Training Thrives Amid Pandemic Challenges

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint “Mentoring Training Programme” (MTP) has made significant progress in West Africa. Overcoming the impact of the pandemic through innovative models such as virtual working groups, the program successfully enhanced the capacity of customs officers in West African countries in risk management and intelligence analysis, contributing to regional trade security and economic development. The success of this program provides a valuable reference for capacity building in other developing countries.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit goods, particularly in the sporting goods sector. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of customs officials to identify counterfeit products through the promotion of the IPM platform, improved information exchange, and training programs. The initiative seeks to protect consumer rights and maintain market order by preventing the trade of fake sports equipment and other goods.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

The 9th Global Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Capacity Building Offices, Regional Training Centers, and Vice-Chair Offices highlighted the critical role of regional institutions in capacity building. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to the WCO’s annual Capacity Building Needs Assessment, donor engagement, and the maintenance of regional experts. Discussions also focused on the development of new tools, such as the WCO Training Diagnostics tool, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of member customs administrations, and addressing global trade challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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ICAO WCO Strengthen Global Air Cargo Security Measures

ICAO WCO Strengthen Global Air Cargo Security Measures

The 2012 Singapore Joint Conference united global efforts, focusing on aviation security and facilitation. The conference emphasized international cooperation, standardization, information sharing, and technology application, aiming to enhance global aviation security levels. The joint communiqué issued by ICAO and WCO pointed the way for future development, collectively building a safer and more efficient global air transport system. The discussions highlighted the importance of a coordinated approach to address emerging threats and promote seamless trade while maintaining the highest security standards.

12/30/2025 Logistics
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German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

German Students Join WCO for African Customs Training Initiative

African students from the University of Münster visited the World Customs Organization (WCO) to gain insights into customs capacity building. Through expert lectures and participation in meetings, the students gained a more direct understanding of the current development status of African customs and the WCO's support measures. The WCO will continue to strengthen cooperation with African customs to help its modernization and transformation. This visit highlighted the importance of international collaboration in enhancing customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation across the African continent.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Crackdown Urged on Counterfeit Goods Amid Economic Risks

Global Crackdown Urged on Counterfeit Goods Amid Economic Risks

The 5th Global Congress on Combating Counterfeiting and Piracy convened in Cancun, Mexico, urging the international community to intensify efforts against counterfeit goods, which pose a threat to global economic recovery. The conference highlighted the increasing trade in counterfeit products and its detrimental impact on economies and employment. Discussions focused on strategies including strengthening international cooperation, improving legislation, and raising public awareness. WIPO will host the next congress, with all parties committing to collaborative action to combat this global issue.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

The 2010 SADC Customs Capacity Building Conference fostered regional customs reform and modernized management, strengthening regional coordination. Participants shared capacity-building experiences and identified areas for cooperation based on WCO standards. Significant attention was given to the SACU pilot project and the implementation of the WCO Customs Learning Standards, laying the foundation for future regional capacity-building development. The conference highlighted the importance of harmonized procedures and collaborative efforts in enhancing customs efficiency and regional trade facilitation within the SADC region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Air Cargo Adopts Electronic Security Declarations

Global Air Cargo Adopts Electronic Security Declarations

The Air Cargo Security Declaration (CSD) and its electronic version (e-CSD) aim to establish a globally harmonized air cargo security system. e-CSD enhances efficiency, security, and transparency by providing a traceable audit trail, meeting ICAO requirements, and adopting unified standards. Active responses from national regulators and future international cooperation will further promote its global standardization and widespread adoption, safeguarding global trade. This digital transformation promises a more secure and streamlined process for air freight, benefiting both businesses and consumers worldwide.

12/30/2025 Document Interpretation
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Moldova Boosts Customs Skills with WCO HS Workshop

Moldova Boosts Customs Skills with WCO HS Workshop

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Service of Moldova jointly organized a national workshop on the Harmonized System (HS). The workshop aimed to enhance the capacity of Moldovan Customs in tariff classification. Covering HS coding rules, case studies, and international classification practices, the seminar sought to improve customs operational efficiency, facilitate international trade, and strengthen cooperation between Moldovan Customs and international organizations. The focus was on building expertise and ensuring accurate application of the HS for effective customs administration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos CEN Precertification Enhances Global Trade Security

Wcos CEN Precertification Enhances Global Trade Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held its first CEN (Customs Enforcement Network) Application Technology and Operational Advisor Pre-certification Workshop in Xiamen. The workshop aimed to cultivate a group of experts proficient in CEN applications, enhance global customs enforcement capabilities, combat cross-border crime, and safeguard trade security. Customs elites from various countries participated in the workshop. Upon certification, they will join the WCO expert pool, providing technical assistance to member countries in need. This initiative strengthens international cooperation in customs enforcement.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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