Ghana Customs Advances Modernization with WCOWACAM Project

Ghana Customs Advances Modernization with WCOWACAM Project

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed the impact of the WCO-WACAM project's support to the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), revealing significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO will continue to deepen its cooperation with the GRA, assisting its modernization efforts and enhancing trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to contribute to Ghana's economic development by streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient trading environment. The WCO remains committed to supporting the GRA in achieving its strategic goals.

WCO Urges Modernization to Boost Sri Lankas Economy

WCO Urges Modernization to Boost Sri Lankas Economy

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya's speech at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of knowledge, communication, and integrity, exploring the role of customs modernization in post-conflict economic reconstruction. Through the Master of Customs Administration program, research seminars, and meetings with government officials and business representatives, the Secretary General emphasized the crucial role of knowledge-driven approaches, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation in building an efficient trade environment. These elements are vital for fostering economic growth and stability in the region.

Global Customs Agencies Intensify Fight Against Environmental Crime

Global Customs Agencies Intensify Fight Against Environmental Crime

The World Customs Organization emphasizes the crucial role of customs in environmental protection, urging the global customs community to strengthen cooperation in combating illegal environmental trade and protecting natural heritage. By enhancing border control, risk assessment, international collaboration, and technological application, customs administrations can effectively address environmental crime and contribute to sustainable development. The focus is on proactive measures to prevent illicit trafficking of endangered species, hazardous waste, and other environmentally harmful goods across borders, ensuring a safer and more sustainable planet for future generations.

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African Customs Labs Adopt Asiapacific Methods to Boost Trade

African customs laboratory leaders visited the Asia-Pacific region to learn from best practices and enhance their capabilities. Through laboratory visits and experience sharing, the African representatives gained in-depth understanding of the operational models, technological applications, and management methods of regional customs laboratories in the Asia-Pacific. This activity promoted capacity building for African customs laboratories and laid the foundation for regional cooperation, contributing to African trade development and economic prosperity. The visit focused on practical knowledge transfer and establishing future collaborative efforts.

Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Customs experts from the Asia-Pacific region gathered in India to discuss best practices in customs transit. The workshop focused on the WCO Transit Guidelines, shared experiences in railway transit, and explored future development directions. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the application of information technology, improve laws and regulations, enhance capacity building, and foster public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to jointly build a new landscape for customs transit in the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows.

Polands Furniture Industry Adopts Green Policies Amid Euchina Trade Shifts

Polands Furniture Industry Adopts Green Policies Amid Euchina Trade Shifts

Poland is adjusting tariffs in its furniture industry to address new EU environmental regulations and domestic industry challenges. Through targeted tax reductions, export incentives, and process optimization, Poland aims to lower compliance costs for businesses, enhance product value, and deepen Sino-Polish trade cooperation. This initiative promotes the green transition and sustainable development of the furniture industry, ultimately achieving a win-win situation for businesses, consumers, and the environment. The adjustments are designed to help the industry adapt to changing market demands and ensure long-term competitiveness.

US Container Imports Surge As Tariffs Peak Season Strain Supply Chains

US Container Imports Surge As Tariffs Peak Season Strain Supply Chains

U.S. container imports in August reached the second highest level on record, influenced by both tariff policies and seasonal factors. China's import share decreased, and the port landscape on the East and West Coasts experienced slight adjustments. Importers need to pay close attention to policy developments, diversify sourcing channels, optimize inventory management, strengthen cooperation with carriers, and invest in supply chain technology to address supply chain risks and seize future development opportunities. These strategies are crucial for navigating the evolving global trade environment and maintaining competitiveness.

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

WCO Boosts Namibias Anticounterfeiting Efforts in IP Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched its Intellectual Property Health and Safety (IPHS) Programme, with the first online training successfully held in Namibia. This initiative aims to enhance customs' ability to combat counterfeiting and piracy, particularly focusing on illicit medical goods during the pandemic. The WCO emphasizes customs' responsibility and provides tools to address these challenges. Funded by Japan Customs, the program seeks to strengthen international cooperation through information sharing, joint enforcement operations, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns, ultimately safeguarding global trade security.

WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a CITES-Framework Action Plan training in Gabon, aimed at enhancing the capacity of African customs officers to combat illegal wildlife trade. Hosted by the Gabonese Customs Administration, the training involved representatives from multiple countries, focusing on discussing challenges and sharing experiences. The U.S. Department of State funded the training. The WCO-INAMA project is dedicated to protecting Africa's biodiversity through training and cooperation. This initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling wildlife crime and strengthening customs enforcement efforts.

Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

The 15th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties highlighted the crucial role of customs in combating cross-border environmental crime. The WCO contributes to the protection of endangered species by raising awareness among customs officers, providing enforcement tools, and strengthening international cooperation. Data analysis reveals a persistently high violation rate, necessitating enhanced data-driven enforcement and technological innovation to build a global environmental security defense. Further efforts are needed to improve detection and prevention measures, fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat illegal wildlife trade.