West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

EMCCA School Revamps Customs Education with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Inter-State School for Customs (ISSC) of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (EMCCA) and assisted in developing a new development strategy. This capacity-based strategy aims to reshape customs talent development through a modernized curriculum, faculty development, and a quality assurance system, contributing to regional trade facilitation and economic development. The WCO will continue to provide support to facilitate the ISSC's transformation.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Malawi Customs Enhances Efficiency Via WCO Talent Program

Malawi Customs Enhances Efficiency Via WCO Talent Program

The WCO assisted the Malawi Revenue Authority in enhancing trade facilitation capabilities, assessing talent development needs, and launching an e-learning platform. These initiatives aim to solidify the foundation for the future development of customs in Malawi. The support focused on building capacity and implementing modern tools to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations, ultimately contributing to economic growth and regional integration. This comprehensive approach ensures sustainable development and strengthens the role of customs in the national economy.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Jordan Adopts Dubai Customs Model to Boost Air Cargo Efficiency

Jordan Adopts Dubai Customs Model to Boost Air Cargo Efficiency

The Jordan Customs Department visited Dubai Customs to learn best practices in trade facilitation and improve air cargo clearance efficiency. Dubai Customs' experience in streamlining procedures, risk management, data application, and technology automation provided valuable insights for Jordan. This visit will help Jordan develop fast-release procedures, optimize the e-commerce environment, and strengthen risk management capabilities. The ultimate goal is to create a more efficient customs clearance environment in Jordan, leveraging the successful strategies implemented in Dubai.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Streamlines Trade with Customs Efficiency Study

Bolivia Streamlines Trade with Customs Efficiency Study

Bolivian Customs held a TRS workshop to optimize customs clearance processes and enhance trade facilitation. The implementation of the TRS aims to improve the investment climate and promote economic development. This initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and reducing the time required for goods to be released, ultimately benefiting businesses and contributing to a more efficient and competitive trading environment. The workshop provided valuable insights and practical strategies for improving the overall efficiency of the customs process in Bolivia.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guinea Adopts Wcos Ncen System to Strengthen Border Controls

Guinea Adopts Wcos Ncen System to Strengthen Border Controls

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, provided the nCEN system and related training to Guinea Customs, aiming to enhance its border enforcement capabilities. Funded by Sweden, the project covers two pillars: enforcement and trade facilitation, emphasizing collaboration with other government agencies. The introduction of the nCEN system and capacity building training have strengthened customs officers' intelligence gathering, risk analysis, and case management skills, laying a solid foundation for the modernization of Guinea Customs.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Cameroon Customs Raises Tax Revenue Via WCO Audit Support

Cameroon Customs Raises Tax Revenue Via WCO Audit Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Cameroon Customs in enhancing its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities to improve clearance efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and strengthen tax administration. Through diagnostics, action plan development, and specific recommendations, the WCO is helping Cameroon establish a professional and stable PCA organizational structure. This initiative aims to achieve a win-win situation of trade facilitation and revenue security, ultimately contributing to more efficient customs operations and increased revenue collection for the country.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

WCOWACAM Project Modernizes Ghana Customs Operations

An assessment by the World Customs Organization (WCO) of its WCO-WACAM project supporting the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) revealed significant progress in stakeholder engagement, human resource management, and strategic management. The WCO has proposed further collaboration aimed at strengthening customs administration in Ghana, promoting trade facilitation, and fostering economic development. The project's impact highlights the importance of targeted capacity building initiatives in achieving customs modernization goals and contributing to broader economic growth within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

Serbia Boosts Customs Modernization with WCO Support

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Customs Cooperation Fund Germany (CCF Germany), Serbian Customs held a workshop on customs laboratory modernization and Harmonized System (HS) tariff management. By enhancing laboratory analysis capabilities, optimizing HS code application, and strengthening capacity building, Serbian Customs aims to promote trade facilitation, improve revenue collection, and combat smuggling, ultimately boosting its international competitiveness. This initiative reflects Serbia's commitment to aligning with international standards and improving its customs operations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Supports Gambia Revenue Authoritys HR Modernization

WCO Supports Gambia Revenue Authoritys HR Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the modernization of human resource management at the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization Project. This project assisted the GRA in finalizing key tools such as the competency directory, job directory, service charter, and job descriptions, laying the groundwork for future communication and change management. The WCO will continue to support the GRA in improving its management level, promoting regional trade facilitation and economic development.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More