Liberia Enhances Crossborder Aid Efforts

Liberia Enhances Crossborder Aid Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) conducted a mission in Liberia. This mission, under the C-RED project, aims to strengthen Liberian customs capacity, promote cross-border agency cooperation, and optimize the clearance process for relief goods. The goal is to build a more efficient humanitarian assistance system and enhance the country's ability to respond to emergencies. The project seeks to improve coordination and streamline procedures to ensure timely delivery of aid during crises.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

Nicaragua Launches AEO Trade Security Pilot with NORAD Support

With support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), Nicaraguan Customs launched an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. This initiative aims to optimize customs procedures and enhance trade security and efficiency through capacity building and Time Release Study (TRS). The program seeks to streamline the flow of goods, reduce release times, and contribute to Nicaragua's economic development by fostering a more secure and efficient trading environment. Ultimately, the AEO program is expected to boost international trade and investment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

US Rail Freight Mixed in May Intermodal Gains Steady

According to the latest data from the Association of American Railroads, U.S. rail freight volume in May remained flat year-over-year, but intermodal traffic experienced strong growth. Intermodal transportation benefits from tight trucking capacity and corporate cost reduction demands, and is expected to maintain its growth momentum. The overall rail freight market reflects economic uncertainty. The industry needs to address challenges such as energy transition and manufacturing reshoring, while actively embracing technological innovation. The growth in intermodal offsets the weakness in other rail segments.

01/22/2026 Logistics
Read More
Freight Industry Experts Analyze Economic and Market Trends

Freight Industry Experts Analyze Economic and Market Trends

Mike Regan of TranzAct Technologies provides an in-depth analysis of freight economics and market trends. He examines the current state of the freight economy, truck rates and capacity, the potential for supply chain 'reset,' the intersection of the C-suite and logistics, and inventory management strategies. Regan emphasizes TranzAct's commitment to providing comprehensive solutions for businesses, optimizing supply chains, reducing costs, and improving operational efficiency. The discussion highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective decision-making in today's complex logistics landscape.

01/18/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Rising Diesel Costs Strain Shippers Risk Supply Chain Disruptions

Rising Diesel Costs Strain Shippers Risk Supply Chain Disruptions

The FTR Shippers Conditions Index (SCI) fell below zero in August, the first time since October 2022, indicating a worsening environment for shippers. Soaring diesel prices were the primary driver, offsetting the benefits of ample capacity. Shippers face challenges such as increased transportation costs and reduced bargaining power. Strategies for shippers include optimizing routes and building long-term partnerships. Data-driven decision-making is crucial for enhancing freight resilience. The index suggests shippers need to proactively adapt to the changing market dynamics to mitigate potential negative impacts.

01/18/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
Read More
Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan Modernizes Customs with Datadriven Trade Workshop

Turkmenistan hosted a WCO Harmonized System (HS) national workshop aimed at improving the accuracy and efficiency of tariff classification through international cooperation and capacity building, thereby promoting trade facilitation and compliance. The workshop covered HS fundamentals, specific commodity classification, and pre-ruling guidance. It also explored future development directions such as intelligent classification, big data analysis, and risk management, assisting Turkmenistan in building a more efficient and intelligent tariff system. The goal is to enhance customs procedures and contribute to smoother international trade flows.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Aids Sierra Leones Trade Recovery Postdisaster

WCO Aids Sierra Leones Trade Recovery Postdisaster

Following the devastating mudslides in Sierra Leone, the WCO assisted the National Revenue Authority (NRA) in developing its Strategic Plan for 2018-2022. This plan focuses on trade facilitation as a key driver for economic growth and development. The WCO's support aimed to strengthen the NRA's capacity to implement efficient and effective customs procedures, ultimately contributing to the country's reconstruction and long-term economic stability. The strategic plan provides a roadmap for modernizing customs operations and promoting a more business-friendly environment in Sierra Leone.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
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.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Gabon Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization Plan

Gabon Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization Plan

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Gabonese Customs is actively promoting the modernization of its human resource management system, aiming to establish a competency-based modern HRM system. Through evaluating pilot programs, developing HR strategies, strengthening capacity building, and collaborating with the Ministry of Finance, Gabonese Customs is striving to enhance the professional skills and overall work efficiency of its employees, thereby contributing more significantly to national economic development. The reforms focus on building a more skilled and efficient workforce to support the organization's goals.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More