WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

WCO Backs Timorleste in Customs Training Strategy Development

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to Timor-Leste Customs, helping to develop a training strategy and plan for 2017-2019. This initiative aimed to comprehensively enhance the professional skills of customs officers, build a robust internal training center, promote customs modernization, and improve Timor-Leste's trade environment. The project is part of the WCO-Norway Customs Capacity Building Programme, which covers several developing countries and aims to improve their customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

The 19th Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific Conference focused on customs capacity building under the pandemic, exploring distance learning strategies, professional development, and data analytics applications. Various centers shared their experiences, emphasizing collaboration to jointly address challenges and promote customs modernization in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methods and leveraging technology to ensure continued professional development for customs officers during and after the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland WCO Boost Ukraine Trade Efficiency

Switzerland, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) to enhance the efficiency of Ukrainian Customs and improve the business environment. Based on the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, the project provides technical assistance, capacity building, and resource support to help Ukraine achieve trade facilitation. This initiative aims to reduce costs for businesses, enhance competitiveness, promote foreign investment, and ultimately benefit consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

The Americas and Caribbean Customs Virtual Forum focused on gender equality and diversity, bringing together representatives from 24 countries. They shared experiences, discussed challenges, and launched the Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT). The forum aims to promote progress in gender equality within customs administrations and integrate it into the customs agenda. This initiative lays the foundation for building a more equitable and inclusive customs environment across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Bolivian Customs for Trade Efficiency

WCO Enhances Bolivian Customs for Trade Efficiency

A WCO online workshop assisted Bolivian Customs in rebuilding its human resources department, enhancing talent management, and promoting trade facilitation. The workshop focused on strengthening customs administration through improved HR practices. This initiative aims to boost organizational effectiveness and efficiency within Bolivian Customs, ultimately contributing to better border management and smoother trade flows. The WCO's support is crucial for developing sustainable capacity building programs and fostering a skilled workforce within the customs administration.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Egypt Boosts Customs Skills Via WTO Training Program

Egypt Boosts Customs Skills Via WTO Training Program

The World Customs Organization and the Commercial Law Development Program jointly held a customs valuation workshop in Cairo to enhance Egyptian customs officials' understanding and application of the WTO's Customs Valuation Agreement. The workshop covered a review of the agreement's principles, analysis of key technical issues, sharing of US customs experiences, and practical case studies. This initiative aims to support Egypt in building an efficient and transparent customs valuation system, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

Bolivia Enhances Trade Efficiency Through Global Program

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) has been launched in Bolivia to enhance customs modernization through capacity building. Funded by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and implemented by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the project covers areas such as risk management, advance rulings, and organizational development. A tripartite Memorandum of Understanding ensures the project's smooth implementation. This initiative aims to help Bolivia better comply with international trade agreements and promote economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

WCO Workshop Advances Digital Customs Reform in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis workshop for the West and Central Africa region, aiming to enhance the data analysis capabilities of customs administrations in the region. The workshop introduced the WCO's Big Data Strategy, shared member experiences, and updated participants on the latest developments in WCO capacity building. Participants highly appreciated the event and expressed their commitment to further strengthening cooperation to jointly promote the regional digital transformation of customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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