WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

WCO Upgrades Gender Equality Tool for Customs Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released an updated Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist member customs and tax administrations in assessing the integration of gender equality and diversity within their internal policies, practices, and external relations. The 2023 update focuses on security, action, and user experience. It includes a new security and safety chapter, strengthens action-oriented templates, and optimizes user experience design. This aims to promote gender equality within the customs domain and improve organizational performance through a more inclusive and equitable environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

Global Customs Agencies Boost Efforts Against Counterfeiting Piracy

The 19th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeit and Piracy Group was successfully held, focusing on two major issues: e-commerce infringement and standardized procedures for goods destruction. New tools were launched to strengthen global customs cooperation in intellectual property protection and jointly combat infringement and counterfeiting. The meeting aimed to safeguard innovation and development by enhancing customs' role in protecting intellectual property rights and preventing the trade of counterfeit goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO UN Call for Unimpeded Trade for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

WCO UN Call for Unimpeded Trade for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

The World Customs Organization and the United Nations urge ensuring smooth trade for landlocked developing countries during the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of freedom of transit and international cooperation. By simplifying customs procedures, investing in infrastructure, and diversifying trade partners, we can collectively address the impact of the pandemic on landlocked countries' trade and build a more resilient global supply chain. This collaborative effort aims to mitigate disruptions and foster sustainable economic growth for these vulnerable nations during and after the crisis.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Shipping Agencies Play Key Role in Global Maritime Logistics

Shipping Agencies Play Key Role in Global Maritime Logistics

This article provides an in-depth analysis of the role and functions of shipping agencies, highlighting their crucial role as the 'general manager' for shipping companies. It details the differences between shipping agents and freight forwarders, emphasizing the importance of shipping agencies in the shipping value chain. Furthermore, it offers practical advice for readers on selecting the right shipping agency to help improve shipping efficiency. This guide aims to clarify the distinctions and benefits of utilizing a competent shipping agency.

09/26/2025 Logistics Encyclopedia
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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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Private Agencies Aid Factories in Shift to Amazon Ecommerce

Private Agencies Aid Factories in Shift to Amazon Ecommerce

The Amazon private managed services model is gaining popularity, offering new opportunities for traditional foreign trade factories to transition to cross-border e-commerce. Compared to traditional managed service companies, private managed services are more flexible and cost-effective, but businesses should be wary of the 'no-responsibility' trap. Companies should clearly define responsibilities, assess professional capabilities, and choose the appropriate managed services model to succeed on the Amazon platform. Careful consideration is crucial for a successful partnership and achieving desired outcomes.

12/29/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Collaborate on Humor Initiative nothing to Declare

Global Customs Agencies Collaborate on Humor Initiative nothing to Declare

The film 'Nothing to Declare' humorously depicts Franco-Belgian customs cooperation, highlighting the importance of international customs cooperation in facilitating trade, combating smuggling, and maintaining security. This article delves into the specific manifestations of customs cooperation, the challenges it faces, and its future development directions. It emphasizes the crucial role of customs cooperation in the era of globalization, showcasing how collaborative efforts between customs administrations benefit international trade and security.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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