Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

Philippines Boosts Customs Oversight with STCE Project

The WCO's STCE Project provided training support to the Philippine Customs on strategic goods control. Through online training, Philippine Customs officers enhanced their capabilities in strategic trade control, risk management, and the application of the Strategic Trade Atlas. The project strengthened cooperation between Philippine Customs and domestic agencies as well as international partners, contributing to national security and the international trade order. This initiative improved the effectiveness of customs operations in preventing the illicit trafficking of sensitive items and promoting responsible trade practices.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCOJICA Project Enhances East African Customs Capacity

WCO-JICA cooperation is helping East African customs authorities cultivate customs audit experts, enhancing regional customs audit capabilities, and promoting trade development. The initiative focuses on strengthening the skills and knowledge of customs officers in conducting effective audits, thereby improving compliance and revenue collection. This collaboration aims to facilitate smoother trade flows within the East African region by ensuring fair and transparent customs procedures and combating illicit trade activities through improved audit practices. Ultimately, this contributes to economic growth and regional integration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Central African Republic to Launch Customs Preruling System

Central African Republic to Launch Customs Preruling System

The Customs Administration of the Central African Republic is actively preparing to establish an advance ruling system to provide businesses with a more transparent and predictable trade environment, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. In cooperation with the WCO, the Central African Republic Customs has not only drafted relevant legal drafts but also established a steering committee and accepted the WCO's recommendations. This marks a significant step forward in trade facilitation, potentially promoting economic development and attracting foreign investment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the "COVID-19-related Goods Cross-Border Transport Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project." This initiative combats counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods. The project strengthens customs cooperation, enhances regulatory capabilities, optimizes customs clearance processes, and collaborates closely with vaccine companies, the transportation industry, and international organizations. This collaborative effort aims to secure the global vaccine supply chain and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey hosted its first International Customs Trade Conference, where the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization emphasized Turkey's importance as a global supply chain hub. He called for strengthened customs and trade cooperation to facilitate post-pandemic economic recovery. Turkey is committed to customs modernization and enhanced international collaboration to address global trade challenges and promote economic development. The conference highlighted the need for streamlined processes and innovative solutions to ensure efficient and secure trade flows in a rapidly changing global landscape.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Implements Advanced Customs Preruling System

Botswana Implements Advanced Customs Preruling System

Botswana is actively advancing its advance ruling system to align with international standards and optimize its trade environment. Through self-assessment and international cooperation, Botswana is committed to improving its laws and regulations, strengthening capacity building, and streamlining processes. This aims to provide businesses with clearer and more reliable trade guidance, reduce trade risks, improve customs clearance efficiency, embrace trade facilitation, and enhance international competitiveness. The initiative is expected to significantly benefit businesses operating in Botswana and contribute to the country's economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

Global Alliance Forms to Fight Fake Sports Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Federation of the European Sporting Goods Industry (FESI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in combating counterfeit goods, particularly in the sporting goods sector. This collaboration aims to enhance the capacity of customs officials to identify counterfeit products through the promotion of the IPM platform, improved information exchange, and training programs. The initiative seeks to protect consumer rights and maintain market order by preventing the trade of fake sports equipment and other goods.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

WCO Boosts Customs Training Programs Globally

The 9th Global Meeting of Heads of WCO Regional Capacity Building Offices, Regional Training Centers, and Vice-Chair Offices highlighted the critical role of regional institutions in capacity building. The meeting reaffirmed commitments to the WCO’s annual Capacity Building Needs Assessment, donor engagement, and the maintenance of regional experts. Discussions also focused on the development of new tools, such as the WCO Training Diagnostics tool, aimed at strengthening regional cooperation, enhancing the capacity of member customs administrations, and addressing global trade challenges.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Papua New Guinea Adopts Trade Conventions to Boost Commerce

Papua New Guinea Adopts Trade Conventions to Boost Commerce

Papua New Guinea's accession to the Revised Kyoto Convention and the Harmonized System Convention marks a significant step towards integrating into the global trade system. This move aims to simplify customs procedures, adopt international standards, and enhance trade efficiency and competitiveness. It also synergizes with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, promoting global trade facilitation. By aligning with these conventions, Papua New Guinea demonstrates its commitment to streamlined customs processes and improved trade practices, ultimately fostering economic growth and international cooperation.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

African Customs Agencies Boost Trade and Capacity Efforts

The 19th meeting of the Customs Management Council of the Eastern and Southern Africa (ESA) region focused on trade facilitation and capacity building. Emphasis was placed on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). Discussions covered regional cooperation, financial management, and the appointment of the WCO Director. The meeting aimed to promote African trade growth and regional economic integration through innovative customs procedures. Furthermore, the goal was to enhance customs efficiency and risk management capabilities within the ESA region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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