WCO Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Postpandemic Smuggling

WCO Businesses Join Forces to Tackle Postpandemic Smuggling

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the business community to address the challenges posed by smuggling and counterfeit trade in the post-pandemic era. By strengthening customs-business partnerships, leveraging data analytics and technological innovation, the aim is to build a more secure and efficient global trade system. This collaboration seeks to protect consumer rights, maintain fair market competition, and ultimately achieve sustainable supply chain development. The joint efforts are crucial for mitigating risks and fostering a resilient and trustworthy international trade environment.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

WCO Workshop Enhances Namibias IP Enforcement

The WCO held a workshop in Namibia to enhance intellectual property rights enforcement capabilities of Customs administrations in Eastern and Southern Africa. The workshop focused on risk management, information sharing, and the identification of counterfeit medicines. Participants explored strategies to strengthen regional cooperation and combat the trade in illicit goods that infringe on intellectual property rights. The aim was to improve the effectiveness of Customs administrations in protecting intellectual property at the border and fostering a safer and more secure trading environment within the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO EU Research Centre Boost Global Trade Security

WCO EU Research Centre Boost Global Trade Security

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization met with the Director of the European Commission's Joint Research Centre to discuss cooperation in areas such as container monitoring, risk analysis, and combating counterfeit goods. Both parties plan to further deepen collaboration through technical meetings, jointly building a safer and more efficient global trade environment, protecting intellectual property and public safety. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and data sharing to enhance customs controls and improve the detection of illicit activities within the global supply chain.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Urges Modernization to Boost Sri Lankas Economy

WCO Urges Modernization to Boost Sri Lankas Economy

WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya's speech at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, Sri Lanka, highlighted the importance of knowledge, communication, and integrity, exploring the role of customs modernization in post-conflict economic reconstruction. Through the Master of Customs Administration program, research seminars, and meetings with government officials and business representatives, the Secretary General emphasized the crucial role of knowledge-driven approaches, public-private partnerships, and international cooperation in building an efficient trade environment. These elements are vital for fostering economic growth and stability in the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Strengthens Trade Program with Regional Expertise

Bolivia Strengthens Trade Program with Regional Expertise

Bolivia is drawing on the AEO experiences of Colombia, Mexico, and Uruguay to optimize its own AEO program. This aims to enhance trade facilitation, increase the number of AEO-certified companies, and ultimately promote economic development. By learning from successful implementations in other countries, Bolivia seeks to streamline its customs processes and improve the competitiveness of its businesses in the global market. The focus is on creating a more efficient and secure trading environment through strengthened customs cooperation and the wider adoption of AEO standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

Thailand Sierra Leone Push Kyoto Convention Signatories Over 100

With Thailand and Sierra Leone joining, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, marking a significant step in global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency. It works in synergy with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement, injecting new vitality into global economic development. The WCO encourages more members to join and collectively promote trade facilitation. This milestone underscores the growing global commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth through simplified customs procedures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Strengthens Environmental Laws with WCO Backing

Mozambique Strengthens Environmental Laws with WCO Backing

WCO co-organized a workshop to enhance Mozambican officials' awareness of environmental conventions, combat the illegal transfer of hazardous waste, and promote environmentally sustainable development. The workshop aimed to strengthen enforcement capabilities and foster collaboration to address environmental crime. By improving understanding of international agreements and customs procedures, the initiative seeks to protect Mozambique's environment and contribute to global efforts in combating illegal waste trafficking. This joint effort highlights the importance of customs cooperation in safeguarding the environment and ensuring compliance with multilateral agreements.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Slovenia Boosts Crossborder Environmental Enforcement

Slovenia Boosts Crossborder Environmental Enforcement

Slovenian Customs is collaborating with various departments, including Environment and Agriculture, to combat cross-border environmental crime and build a new line of defense for cross-border environmental compliance. This is achieved through strengthened regulatory enforcement, optimized risk management, and enhanced training. Despite facing challenges, Slovenian Customs is confident in future development and will continue to deepen cooperation, contributing to the achievement of sustainable development goals. The focus is on inter-agency collaboration to effectively address the complexities of environmental crime and ensure compliance with international regulations.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Germany Strengthens Crossborder Environmental Enforcement

Germany Strengthens Crossborder Environmental Enforcement

German Customs and environmental authorities collaborate closely to ensure cross-border environmental security through law enforcement, risk assessment, information sharing, and technological innovation. This paper analyzes Germany's efforts and practices in cross-border environmental compliance, highlighting the importance of multi-level, multi-channel collaboration. It also looks ahead to future directions for cooperation, emphasizing the continued need for coordinated efforts to address environmental challenges associated with international trade. The partnership between customs and environmental agencies is crucial for effective enforcement and prevention of environmental damage.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia, the World Customs Organization (WCO) undertook a support mission to Cambodia. The mission aimed to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and assist in developing a five-year strategic plan. Through gap analysis and strategic planning, the WCO will help Cambodia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic development. The support focuses on identifying areas needing improvement and providing guidance for a comprehensive strategic roadmap to enhance trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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