WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

The World Customs Organization's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) held its first in-person meeting after a three-year hiatus, focusing on updates to the E-commerce Package, the development of a global customs data exchange platform, and green customs initiatives. The meeting revised the E-commerce Package maintenance mechanism, approved pressure testing guidelines, and discussed data models and cooperation guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs' ability to address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation and security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

WCO and ICC Partner to Strengthen WTO Customs Valuation Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) have a long-standing collaboration to promote the global application of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. In 2000, they issued a joint declaration aimed at promoting uniform, transparent, and fair customs valuation standards. This collaboration seeks to foster global trade compliance, transparency, and facilitation, ultimately reducing trade costs for businesses. The joint efforts emphasize the importance of consistent and predictable customs valuation practices for efficient and equitable international trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Trains Pakistan Customs to Boost Trade Via Audit Efficiency

WCO Trains Pakistan Customs to Boost Trade Via Audit Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted an advanced Post Clearance Audit (PCA) training in Pakistan, aiming to enhance the PCA capabilities of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR). This initiative fosters cooperation between customs and businesses, ultimately promoting trade facilitation. The training, based on the WCO's newly developed Advanced PCA Training Package, emphasized practical techniques and was supported by various funding sources. It's a crucial step in strengthening Pakistan's customs administration and contributing to a more efficient and compliant trade environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Network to Promote Gender Equality in Trade

WCO Launches Global Network to Promote Gender Equality in Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Gender Equality and Diversity Network to promote gender mainstreaming in human resource management, policymaking, and technology application within customs administrations worldwide. The initiative aims to address challenges posed by the pandemic and provide relevant tools and resources. Ultimately, the network seeks to foster a more inclusive and sustainable trade future by ensuring gender considerations are fully integrated into customs operations and policies globally.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Digital Tax Systems in Africa to Increase Revenue

WCO Boosts Digital Tax Systems in Africa to Increase Revenue

The WCO Secretary General shared practices and visions for enhancing tax collection efficiency through digital technologies at the African Tax Administration Forum. The WCO supports African countries in building efficient, transparent, and sustainable tax systems, ensuring economic development, through technological innovation such as big data and blockchain, as well as initiatives like standard setting and capacity building. This aims to improve tax administration and revenue mobilization across the continent.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Digital Shift in Western Balkans for Closer Ties

WCO Backs Digital Shift in Western Balkans for Closer Ties

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited North Macedonia to promote regional integration in the Western Balkans through digital transformation. He emphasized the importance of data analysis, coordinated border management, and Single Window systems. He suggested building a regionally interconnected customs system based on WCO standards. Furthermore, he highlighted the role of customs in disaster relief and the importance of collaboration with various stakeholders. This visit underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting efficient and secure trade facilitation in the region.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Customs Intelligence in Subsaharan Africa Against Illegal Trade

WCO Boosts Customs Intelligence in Subsaharan Africa Against Illegal Trade

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project held an advanced intelligence training in Zambia, aiming to enhance the intelligence analysis capabilities of customs administrations in Sub-Saharan Africa. This initiative seeks to more effectively combat illicit trade, protect wildlife, and promote sustainable development. The training covered the role of intelligence in law enforcement planning, core analytical techniques, and post-operation analysis. The project is funded by the U.S. Department of State and supported by various stakeholders, contributing to improved regional security and economic stability.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Trade Controls in Azerbaijan to Counter WMD Threats

WCO Boosts Trade Controls in Azerbaijan to Counter WMD Threats

The WCO's ACES project has assisted Azerbaijan Customs in enhancing its control over weapons of mass destruction. This initiative involved training customs officers and certifying experts, enabling Azerbaijan to fulfill UN Security Council resolutions and contribute to building a global security barrier. The project strengthens strategic trade control and customs capacity building, ultimately aiming to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and ensure a safer global environment. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing critical security challenges.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

Mali Customs Boosts Training with WCO Support for Staff Efficiency

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Mali Customs developed a Human Resource Management Strategy for 2018-2021. This strategy aims to enhance employee skills, improve work efficiency, and strengthen organizational cohesion through tools like competency models, ultimately achieving the overall mission of customs. The success of Mali Customs has attracted significant attention from the Ministry of Finance and is expected to be promoted to other government departments. The focus is on building a capable and motivated workforce to drive customs modernization and improve overall performance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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