Cape Verde Boosts Trade Through Stakeholder Engagement

Cape Verde Boosts Trade Through Stakeholder Engagement

Cabo Verde has made significant progress in trade facilitation through the WCO-WACAM project, with effective stakeholder engagement being key. The project supports Cabo Verde in implementing measures related to the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and enhancing customs management capabilities. Through collaboration, Cabo Verde successfully completed a Time Release Study at Praia Port, laying the foundation for improved national port efficiency and demonstrating the value of a collaborative approach. This initiative highlights Cabo Verde's commitment to streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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2017 HS Code Revisions Impact Global Trade Practices

2017 HS Code Revisions Impact Global Trade Practices

The World Customs Organization (WCO) implemented its fifth major revision to the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature and Coding system in 2017. This revision includes 233 sets of amendments spanning key sectors such as agriculture, chemicals, timber, textiles, base metals, machinery, and transportation. The aim of this revision is to enhance the accuracy and applicability of HS codes, thereby having a profound impact on global trade. These changes are crucial for businesses involved in international trade to ensure compliance and accurate classification of goods.

02/03/2026 HS Code Query
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Madagascar Tax Authority Enhances Revenue Via HR Modernization

Madagascar Tax Authority Enhances Revenue Via HR Modernization

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA) is modernizing its human resource management system with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO). By building a competency-based HR management system and empowering the HR department to become a strategic partner, the MRA aims to improve tax collection efficiency, optimize taxpayer services, and ultimately promote sustainable national economic development. The WCO's continued support will provide strong momentum for the MRA's modernization process. The focus is on developing talent and building capacity within the organization.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

West African Customs Officials Trained on Rules of Origin

The WCO and JICA are collaborating on a Rules of Origin training program in West Africa. This initiative focuses on developing 'trainers' to enhance customs capacity in the region. The project aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement and manage Rules of Origin, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By strengthening customs capacity, the program seeks to facilitate trade and address the challenges posed by the AfCFTA.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Botswana to enhance the capacity of customs officials in controlling hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop aimed to improve customs officers' knowledge and skills related to the identification, detection, and prevention of illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods covered under various multilateral environmental agreements. This initiative underscores the importance of customs authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and combating environmental crime.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Seeks to Simplify African Trade with Uniform Rules

EUWCO Project Seeks to Simplify African Trade with Uniform Rules

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme is expected to significantly contribute to the finalization of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Rules of Origin by 2025. It aims to promote the harmonization of key origin systems across Africa, build a community of practice for rules of origin, and facilitate African economic integration. The program's impact will be crucial for streamlining trade processes and fostering economic growth within the continent by simplifying and standardizing rules related to product origin.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini is enhancing the professionalism of its customs workforce by building a modern, competency-based human resource management system to drive trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided expert diagnosis and support, and the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has committed to adopting the principles and developing an implementation plan. This initiative aims to remove trade barriers, improve efficiency, and ultimately promote national economic development. The focus on talent development within the customs administration is crucial for achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of customs training, making online training an inevitable choice. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has published the 'Online Training Transformation Guide' to provide practical guidance for customs training managers. It emphasizes interactive engagement to help build a flexible and efficient online training system, enhance the capabilities of customs personnel, and promote global trade. This guide offers valuable insights for developing effective online training programs and adapting to the evolving needs of customs administrations worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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