Customs Key to Enforcing Global Environmental Pacts

Customs Key to Enforcing Global Environmental Pacts

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with UNEP and the Basel Convention Secretariat, held a workshop in Botswana to enhance customs officers' awareness and enforcement capabilities related to the Basel and Montreal Conventions. The workshop highlighted the crucial role of customs in implementing multilateral environmental agreements and looked forward to future cooperation in building a green trade landscape. The initiative aims to strengthen customs' ability to combat illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods and promote sustainable trade practices.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Enhances Customs AEO Program to Boost Economy

Eswatini Enhances Customs AEO Program to Boost Economy

Eswatini Customs is upgrading its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program to enhance trade security and efficiency, fostering economic growth. With the support of the WCO, through workshops, technical assistance, and inter-agency cooperation, Eswatini Customs is committed to creating a more efficient and accessible trade environment. This initiative aims to attract investment and integrate the country further into the global economy. The upgraded AEO program is a key component of their modernization efforts, streamlining processes and improving compliance.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Streamlines Ecommerce Clearance for Faster Trade

Jordan Customs Streamlines Ecommerce Clearance for Faster Trade

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with Jordan Customs, is optimizing rapid customs clearance processes through the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, aiming to enhance Jordan's trade efficiency. These new regulations will benefit industries such as e-commerce and express delivery, promoting economic development. Global trade facilitation is a growing trend, and countries should actively learn from each other's experiences and share the benefits of trade. The project highlights the importance of streamlining customs procedures for economic growth.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Boosts Textile Customs Checks with WTO Aid

Albania Boosts Textile Customs Checks with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a national workshop on textile analysis in Albania, aimed at enhancing the expertise of the country's customs laboratory in textile classification, analysis, and equipment usage. Through expert lectures and practical exercises, participants acquired key skills in textile identification and gained insights into the WCO's efforts in promoting international customs laboratory cooperation. The workshop strengthens Albania's capabilities in accurately identifying and classifying textiles, contributing to fair trade and revenue collection.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Strengthens Customs System to Improve Trade Compliance

Tanzania Strengthens Customs System to Improve Trade Compliance

The Tanzania Revenue Authority, with support from the WCO and JICA, has developed a customs risk management framework to enhance risk identification, assessment, and response capabilities. This aims to optimize resource allocation, facilitate trade, and improve compliance. Data-driven risk management is central to this effort, but challenges remain regarding data quality, technical capacity, and inter-agency collaboration. Future development of intelligent and refined risk management systems will contribute to Tanzania's economic security and sustainable development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos PICARD Program Boosts Customs Skills for Global Trade

Wcos PICARD Program Boosts Customs Skills for Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its PICARD Programme, aims to enhance the professionalism and status of customs personnel worldwide. This initiative fosters international cooperation in customs education and research by establishing professional standards, accrediting curricula, organizing annual conferences, and building the INCU network. It also promotes the localization of customs development, ultimately achieving a professionalized, knowledge-based, and internationalized customs workforce. The PICARD programme is crucial for building capacity and ensuring effective border management globally.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

Central America Customs Modernized Under Global Trade Initiative

The WCO and SECO's GTFP project assists Central American countries in implementing the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), simplifying customs procedures, and promoting trade facilitation and economic growth. The project aims to streamline border processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance the predictability and transparency of customs operations. By adopting the RKC standards, these countries can improve their competitiveness in the global market and attract foreign investment. This initiative contributes to regional integration and sustainable development by fostering a more efficient and effective trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs and Rights Holders Strengthen IP Protections

Global Customs and Rights Holders Strengthen IP Protections

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its 9th Rights Holders Consultation Group Meeting, focusing on the current state of intellectual property infringement and discussing challenges such as IP protection in the e-commerce environment and environmentally sound disposal of infringing goods. The meeting emphasized strengthening cooperation between customs and rights holders, building information exchange platforms, and jointly combating counterfeit goods to maintain fair trade practices and promote global economic prosperity. This collaborative approach aims to effectively address IP infringements and safeguard legitimate trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs Boosts Economy with Modernization Talent Training

Mali Customs Boosts Economy with Modernization Talent Training

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Mali Customs has initiated a modernization reform of Human Resource Management (HRM) aimed at building a competency-based modern HRM system. Through diagnostic assessments, capacity building, and the refinement of the position system, Mali Customs has laid the foundation for creating an excellent customs workforce. This aims to better serve the country's economic development by improving efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations and fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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