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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Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) designated 2014 as the "Year of Communication," emphasizing enhanced information sharing within customs, across departments, with the trade community, and the public. This aims to improve customs cooperation efficiency and promote global trade facilitation and security. This article elaborates on specific aspects of improving communication efficiency and stresses the sustainability of communication mechanisms. By fostering better communication, customs administrations can streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance overall effectiveness in facilitating legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Rotterdam Convention Spurs Customs Code Reform for Chemical Trade

Rotterdam Convention Spurs Customs Code Reform for Chemical Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommends revising the Harmonized System (HS) codes to more accurately track and regulate the international trade of hazardous chemicals controlled under the Rotterdam Convention. This aims to improve data quality, enhance international cooperation, and support more effective chemical management policies. Businesses need to proactively address compliance challenges and work together to build a safer global trade system. This revision will allow for better monitoring and enforcement of the Convention, ensuring responsible trade practices for dangerous chemicals.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts PLACI for Safer Air Cargo

Global Trade Adopts PLACI for Safer Air Cargo

The 12th TEGACS Conference adopted the PLACI guiding principles, marking a significant upgrade in air cargo security. Pilot programs were initiated in the EU, US, and Canada, with enhanced cooperation between the WCO and ICAO. Technology is leveraged to address emerging challenges. PLACI aims to proactively identify risks, improve efficiency, and reshape the global trade landscape, achieving a balance between security and efficiency. This initiative seeks to streamline processes while ensuring robust security measures are in place for air cargo transportation worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

The Colombian Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a workshop to enhance its digital transformation capabilities and build a future customs model. The workshop emphasized data-driven decision-making as a key component of this transformation. The initiative aims to modernize customs processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade. By leveraging digital technologies and data analytics, Colombian Customs seeks to streamline operations and enhance its ability to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs has enhanced the commodity classification skills of its officers through capacity-building training. This lays the foundation for building a modern advance ruling mechanism. This initiative aims to optimize the business environment, promote trade facilitation, and help Madagascar integrate into the global trading system. The improved classification expertise contributes to efficient customs procedures and supports Madagascar's economic growth by streamlining international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Joins Global Trade Facilitation Initiative

Bolivia Customs Joins Global Trade Facilitation Initiative

Bolivian Customs successfully held a high-level leadership and management development workshop under the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. This workshop aimed to enhance the leadership capabilities of the Bolivian Customs senior management team to better address future strategic challenges. Through team building, leadership development, and negotiation skills training, team cohesion was strengthened, laying the foundation for the future development of Bolivian Customs. The program focused on empowering leaders to navigate complex trade environments and foster efficient customs operations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

Asiapacific Customs Centers Adopt Digital Tools Amid Pandemic

The 19th Heads of Asia/Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting focused on the challenges and opportunities of remote training under the pandemic. Centers shared experiences and discussed key initiatives like digital transformation, international cooperation, talent development, and data analysis. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, enhance customs capacity, and collectively respond to the rapidly changing international trade environment. The meeting underscored the importance of adapting training methodologies and fostering collaboration to ensure effective customs operations in the new normal.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Fiji Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Fiji Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and its stakeholders in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS). This study aims to assess and optimize cargo release processes, thereby enhancing trade facilitation. With WCO's guidance and training, Fiji is expected to better fulfill its obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and inject new vitality into its economic development. The TRS will provide valuable insights for streamlining customs procedures and improving efficiency.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Gambia Revenue Authority Pioneers Customs Modernization in West Africa

Supported by the Swedish-funded WACAM project, The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) is pioneering the WCO-promoted competency-based HRM model in West and Central Africa. By reviewing key HRM tools and strengthening institutional capacity, GRA aims to become a regional benchmark, leading industry development and providing valuable experience and lessons for other customs agencies. This initiative represents a significant step towards modernized customs administration and enhanced talent management within the region, potentially setting a new standard for customs operations.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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