Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Boosts Customs Oversight with Global Partnerships

Peru Customs, with support from the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual forum focusing on optimizing customs valuation risk management. Participating countries shared experiences and discussed database construction, value verification processes, and private sector engagement. Based on this, Peru Customs developed an action plan to strengthen value verification and deepen cooperation with the private sector. The World Customs Organization will continue to provide support to enhance transparency and predictability in cross-border trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOUPU Committee Strengthens Trade Oversight for Crossborder Commerce

WCOUPU Committee Strengthens Trade Oversight for Crossborder Commerce

The WCO-UPU Liaison Committee plans to remove observer number limits to enhance openness and inclusivity, fostering broader participation and deeper exchange to address new cross-border trade challenges and promote global trade facilitation. This move aims to enhance the Committee's representativeness and expertise, leading to more effective cooperation and streamlined cross-border trade processes. By removing restrictions, the Committee hopes to encourage greater engagement from relevant stakeholders and contribute to a more efficient and collaborative international trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Advocates Standard File Format for Trade Security

Global Customs Body Advocates Standard File Format for Trade Security

The WCO promotes the Unified File Format (UFF) to break down barriers in Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) data and build smart borders. It encourages testing of UFF 2.0 and planning for UFF 3.0, aiming to enhance the security and efficiency of global trade. This initiative facilitates seamless data exchange and interoperability, ultimately improving border control and risk management through standardized data formats and procedures. The UFF aims to streamline customs processes and foster greater collaboration among border agencies worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

Wcos WACAM Project Modernizes Customs HRM in West and Central Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) - West and Central Africa Capacity Building Working Group (WACAM) project expanded to Central Africa, aiming to enhance customs human resource management in the region. Through regional workshops and on-site support to Gabon Customs, the project has made significant progress in areas such as competency models and job management. This project will continue to support the modernization of human resource management in West and Central African customs administrations, contributing to regional development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Launches AEO Program to Streamline Trade

Nicaragua Launches AEO Program to Streamline Trade

Nicaragua has launched an AEO pilot program, supported by the WCO, aimed at enhancing customs capacity, streamlining clearance procedures, reducing business operating costs, and boosting international trade competitiveness. The program includes AEO certification and Time Release Studies, designed to create an efficient and convenient customs environment and promote Nicaragua's economic development. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment by fostering a more predictable and reliable trade ecosystem.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

Latin American Tax Program Enhances Leadership Compliance

The advanced course on Tax and Customs Administration successfully held its third and fourth editions in Guatemala, providing strategic skills and tools to senior tax and customs officials from Central and South America. Jointly launched by the IMF, the Spanish Institute for Fiscal Studies, and the WCO, the course aims to enhance tax and customs administration and facilitate trade in the region. The upcoming fifth edition will continue to focus on modern management skills and leadership development.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a collaboration between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been extended until December 2023 due to its significant achievements. The program aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by simplifying trade procedures and improving customs administration through capacity building. This extension will consolidate gains, address challenges posed by the pandemic, and enhance sustainability, ultimately providing long-term development opportunities for beneficiary countries.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a Customs Valuation Mentor Training Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to build a regional pool of experts and enhance customs valuation capabilities. The program promotes regional cooperation, enhances competitiveness, and achieves sustainable development by cultivating local experts and developing regional training materials. Recommended follow-up actions include strengthening training evaluation, establishing an information-sharing platform, and improving legal and regulatory frameworks.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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