Asiapacific Customs Summit Stresses Trade Resilience Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Summit Stresses Trade Resilience Cooperation

The 25th WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Conference successfully concluded in Sydney, focusing on the theme of 'Customs Engaging Purposefully with Traditional and New Partners,' emphasizing international supply chain resilience. The conference reviewed the implementation of the regional strategic plan, approved a new strategic plan, endorsed a draft WCO resolution supporting enhanced Customs-industry resilience, and approved the establishment of a WCO Regional Training Center in Cambodia. This marks a new chapter for customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

WCO Adds Spanish Arabic to Professional Standards for Global Customs

The World Customs Organization (WCO) announced the addition of Spanish and Arabic versions to its PICARD Professional Standards, aiming to enhance the professional capabilities of customs officers worldwide and facilitate international trade. The WCO expressed gratitude to the University of Costa Rica and the Saudi Customs for their translation support. The WCO will continue to promote the standards to support global customs capacity building initiatives. This expansion ensures wider accessibility and implementation of best practices in customs administration across diverse linguistic regions.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Pledge Faster Disaster Relief Clearance

Global Customs Agencies Pledge Faster Disaster Relief Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) pledged to expedite customs clearance for disaster relief goods at the World Humanitarian Summit, emphasizing communication, coordination, and protection. The WCO will gather experiences, provide training, and launch an assistance project in West Africa. The Secretary General called for international cooperation to build an efficient and reliable global humanitarian relief system, leveraging data analysis to improve rescue efficiency. The WCO aims to streamline processes and foster collaboration to ensure aid reaches those in need quickly and effectively during times of crisis.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Survey Aims to Fasttrack Tech Adoption

Global Customs Survey Aims to Fasttrack Tech Adoption

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a global survey to assess the application of disruptive technologies in customs, identify capacity-building needs, and promote the exchange of experiences. The survey results will update the 'WCO/WTO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies,' providing guidance for customs' digital transformation. The WCO encourages member administrations to actively participate and collectively shape the future of customs. This initiative aims to understand the impact of emerging technologies and help customs administrations leverage them effectively for improved efficiency and security.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Qatar Customs Enhances Workforce Training for Global Edge

Qatar Customs Enhances Workforce Training for Global Edge

To enhance competitiveness, Qatar Customs invited the WCO to conduct a workshop focused on improving management capabilities and optimizing talent planning, development, and performance evaluation. Participants learned the importance of competency-based job descriptions through the WCO framework and recognized the crucial role of fostering a positive work environment. Moving forward, Qatar Customs will deepen its collaboration with the WCO to continuously improve its human resource management practices. The workshop aimed to equip managers with the necessary skills and knowledge for effective leadership and employee development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

Antigua and Barbuda Boosts Customs Oversight with WTO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic of Antigua and Barbuda Customs to enhance trade facilitation. Through observation and discussions, the WCO assessed the current state of PCA implementation and provided recommendations for improvement. Moving forward, the WCO will continue to collaborate, assisting Antigua and Barbuda Customs in refining risk management, data analysis, personnel training, and IT systems. This includes strengthening cooperation with the private sector to promote trade development. The goal is to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Enhances Trade with WCOSECO Pact

Latin America Enhances Trade with WCOSECO Pact

The WCO participated in a trade facilitation conference in Latin America, sharing experiences, assessing performance, and promoting digitalization. The meeting highlighted the importance of political will and cooperation for successful trade facilitation initiatives. The WCO emphasized its continued support for Latin American countries in their efforts to streamline trade processes and enhance regional economic integration. The WCO-SECO partnership plays a key role in providing technical assistance and capacity building in the region. The focus remains on implementing best practices and leveraging technology to reduce trade barriers.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

Freight Index Shows Early Recovery Signs As Intermodal Prices Diverge in Q1 2025

The TD Cowen-AFS Freight Index report reveals a diverging trend across various transportation modes in the US freight market, amidst weak demand and excess capacity. Truckload transportation shows cautious optimism, while the parcel sector witnesses intense pricing strategy competition. LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) transportation faces challenges in maintaining pricing discipline. The report provides crucial decision-making insights for industry participants, highlighting the nuances in pricing and demand dynamics across different freight segments. It offers a valuable overview of the current market conditions and potential future trends.

12/31/2025 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

WCO and ZATCA Enhance MENA Customs Training to Ease Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Saudi ZATCA, organized a Harmonized System (HS) expert pre-certification workshop for the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aims to cultivate local experts, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate trade. Through a rigorous assessment and certification process, the WCO will expand its pool of experts, support regional capacity building efforts, and promote the standardization of global trade practices. The workshop is a key step in strengthening regional customs expertise and streamlining trade processes.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

WCO Releases Guide to Curb Illegal Trade in Ecosensitive Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released guidelines to assist customs officers in combating illegal trade in environmentally sensitive commodities. The guidelines place particular emphasis on the Basel Convention and aim to strengthen border controls to protect the environment. By focusing on key areas such as waste management and hazardous materials, the WCO seeks to enhance customs' role in preventing the illicit movement of environmentally damaging goods across international borders and ensuring compliance with international environmental agreements. This initiative is crucial for safeguarding environmental security and promoting sustainable trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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