Mongolia Launches Customs Program to Train Reformminded Executives

Mongolia Launches Customs Program to Train Reformminded Executives

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a leadership development workshop for Mongolian Customs, aiming to enhance the leadership skills of senior managers and promote customs reform. The workshop emphasized 'knowing yourself' and 'managing yourself', covering topics such as leadership, ethics, and communication. Participants reflected on their management styles and committed to improvements. The workshop prompted Mongolian Customs to improve its training system, laying the foundation for customs modernization. It focused on building the capacity of Mongolian Customs officials to effectively lead and manage change within their organization.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

Global Customs Agencies Boost Biodiversity Protection Efforts

The World Customs Organization actively responds to World Environment Day, focusing on biodiversity protection. Through combating environmental crime, capacity building, and international cooperation, it is committed to building a sustainable future. The WCO emphasizes the crucial role of customs in protecting ecosystems, combating illegal trade, and promoting sustainable development. It calls for global joint efforts to protect our planet. The organization advocates for strategies to prevent the exploitation of natural resources and the illegal trafficking of endangered species, reinforcing customs' commitment to environmental security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Global Customs Labs Share Pandemic Best Practices

Facing the global challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO)'s network of customs laboratories, the BRLR, held an online meeting to share experiences and best practices, and to discuss how to better support its members. The meeting highlighted the challenges faced by the BRLR during the pandemic, shared best practices such as optimizing laboratory processes, developing rapid detection methods, and strengthening information sharing. It also looked forward to the vision of building a stronger global customs laboratory network in the future.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

Asia Boosts Customs Capacity to Curb Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Inama Project, conducts customs capacity building training in Asia to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) and protect endangered species. The project contributes to building a strong defense against IWT by enhancing the skills of customs officers, strengthening international cooperation, raising public awareness, and promoting policy improvements. Businesses should also actively participate in protecting biodiversity. The training aims to improve detection and prevention of IWT, ultimately safeguarding vulnerable species and ecosystems from the devastating impacts of this illicit activity.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

A joint WTO-WCO workshop aimed to enhance Comoros' customs valuation capabilities in preparation for WTO accession. The workshop covered topics such as customs valuation methods, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The goal was to assist Comoros in establishing an efficient and transparent trade system to promote economic development. The experience of Comoros can offer valuable insights for other developing countries seeking to improve their trade practices and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building for successful WTO membership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

AI Enhances Customs Fraud Detection Curbing Tax Evasion

The DATE neural network model, developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), leverages a dual attention mechanism and tree-aware embedding techniques to effectively identify potential customs fraud transactions and improve inspection efficiency. Successfully piloted in Nigeria and open-sourced for use by customs administrations worldwide, this model has the potential to become a new tool in combating cross-border tax evasion. It offers a data-driven approach to detecting irregularities and enhancing risk assessment in international trade, ultimately contributing to fairer and more secure global commerce.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties, with the Republic of Congo being the latest addition. This convention, recognized as the blueprint for modern customs by the international customs community, aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, thereby facilitating global trade. It emphasizes the application of information technology, risk management, enhanced cooperation with the trade community, and the establishment of accessible appeal systems. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the convention's provisions to build a more competitive global economy.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Smart Security Devices Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Smart Security Devices Boost Global Trade Efficiency

A World Customs Organization (WCO) report reveals the profound impact of Smart Security Devices (SSDs) on international trade. SSDs reshape trade by enhancing cargo control, streamlining customs clearance, and ensuring supply chain security. The report emphasizes interoperability, standardization, and international cooperation as crucial for maximizing the potential of SSDs. It explores the advantages and disadvantages of different SSD types, providing guidance for building a safer and more efficient global trade system. This analysis highlights the transformative role of technology in securing and facilitating international commerce.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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Saudi Arabia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

Saudi Arabia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcobacked AEO Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team recently visited Saudi Arabia to provide AEO system capacity building training to the Saudi ZATCA. The training focused on key elements such as the SAFE Framework of Standards, risk management, and Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs). This initiative aims to assist Saudi Customs in optimizing AEO implementation, enhancing trade facilitation, and promoting economic diversification. By strengthening its AEO program, Saudi Arabia can improve efficiency, security, and predictability in its customs procedures, ultimately contributing to a more competitive and attractive business environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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