WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

WCO JICA Boost East Africa Customs Valuation for Trade Growth

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) joint project held an advanced Customs Valuation trainer workshop in East Africa. The aim was to cultivate experienced trainers, develop practical training materials, and enhance customs valuation capabilities in East Africa, thereby promoting trade facilitation. Through case studies, expert guidance, and skills sharing, the workshop improved the professional level of customs officials and customs brokers, contributing to regional economic development. The initiative underscores the importance of skilled personnel in ensuring fair and efficient trade practices.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

New Zealand Tests WCO System to Boost Air Cargo Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Cargo Targeting System (CTS) air cargo capability has been piloted in New Zealand, aiming to enhance global air cargo risk assessment and pre-inspection capabilities. The New Zealand Customs Service will comprehensively test and evaluate the system, providing customs agencies worldwide with smarter, more efficient risk management tools. This initiative contributes to building a safer and more convenient global trade environment by improving the ability to identify and mitigate potential threats in air cargo shipments before they reach their destination.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Customs Adopts WCO Data Training to Boost Risk Management

Philippines Customs Adopts WCO Data Training to Boost Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis and risk management workshop for the Philippine Customs, aiming to enhance its risk identification and control capabilities and promote intelligent supervision transformation. The workshop focused on database management and data analysis, emphasizing intelligence-driven risk management techniques, and shared the experience of the Netherlands Customs. The Philippine Customs will explore data analysis tools, strengthen data governance, promote data sharing and cooperation, and build a safer and more efficient trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

WCO Enhances IT Leadership for West and Central African Customs

The WCO held an Information Technology Strategic Seminar for West and Central Africa in Senegal. This event aimed to enhance customs leadership capabilities to address evolving trade challenges and promote economic development within the region. The seminar focused on leveraging information technology to improve customs efficiency, security, and compliance. Participants explored strategic approaches to modernize customs operations and facilitate legitimate trade flows, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and integration. The WCO continues to support its member administrations in adopting innovative solutions for effective border management.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO Aids Togo in Customs Valuation to Boost Trade Efficiency

WCO training assisted Togo in enhancing its customs valuation capabilities. This initiative focused on strengthening personnel skills to ensure compliant and efficient valuation practices. By improving valuation procedures, the training contributes to trade facilitation and promotes smoother international trade flows. The program aims to equip Togo's customs officials with the necessary expertise to accurately assess the value of imported goods, leading to increased revenue collection and improved border security. Ultimately, this technical assistance supports Togo's economic development by fostering a more transparent and predictable trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

WCO BRS Partner to Advance Green Trade Via HS Codes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Secretariats of the Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) highlighted their collaboration in addressing environmental and social issues using the Harmonized System (HS) at the BRS COPs in Geneva. The WCO facilitates customs control of goods threatening the environment and human health by introducing HS codes. They shared elements of successful proposals, aiming to strengthen global cooperation and build a sustainable trade future. This partnership demonstrates how the HS can be leveraged for environmental protection and responsible trade practices on a global scale.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and GS1 Collaborate to Enhance Global Trade Data Standards

WCO and GS1 Collaborate to Enhance Global Trade Data Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborates with GS1 to build a more secure, efficient, and transparent global trade ecosystem through data-driven solutions. Their cooperation spans data standardization, risk management, and technological innovation, addressing global trade challenges and enhancing trade facilitation. This partnership aims to contribute to global economic prosperity by promoting streamlined processes and improved security measures within international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

WTO and WCO Sign Pact to Enhance Trade Security Facilitation

The World Customs Organization and the World Trade Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation on customs-related matters and enhance global trade efficiency and security. The two organizations will collaborate on technical assistance, information sharing, and combating illicit trade, with a focus on the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the application of coordination mechanisms. This partnership aims to address global trade challenges and promote sustainable development by fostering streamlined customs procedures and improved international collaboration in trade-related areas.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a Spanish version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist Spanish-speaking customs administrations in evaluating their gender equality policies, identifying gaps, and implementing reforms. The tool covers core principles such as employment, work-life balance, and governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting policies. It aims to support customs modernization in Latin America and promote trade facilitation by fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within customs organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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