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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World Customs Organization Updates Ecommerce Trade Rules

World Customs Organization Updates Ecommerce Trade Rules

This paper delves into the periodic review and maintenance mechanism of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Cross-Border E-commerce Framework. The framework aims to address the rapidly evolving e-commerce landscape, promoting compliance, security, and efficiency in cross-border e-commerce. The article details the framework's establishment and evolution, the establishment of the maintenance mechanism, the first annual review, the first four-year periodic review, and future development directions. It provides valuable insights for relevant practitioners.

01/16/2026 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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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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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

WCO remotely assisted Colombian Customs in optimizing its strategic planning, enhancing operational efficiency and performance measurement. This involved introducing project-based management and emphasizing capacity building to ensure sustainability. The assistance aimed to improve the overall effectiveness of Colombian Customs and align its operations with international best practices. The support included guidance on developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing effective project management methodologies. The initiative was part of the broader GTFP project, focusing on trade facilitation and security.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

The Executive Program in Commerce and Business Administration (EPCBA) aims to enhance the strategic thinking and practical skills of customs managers from developing countries. The program covers key topics such as international trade theory, business management knowledge, WCO international standards, and the WTO TFA, helping participants address customs challenges and promote global trade facilitation. It provides a comprehensive understanding of modern customs practices and equips participants with the tools necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective roles.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

A WCO report analyzes the customs clearance challenges of low-value goods in cross-border e-commerce, focusing on facilitation and risk management. It proposes optimization solutions such as intelligentization and international cooperation to improve efficiency and security. The report highlights the growing importance of addressing these challenges to ensure smooth trade flows and effective revenue collection in the rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce landscape. It emphasizes the need for modernized customs procedures and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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