Gambias Customs Reform Gains WCO Backing for West African Talent Hub

Gambias Customs Reform Gains WCO Backing for West African Talent Hub

The WCO is supporting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in upgrading its human resources management. This initiative pioneers competency-based HRM in West and Central Africa, aiming to establish a regional hub for talent. The project focuses on developing skills and capabilities within the GRA, ultimately enhancing its operational efficiency and effectiveness. By implementing modern HR practices, the GRA aims to attract, retain, and develop a highly skilled workforce, contributing to improved revenue collection and overall economic development in the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Workshop in Xiamen Enhances Trade Efficiency Via Time Release Study

WCO Workshop in Xiamen Enhances Trade Efficiency Via Time Release Study

The WCO held a TRS expert workshop in Xiamen to cultivate TRS experts and improve cross-border trade efficiency. Certified participants will support WCO's TRS missions, promoting global trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to enhance understanding and application of TRS methodologies, enabling customs administrations to identify bottlenecks and improve clearance times. This initiative contributes to streamlining trade processes, reducing costs, and fostering economic growth by optimizing customs procedures and enhancing overall trade facilitation measures worldwide. The training ensures a standardized approach to TRS implementation.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

WCO JICA Team Up to Upgrade Customs Systems in Developing Countries

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a Memorandum of Cooperation in 2015. This collaboration aims to improve customs administration in developing countries and promote economic development through capacity building, customs modernization, and trade facilitation. Both parties will deepen cooperation, innovate approaches, and jointly address new global trade dynamics. The goal is to build a more open, inclusive, and mutually beneficial global trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

WCO and IPPC Boost Global Trade with Stricter Plant Health Rules

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Plant Protection Convention (IPPC) signed a cooperation agreement to promote the safety and efficiency of international trade in plants and plant products. The cooperation will focus on five key areas: electronic data exchange, e-commerce, sea containers, single windows, and communication and promotion. The aim is to build a safer and more efficient plant trade system, inject new vitality into global trade, and build a global community of plant health. This partnership will contribute to smoother and more secure international trade flows.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and ICAO Enhance Air Cargo Security to Support Global Trade

WCO and ICAO Enhance Air Cargo Security to Support Global Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) have jointly released new regulations to strengthen air cargo security and facilitate trade. Through the 'Joint Guiding Principles on Pre-Loading Advance Cargo Information' and the 'Joint Guidance on the Coordination of Customs Authorized Economic Operator and Aviation Security Regulated Agent/Known Consignor Programmes', the initiative aims to improve risk assessment and program coordination. This collaborative effort seeks to build a safer and more efficient global air cargo supply chain.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

WCO Chief Stresses Customs Key Role in Global Supply Chain Resilience

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization emphasized at the Asian Development Bank Institute Annual Conference that global supply chains face multiple challenges including digitalization, data standardization, disruptive technologies, e-commerce development, environmental issues, and border conflicts. Customs plays a crucial role in enhancing supply chain resilience by strengthening risk management, simplifying customs clearance, fostering international cooperation, applying technology, and building personnel capacity. Enhanced cooperation among border agencies is essential to jointly maintain trade security and facilitation.

01/22/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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WCO and JICA Boost Customs Risk Management in Central Asia Caucasus

WCO and JICA Boost Customs Risk Management in Central Asia Caucasus

The WCO and JICA are conducting a Customs Risk Management Master Trainer Program (MTP) in the Central Asia and Caucasus region to enhance regional self-training capabilities. The second phase of the activity was held in Kazakhstan, focusing on lecturing skills and experience sharing. This initiative aims to strengthen customs risk management practices and promote sustainable training expertise within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Crack Down on Global Wildlife Trafficking

Customs Agencies Crack Down on Global Wildlife Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively responds to World Environment Day, emphasizing the importance of biodiversity conservation. Customs play a crucial role in sustainable development by combating environmental crimes such as illegal wildlife trade, timber trade, hazardous waste shipments, and IUU fishing. The WCO supports its member customs in addressing environmental challenges through capacity building, intelligence networks, and international cooperation, contributing to the protection of our planet.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Aid for Trade Review Boosts Global Customs Cooperation

WTO Aid for Trade Review Boosts Global Customs Cooperation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively showcases its contribution to enhancing supply chain efficiency and harmonizing border management in the WTO's Aid for Trade Global Review, emphasizing the importance of trade facilitation. Through its tools, projects, and capacity building programs, the WCO consistently supports its members in simplifying customs procedures, strengthening supply chain security, and promoting global trade facilitation, thus contributing to the prosperity of global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Seeks Trade Growth Via Wcobacked Customs Reform

Comoros Seeks Trade Growth Via Wcobacked Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Comoros in acceding to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). Through technical assistance and capacity building, the WCO aims to help Comoros simplify customs procedures, improve trade efficiency, attract foreign investment, and ultimately achieve economic growth. The government of Comoros has pledged its full support and strives to meet the accession requirements by June 2019, opening itself to the world.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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