WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

WCO Unveils Tool to Fight Cultural Heritage Trafficking

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a training manual on preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage. This manual aims to enhance the expertise and skills of frontline customs officers, strengthening their role in protecting cultural heritage. The tool's publication contributes to improved global cultural heritage protection and fosters international cooperation among customs administrations. It provides practical guidance and resources to help customs officers identify, detect, and seize illegally traded cultural artifacts, ultimately combating the devastating impact of cultural heritage crime.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

Bhutan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Tariff Support

The WCO is assisting Bhutan in developing its advance ruling system and optimizing tariff classification, enhancing customs capacity, facilitating trade, increasing revenue, and improving the business environment. This initiative focuses on modernizing customs procedures and providing traders with certainty regarding tariff treatment before import or export. By implementing a robust advance ruling system, Bhutan aims to streamline trade processes, reduce disputes, and attract foreign investment. The project contributes to the overall modernization of Bhutanese customs and its alignment with international best practices.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

Vanuatu Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for the Vanuatu Customs and Inland Revenue Department to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop covered TRS methodology, software applications, and action plan development. Through the TRS, Vanuatu aims to reduce cargo release times, improve the business environment, and fulfill its obligations under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative is expected to streamline customs procedures and contribute to economic growth by reducing delays and costs associated with international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
World Bank WCO Aid Philippines in Customs Modernization

World Bank WCO Aid Philippines in Customs Modernization

With support from the World Bank and the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Philippine Customs is undertaking a reform and modernization program. The project aims to create a smart and efficient new customs administration by strengthening its IT infrastructure, revitalizing human resource management, and establishing a customs academy. The WCO provides expert tools and analysis to assist the Philippine Customs in its strategic transformation, improve service delivery, and contribute more significantly to national economic development.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

Liberia WCO Boost Customs Efficiency for Humanitarian Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), conducted a mission to Liberia to enhance the country's customs capacity and facilitation in responding to epidemics and natural disasters. By assessing needs, strengthening cooperation, and developing standard operating procedures, the mission laid the groundwork for improving Liberia's humanitarian relief system. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in bolstering disaster preparedness and response capabilities within the customs framework.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation in Southern Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Valuation in Southern Africa

The WCO and JICA collaborated on an MTP project to train customs valuation officers from five Southern African countries. This initiative aimed to enhance regional customs capacity and facilitate trade development in the region. The project focused on building expertise in customs valuation techniques and promoting international cooperation among customs administrations. Ultimately, the goal was to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations, contributing to economic growth and regional integration. The training program covered various aspects of customs valuation, ensuring participants gained a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
UAE Customs Boosts Workforce Training with WCO Partnership

UAE Customs Boosts Workforce Training with WCO Partnership

At the invitation of the UAE Federal Customs Authority (FCA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted in unifying the recruitment and training processes for customs inspectors across seven local customs administrations. Through a diagnostic mission, the WCO developed unified standards and an action plan for the FCA. This initiative aims to enhance the efficiency, consistency, and international competitiveness of the UAE's customs system, facilitating trade and combating cross-border crime. The project focuses on streamlining procedures and building capacity within the UAE customs workforce.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Forum Outlines Future of Global Customs Practices

WCO Forum Outlines Future of Global Customs Practices

The World Customs Organization (WCO) established the Customs Work Organisation Forum (CWOF) to reshape the future of customs work. The inaugural meeting brought together global experts to discuss customs work models in the “new normal.” The meeting adopted terms of reference, elected a chairperson, and shared survey analysis. In the future, CWOF will hold more meetings, collect case studies, and develop guidelines to promote customs work towards a more flexible, intelligent, and efficient direction. The forum aims to drive innovation and adaptation within customs administrations worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Customs Boosts Strategy with WCO SECO Backing

Colombia Customs Boosts Strategy with WCO SECO Backing

WCO and SECO held a workshop at DIAN in Colombia to enhance its strategic planning and project management capabilities. This initiative aims to accelerate DIAN's transformation and promote trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping DIAN officials with the necessary tools and knowledge to effectively implement modernization projects and align them with strategic goals. By strengthening these core competencies, DIAN can improve its efficiency, transparency, and overall effectiveness in supporting Colombia's economic growth through streamlined customs procedures.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More