WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

WCO Evaluates Ugandas CITES Enforcement Capabilities

In 2017, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of the Uganda Revenue Authority's capacity to enforce the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). The assessment utilized an institutional assessment tool, combined with field visits and interviews, aiming to enhance Uganda Customs' ability to combat illegal wildlife trade. The assessment findings will guide future cooperation between the WCO and the Uganda Revenue Authority, contributing to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization Plan

WCO Backs Ghana Customs Modernization Plan

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, assessed and optimized the 2015-2017 strategic plan of the Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). This initiative aimed to enhance customs modernization in Ghana, enabling it to better adapt to the international trade environment and safeguard national economic development. The focus was on strategic plan compliance, modernization reforms, capacity building, and improving the monitoring and evaluation unit, along with internal project management capabilities. The project sought to improve GRA's overall effectiveness and efficiency in customs operations.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Certification Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

WCO Certification Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully held a TRS pre-accreditation workshop in Zambia, aiming to cultivate experts in customs clearance acceleration and help companies build efficient supply chains. By accurately identifying bottlenecks, optimizing business processes, and improving compliance levels, TRS certification can significantly reduce operating costs and enhance customer satisfaction. It is a key for companies to stand out in global trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Explores Global Trade Facilitation Efforts

WCO Explores Global Trade Facilitation Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretariat is a key player in global trade, responsible for strategic planning, technical support, capacity building, and international standard setting. Composed of the Policy and Standards Directorate and the Implementation and Capacity Building Directorate, the Secretariat enhances global trade efficiency by simplifying customs procedures, promoting information technology applications, and strengthening international cooperation. It contributes to building a more open, inclusive, and sustainable global trading system. Its work is vital for facilitating legitimate trade and ensuring a secure and predictable international trade environment.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Customs Modernization Reforms

WCO Backs Cambodias Customs Modernization Reforms

At the request of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted an assistance mission to assess the implementation gaps of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and help develop a five-year strategic plan. This initiative aims to promote customs modernization in Cambodia, enhance trade facilitation, and inject new impetus into economic development. The WCO will continue to support Cambodia's customs capacity building and strengthen international cooperation to jointly address global trade challenges.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Customs Adopts Wcobacked Elearning for Training

Zimbabwe Customs Adopts Wcobacked Elearning for Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Programme, is supporting the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) in adopting a blended e-learning training approach. This initiative aims to enhance customs capacity and facilitate trade. The program involves establishing an e-learning platform, training instructors, and reviewing the training system. Expected to launch by the end of the year and be extended to other courses, this marks a significant step in customs capacity building for Zimbabwe.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

Zambia Botswana Boost Trade with Customs Data Link

With support from the Sida-WCO program, Zambia and Botswana are advancing customs system interconnectivity and data exchange. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency and promote regional integration. By linking their customs systems, both countries seek to streamline trade processes, reduce delays, and enhance transparency. The improved data exchange will also contribute to better risk management and security. This collaboration highlights the importance of regional cooperation in facilitating trade and fostering economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua Boosts Trade Efficiency with Customs Reforms

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization, hosted a Time Release Study (TRS) workshop. The aim was to identify and address trade bottlenecks through the TRS methodology, thereby improving customs clearance efficiency. This event is part of the WCO-Norwegian Development Cooperation Agency's Customs Capacity Building Project and complements Nicaragua's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program. Both initiatives are dedicated to enhancing supply chain security and efficiency, ultimately promoting trade facilitation.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

Namibia Launches Trade Facilitation Program for Authorized Operators

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported Namibia in completing a capacity assessment for its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The aim is to assist Namibia in launching an AEO pilot project and its full implementation by 2018 through work plans in key areas such as risk management, post-clearance audit, legal reform, and IT upgrades. Ultimately, this initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation and economic development within the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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US and Americas Sign AEO Trade Pact to Boost Commerce

US and Americas Sign AEO Trade Pact to Boost Commerce

Eleven American countries signed an AEO mutual recognition agreement to facilitate cross-border trade and enhance supply chain security. This agreement, a key initiative under the WCO framework, aims to simplify customs clearance and reduce trade costs through collaboration between customs and the private sector, potentially boosting regional trade growth. Challenges include standard harmonization, information sharing, and capacity building. The future development direction of the AEO program lies in intelligence, automation, and sustainability.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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