Sierra Leone Adopts Competencybased HR System for Revenue Authority

Sierra Leone Adopts Competencybased HR System for Revenue Authority

With WCO assistance, the Sierra Leone National Revenue Authority implemented HR reforms based on a competency model. This initiative aims to optimize recruitment, training, and performance management processes. By focusing on clearly defined competencies, the reform seeks to enhance organizational effectiveness and improve the overall performance of the revenue authority. The competency model serves as a framework for developing and evaluating employees, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform their duties. Ultimately, this leads to improved revenue collection and a more efficient tax system.

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

Ivory Coast Launches Transparent Customs System to Boost Trade

With support from the EU-WCO and the German Alliance for Trade Facilitation, Côte d'Ivoire is actively developing a national Advance Ruling System. This initiative aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability, reduce trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and improve customs efficiency. The system is expected to revitalize Côte d'Ivoire's trade development and serve as a model for other African nations. It will provide traders with binding rulings on tariff classification, origin, and other customs-related matters before import or export, fostering a more predictable and reliable trading environment.

Tanzania Boosts Customs Operations with Global Aid

Tanzania Boosts Customs Operations with Global Aid

The Tanzania Revenue Authority, with support from the World Customs Organization, launched a capacity building project to enhance HS code and valuation capabilities, fostering trade facilitation and revenue growth. The project utilizes expert guidance, customized training, and knowledge transfer to deepen expertise, build a training framework, explore the binding nature of tariff information, and strengthen risk management. Ultimately, it aims to increase tax revenue, promote trade facilitation, improve compliance levels, and enhance international competitiveness.

Amazon Unveils Anticounterfeiting Strategy to Protect Brands

Amazon Unveils Anticounterfeiting Strategy to Protect Brands

Amazon offers brand sellers three anti-counterfeiting tools: Brand Registry, Project Zero, and Transparency Program. These initiatives aim to protect intellectual property, combat counterfeit products, and enhance brand image. Brand Registry serves as the foundation, Project Zero proactively removes counterfeits, and the Transparency Program allows consumers to verify authenticity. The combination of these three programs helps brands succeed in the e-commerce marketplace by mitigating the risks associated with counterfeit goods and fostering consumer trust.

Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Crack Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The Asia-Pacific region faces a significant challenge from the illegal trade of plastic waste. The Asia Pacific Plastic Waste (APPW) project, initiated by the World Customs Organization, aims to strengthen customs' response capabilities, mitigate the threat of illegal shipments, and promote the Basel Convention amendment. Through Coordinated Border Management (CBM) and international cooperation, the project seeks to effectively control and facilitate plastic waste trade, collectively building a future without 'plastic enclaves'.

Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

Eswatini Introduces Etariff System to Streamline Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Eswatini Revenue Service launched an electronic tariff project. This initiative aims to establish a comprehensive and integrated online platform that centralizes information on international trade regulatory measures. It provides interactive advance ruling functionalities, enhances trade transparency, reduces trade costs, and promotes trade facilitation. This project supports Eswatini in fulfilling its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and ultimately boosts the nation's competitiveness.

INAMA Initiative Expands Antiwildlife Trafficking in Africa Asia

INAMA Initiative Expands Antiwildlife Trafficking in Africa Asia

The INAMA project supports customs authorities in nine African and Asian countries, enhancing their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade through expert support missions. These missions focus on training, legislation, risk management, and action plans. The project promotes international cooperation, improves enforcement capabilities, and protects biodiversity, aiming to build a strong defense against ecological threats. By strengthening customs controls and fostering collaboration, INAMA contributes to the global effort to conserve endangered species and maintain ecological balance.

China Pet Foods Corp Revamps Highend Dry Food to Drive Industry Growth

China Pet Foods Corp Revamps Highend Dry Food to Drive Industry Growth

China Pet Foods has restarted its project to produce 60,000 tons of premium dry food annually, aiming to strengthen its staple food business, optimize its product structure, and solidify its market position. This move aligns with the trend of premiumization and differentiation in the pet food industry and is expected to increase market share and capitalize on industry development opportunities. The project aims to provide pets with higher quality food choices and lead the industry's development.

Ghanas Customs Reforms Boost Women in West African Trade

Ghanas Customs Reforms Boost Women in West African Trade

The World Customs Organization partnered with the Ghana Revenue Authority on a Gender Equality and Diversity project, empowering female traders in Ghana. The project included stakeholder meetings with SMEs and small traders, aiming to simplify trade procedures, provide information support, and promote gender equality. The outcomes of these meetings will be used to improve customs services and create a more equitable trading environment for women traders. This initiative seeks to address barriers faced by women in trade and foster inclusive economic growth.

Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the "COVID-19-related Goods Cross-Border Transport Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project." This initiative combats counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods. The project strengthens customs cooperation, enhances regulatory capabilities, optimizes customs clearance processes, and collaborates closely with vaccine companies, the transportation industry, and international organizations. This collaborative effort aims to secure the global vaccine supply chain and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.