Dominican Republic Enhances Trade with Customs Reforms

Dominican Republic Enhances Trade with Customs Reforms

The WCO's Mercator Programme is assisting the Dominican Republic in accelerating trade facilitation and making progress in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The WCO will continue to provide technical support, focusing on areas such as the development of a Single Window system. This collaboration aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade costs, and enhance the overall efficiency of cross-border trade for the Dominican Republic.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Zimbabwe Enhances Trade with Wtobacked Reform Plan

Zimbabwe Enhances Trade with Wtobacked Reform Plan

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is collaborating with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority on a two-year program to assist Zimbabwe in effectively implementing the World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement. The program covers key areas such as risk management, information release, post-clearance audit, and freedom of transit. It also supports the work of the National Trade Facilitation Committee (NTFC) to promote trade development in Zimbabwe.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bolivia Customs Boosts Staff Resilience Via WCOSECO Program

Bolivia Customs Boosts Staff Resilience Via WCOSECO Program

The WCO-SECO GTFP project assisted Bolivian Customs in enhancing stress management skills and team cohesion among its officers. This support helped them navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project recommended establishing a permanent mechanism for stress management and resilience building within the customs administration to ensure continued well-being and effectiveness of customs officers in the face of ongoing and future pressures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New File Format Streamlines Global Customs Inspections

New File Format Streamlines Global Customs Inspections

Unified File Format (UFF) 3.0 is a data exchange standard led by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to achieve data interoperability between different Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) devices, improving customs inspection efficiency. UFF 3.0 defines a unified file structure, data types, and schema templates, optimizing data transmission methods and change management processes. It lays the foundation for data standardization and interoperability in the field of customs inspection.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Improved Classification Skills

Madagascar Customs Boosts Trade with Improved Classification Skills

With support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs organized a commodity classification capacity building workshop. The aim was to establish a sound advance ruling system, enhance customs officers' skills, and promote trade facilitation. This event strengthened international cooperation and laid the foundation for Madagascar's integration into the global trading system and improvement of its business environment.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

Global Trade Program Extended to Strengthen Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) have agreed to a no-cost extension of one year for the Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP). Launched in 2018, the GTFP has benefited numerous countries by significantly improving customs management and trade facilitation through capacity building, institutional reforms, cooperation promotion, and technological innovation. This has injected new momentum into global trade development.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Boosts Skills Via Remote Training

Asiapacific Customs Boosts Skills Via Remote Training

The 19th Heads of Asia Pacific WCO Regional Training Centers (RTCs) Meeting explored the role of remote training in customs capacity building during the pandemic. RTCs shared experiences, challenges, and innovative initiatives, emphasizing strengthened cooperation. They highlighted the use of data analytics and VR technologies to promote personalized and practical training. This aims to address the complex international trade environment and enhance regional customs capabilities.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Jordan Customs Adopts Modern Project Management for Trade Efficiency

Jordan Customs Adopts Modern Project Management for Trade Efficiency

With the support of the WCO, Jordan Customs enhanced its project management capabilities by establishing a project management framework. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, strengthen risk management, and enhance information technology to build a modern, 21st-century customs administration and boost international competitiveness. The project emphasizes a results-oriented approach, values communication and collaboration, promotes continuous improvement, and embraces the future.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCOWACAM Efficiency Initiative

Cape Verde Customs Modernizes with WCOWACAM Efficiency Initiative

Supported by the Swedish-funded WCO-WACAM project, the Cabo Verde Tax Authority enhanced its project management and business process optimization capabilities through capacity building missions, laying a solid foundation for customs reform. Brazilian customs experts shared their experiences to help modernize Cabo Verde Customs, optimize clearance procedures, improve service quality, and promote trade facilitation, ultimately achieving the vision of becoming a modern and efficient customs organization.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guyana Enhances Trade with Modernized Customs Audits

Guyana Enhances Trade with Modernized Customs Audits

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Guyana to optimize the country's customs processes, embrace international best practices, and promote trade facilitation. Funded by the UK government, the mission provided valuable guidance for Guyana's implementation of PCA through in-depth research and discussions. This initiative aims to improve clearance efficiency, reduce compliance costs, and ultimately contribute to Guyana's economic development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More