Nigeria Customs Adopts Wcobacked Tech for Faster Clearance

Nigeria Customs Adopts Wcobacked Tech for Faster Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) through the 'Accelerated Trade Facilitation Programme' to strengthen its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system. This project covers five pillars: risk management, legal framework, operational procedures, stakeholder engagement, and human resource management. It aims to improve the efficiency of Nigeria Customs, seamlessly integrate with the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, and contribute to trade prosperity in Nigeria and Africa.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Enhances Customs Oversight with Audit Training Completion

East Africa Enhances Customs Oversight with Audit Training Completion

The WCO and JICA's joint "Master Trainer Programme" successfully concluded in East Africa, training 18 post-clearance audit experts and developing regional training materials. This initiative aims to enhance customs audit capabilities in East Africa, facilitating trade, combating smuggling, and safeguarding economic security. The project is expected to inject new momentum into regional development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade practices within the East African Community.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ukraine Advances Customs Modernization to Boost Trade Efficiency

Ukraine Advances Customs Modernization to Boost Trade Efficiency

The State Fiscal Service (SFS) of Ukraine is actively pursuing customs modernization, collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to develop a strategic planning framework. This framework includes stakeholder analysis, SWOT analysis, vision reshaping, and the establishment of strategic priorities. The initiative aims to enhance customs clearance efficiency, improve the business environment, strengthen risk management, and promote international cooperation. This will contribute significantly to Ukraine's economic development and international trade.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Maldives Customs Strengthens Leadership for Faster Strategy Execution

Maldives Customs Strengthens Leadership for Faster Strategy Execution

The Maldives Customs Service enhanced its leadership effectiveness and accelerated the implementation of the Mercator Programme through a WCO-tailored executive development program. The program focused on three key dimensions: organizational development, team building, and individual leadership. With the Director General taking the lead, a strategic plan has been developed, promising a brighter future for the organization. This initiative aims to strengthen customs management and drive strategic goals forward.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ecommerce Firms Push for Smoother Crossborder Customs Clearance

Ecommerce Firms Push for Smoother Crossborder Customs Clearance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Universal Postal Union (UPU) jointly released guidelines to assist national customs and postal administrations in developing Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) at the national level. These MoUs aim to enhance information sharing, risk management collaboration, and improve customs clearance efficiency and security. The initiative seeks to reduce operational costs, improve customer experience, and facilitate trade, ultimately promoting the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos GOVCBR Model Simplifies Crossborder Trade Via Emessaging

Wcos GOVCBR Model Simplifies Crossborder Trade Via Emessaging

This paper provides an in-depth introduction to the WCO Data Model and its core component, the GOVCBR message, explaining its role and advantages in cross-border trade data standardization. GOVCBR helps businesses and regulatory agencies improve cross-border trade efficiency and compliance by integrating data, providing flexibility, and offering broad applicability. It facilitates seamless data exchange and streamlines processes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure global trade environment.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs Rules Clarify Valuation of Franchise Royalties

New Customs Rules Clarify Valuation of Franchise Royalties

The new WCO regulations clarify that franchise and brand royalties are not included in customs valuation if they are not directly related to the imported goods. Businesses need to understand the criteria for determining this direct relationship to minimize trade costs. This clarification provides greater certainty and potentially reduces the customs duties payable on imported goods where franchise or brand royalties are involved but are unrelated to the specific characteristics or production of those goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Faces Trade Hurdles Gains Under WTO Pact

Jordan Faces Trade Hurdles Gains Under WTO Pact

Jordan, under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, is leveraging the WCO Mercator Programme to advance customs pre-arrival rulings, border management, and other trade facilitation measures. Full implementation of the TFA is crucial for the Jordanian economy. The Mercator Programme supports Jordan in modernizing its customs procedures and aligning them with international standards, ultimately aiming to reduce trade costs and improve efficiency. This will enhance Jordan's competitiveness and contribute to sustainable economic growth.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

Asiapacific Customs Enhance Remote Training Through Regional Collaboration

The 19th Heads of WCO Regional Training Centers in Asia Pacific Conference focused on customs capacity building under the pandemic, exploring distance learning strategies, professional development, and data analytics applications. Various centers shared their experiences, emphasizing collaboration to jointly address challenges and promote customs modernization in the Asia-Pacific region. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methods and leveraging technology to ensure continued professional development for customs officers during and after the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

Americas Caribbean Customs Agencies Push Gender Equality at Forum

The Americas and Caribbean Customs Virtual Forum focused on gender equality and diversity, bringing together representatives from 24 countries. They shared experiences, discussed challenges, and launched the Spanish version of the WCO Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT). The forum aims to promote progress in gender equality within customs administrations and integrate it into the customs agenda. This initiative lays the foundation for building a more equitable and inclusive customs environment across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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