New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a Customs Valuation Mentor Training Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to build a regional pool of experts and enhance customs valuation capabilities. The program promotes regional cooperation, enhances competitiveness, and achieves sustainable development by cultivating local experts and developing regional training materials. Recommended follow-up actions include strengthening training evaluation, establishing an information-sharing platform, and improving legal and regulatory frameworks.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

WCO remotely assisted Colombian Customs in optimizing its strategic planning, enhancing operational efficiency and performance measurement. This involved introducing project-based management and emphasizing capacity building to ensure sustainability. The assistance aimed to improve the overall effectiveness of Colombian Customs and align its operations with international best practices. The support included guidance on developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing effective project management methodologies. The initiative was part of the broader GTFP project, focusing on trade facilitation and security.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

A WCO report analyzes the customs clearance challenges of low-value goods in cross-border e-commerce, focusing on facilitation and risk management. It proposes optimization solutions such as intelligentization and international cooperation to improve efficiency and security. The report highlights the growing importance of addressing these challenges to ensure smooth trade flows and effective revenue collection in the rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce landscape. It emphasizes the need for modernized customs procedures and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

Barbados Customs Enhances Efficiency with HR Management Reform

The Barbados Customs and Excise Department (BCED) is undergoing a competency-based HRM reform in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Aiming to enhance operational efficiency, revenue collection, and stakeholder engagement, BCED is committed to modernizing its talent management practices. This involves developing a competency framework, job catalog, and exploring the establishment of an internal HRM department. By strengthening its human resources, BCED seeks to contribute more effectively to economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Plan Trade Recovery Reforms

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Plan Trade Recovery Reforms

The WCO Asia Pacific Heads of Customs Conference was held in Seoul, focusing on upgrading strategies, building smart customs, and strengthening international cooperation. Thailand was elected as the next Vice-Chair. South Korea will establish a training center to further support capacity building in the region. The conference highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security within the Asia Pacific region and beyond, aiming to create a more efficient and interconnected global trade environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

The Executive Program in Commerce and Business Administration (EPCBA) aims to enhance the strategic thinking and practical skills of customs managers from developing countries. The program covers key topics such as international trade theory, business management knowledge, WCO international standards, and the WTO TFA, helping participants address customs challenges and promote global trade facilitation. It provides a comprehensive understanding of modern customs practices and equips participants with the tools necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective roles.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More