Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini Enhances Trade with Workforce Development

Eswatini is enhancing the professionalism of its customs workforce by building a modern, competency-based human resource management system to drive trade facilitation. The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided expert diagnosis and support, and the Eswatini Revenue Authority (SRA) has committed to adopting the principles and developing an implementation plan. This initiative aims to remove trade barriers, improve efficiency, and ultimately promote national economic development. The focus on talent development within the customs administration is crucial for achieving sustainable trade facilitation outcomes.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

West and Central Africa Push to Modernize Customs Systems

The 7th Annual Meeting of Capacity Building Focal Points for West and Central Africa focused on customs reform and modernization strategies. Key challenges discussed included leadership, human resources, outsourcing responsibility repatriation, and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized strengthening regional cooperation and WCO support to enhance customs management, promote regional economic development, and build an efficient and secure global trade system. The discussions aimed to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

Customs Officials Adopt Online Training Amid Crisis

The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of customs training, making online training an inevitable choice. The World Customs Organization (WCO) has published the 'Online Training Transformation Guide' to provide practical guidance for customs training managers. It emphasizes interactive engagement to help build a flexible and efficient online training system, enhance the capabilities of customs personnel, and promote global trade. This guide offers valuable insights for developing effective online training programs and adapting to the evolving needs of customs administrations worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

Customs Cooperation Relies on Effective Communication for Future Data Sharing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) designated 2014 as the "Year of Communication," emphasizing enhanced information sharing within customs, across departments, with the trade community, and the public. This aims to improve customs cooperation efficiency and promote global trade facilitation and security. This article elaborates on specific aspects of improving communication efficiency and stresses the sustainability of communication mechanisms. By fostering better communication, customs administrations can streamline processes, reduce delays, and enhance overall effectiveness in facilitating legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Rotterdam Convention Spurs Customs Code Reform for Chemical Trade

Rotterdam Convention Spurs Customs Code Reform for Chemical Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) recommends revising the Harmonized System (HS) codes to more accurately track and regulate the international trade of hazardous chemicals controlled under the Rotterdam Convention. This aims to improve data quality, enhance international cooperation, and support more effective chemical management policies. Businesses need to proactively address compliance challenges and work together to build a safer global trade system. This revision will allow for better monitoring and enforcement of the Convention, ensuring responsible trade practices for dangerous chemicals.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Adopts PLACI for Safer Air Cargo

Global Trade Adopts PLACI for Safer Air Cargo

The 12th TEGACS Conference adopted the PLACI guiding principles, marking a significant upgrade in air cargo security. Pilot programs were initiated in the EU, US, and Canada, with enhanced cooperation between the WCO and ICAO. Technology is leveraged to address emerging challenges. PLACI aims to proactively identify risks, improve efficiency, and reshape the global trade landscape, achieving a balance between security and efficiency. This initiative seeks to streamline processes while ensuring robust security measures are in place for air cargo transportation worldwide.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

Colombias Tax Agency DIAN Advances Digital Overhaul

The Colombian Customs, with the support of SECO-WCO, held a workshop to enhance its digital transformation capabilities and build a future customs model. The workshop emphasized data-driven decision-making as a key component of this transformation. The initiative aims to modernize customs processes, improve efficiency, and facilitate trade. By leveraging digital technologies and data analytics, Colombian Customs seeks to streamline operations and enhance its ability to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape, ultimately contributing to trade facilitation and economic growth.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

Madagascar Customs Streamlines Trade with New Classification System

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation (GATF), Madagascar Customs has enhanced the commodity classification skills of its officers through capacity-building training. This lays the foundation for building a modern advance ruling mechanism. This initiative aims to optimize the business environment, promote trade facilitation, and help Madagascar integrate into the global trading system. The improved classification expertise contributes to efficient customs procedures and supports Madagascar's economic growth by streamlining international trade.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Supports African Free Trade with Harmonized Rules

EUWCO Project Supports African Free Trade with Harmonized Rules

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme aims to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by 2025. It focuses on finalizing the rules of origin, harmonizing key African origin regimes, and developing a community of practice for rules of origin. This initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for economic prosperity in Africa by facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The program will contribute to a more predictable and transparent trade environment across the continent.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme Steering Committee recently convened to review the 2025 project objectives. These objectives include assisting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in finalizing its rules of origin and harmonizing the rules of origin regimes across African countries. The program aims to foster intra-African trade growth and promote regional economic integration. The project seeks to streamline trade processes and reduce barriers within the continent, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous African economy.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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