Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, supports the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). GRA is pioneering a competency-based HRM approach in West and Central Africa, reviewing and refining key tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks. This initiative aims to build a highly qualified tax workforce, improve operational efficiency and service delivery, and contribute significantly to national economic development. The focus is on creating a sustainable and effective HRM system within the GRA.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and SACU Enhance Trade with IT Connectivity Pact

WCO and SACU Enhance Trade with IT Connectivity Pact

The WCO and SACU are collaborating to promote customs IT interconnectivity and data exchange in Southern Africa. The aim is to enhance customs control efficiency, reduce trade costs, and promote regional economic development by establishing unified standards and strengthening information sharing. The meeting focused on practical information exchange modules under the WCO GNC framework and the application of UNCTAD's cloud solutions in cross-border trade. This lays the foundation for a more efficient and secure international trade environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

Indonesia Boosts Global Trade with New WCO Customs Centers

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Indonesian Customs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a regional training center and a regional customs laboratory in Indonesia. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of regional customs personnel and improve commodity inspection capabilities. It will also help combat counterfeit goods, promote trade facilitation, and strengthen regional cooperation to address the challenges posed by the pandemic. This collaboration is expected to inject new vitality into the healthy development of global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Swiss SECO WCO Collaborate to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Swiss SECO WCO Collaborate to Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The Swiss SECO, in collaboration with the WCO, has launched the "Global Trade Facilitation Programme" with an investment of 5.5 million Swiss francs. This initiative aims to enhance trade competitiveness and integration into the global economy for developing and transition countries, fostering sustainable development. The programme focuses on organizational capacity building, technical assistance, and WCO capacity building support. Bolivia, Colombia, Peru, and Uzbekistan are among the first countries to benefit from this project.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nigeria Customs Adopts WCO System to Boost Trade Efficiency

With WCO support, the Nigeria Customs Service upgraded its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) system, strengthening risk management, optimizing trader segmentation, and supporting the implementation of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. This initiative aims to enhance trade efficiency and promote economic prosperity. Emphasizing data-driven customs management, the project offers valuable lessons for other developing countries looking to modernize their customs operations and improve trade facilitation measures. The focus on risk-based approaches and data analysis is key to achieving tangible improvements in customs performance.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in conducting a Time Release Study at the Mamuno border post to establish a One-Stop Border Post and enhance trade facilitation. Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks are identified and processes optimized, injecting new vitality into Botswana's economic development. This initiative not only improves efficiency but also promotes international cooperation, setting a precedent for trade facilitation in Africa. The study aims to streamline border procedures and boost economic growth.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reviews Kyoto Convention to Address Global Trade Challenges

WCO Reviews Kyoto Convention to Address Global Trade Challenges

The 24th Session of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee focused on advancing a comprehensive review of the RKC. The meeting assessed the alignment of proposals with the Convention and existing tools to address new global trade challenges such as the pandemic, information technology, e-commerce, and supply chain security. Emphasis was placed on inclusivity, welcoming Liberia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan as new contracting parties. This collective effort contributes to global trade facilitation and security, ensuring the RKC remains relevant and effective in the modern trading environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Guidelines to Simplify Global Rail Customs Procedures

WCO Releases Guidelines to Simplify Global Rail Customs Procedures

The WCO Railway Guidelines, published by the World Customs Organization (WCO), aim to promote the standardization, simplification, and intelligence of customs procedures for rail transport. This report provides an in-depth interpretation of the guidelines, analyzes their impact and challenges, and proposes optimization strategies, including strengthening international cooperation, promoting technological innovation, and improving laws and regulations. The goal is to enhance the efficiency and safety of global rail transport and facilitate trade development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trinidad and Tobago Enhances Trade Via WCO Efficiency Study

Trinidad and Tobago Enhances Trade Via WCO Efficiency Study

Trinidad and Tobago successfully hosted a TRS workshop, enhancing TRS capabilities and laying the groundwork for the Port Community System project. Plans are underway to establish a working group to expedite the implementation of TRS, aiming to improve trade efficiency. This initiative signifies a commitment to streamlining processes and reducing delays associated with cargo clearance. By leveraging the Time Release Study methodology, Trinidad and Tobago seeks to optimize port operations and facilitate smoother trade flows, ultimately benefiting businesses and contributing to economic growth.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Central American Customs Boost Disaster Readiness with WCO Aid

Members of the Central American Customs Council recently held an online seminar to enhance their capacity to handle relief supplies during natural disasters and other emergencies. The meeting reviewed current regulations, proposed strategic recommendations, and emphasized process digitalization and capacity building. They plan to develop a roadmap at the December meeting to build a more efficient regional disaster response system. The focus is on streamlining customs procedures to ensure rapid delivery of essential aid during crises, fostering greater cooperation and preparedness among member states.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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