Saudi Arabia Promotes Trade Facilitation at WCO MENA Seminar

Saudi Arabia Promotes Trade Facilitation at WCO MENA Seminar

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Middle East and North Africa regional seminar in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the application of advance rulings in tariff classification and origin rules. This system aims to improve trade efficiency, reduce costs, enhance transparency, and promote compliance. Participants discussed implementation challenges, with Saudi Arabia playing an active role in regional cooperation. The seminar's outcomes contribute to promoting regional trade facilitation and creating a more predictable trading environment for businesses.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Releases Guide to Strengthen Supply Chain Disaster Resilience

WCO Releases Guide to Strengthen Supply Chain Disaster Resilience

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released the 'Disaster Management and Supply Chain Continuity Guidelines' to enhance customs' ability to respond to emergencies and ensure global supply chain stability. Covering the phases of preparedness, response, and recovery, the guidelines address key areas such as risk management, AEO, CBM, NII, and Single Window. It provides practical methods and a comprehensive framework for businesses and customs administrations to navigate crises and ensure smooth global trade flow. The guidelines aim to help mitigate disruptions and maintain the flow of goods during and after disasters.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ WCO Boost Gambia Trade with New Customs Tools

GIZ Germany, in collaboration with the WCO, is supporting Gambia in enhancing trade facilitation. The project focuses on optimizing risk management, strengthening inter-agency cooperation, and utilizing the WCO Time Release Study tool. The aim is to reduce cargo clearance times, improve trade efficiency, and ultimately promote economic development in Gambia. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and create a more competitive trading environment for the country.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO and WCO Programs Aim to Streamline Global Trade

WTO and WCO Programs Aim to Streamline Global Trade

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and the WCO's Mercator Programme, aiming to offer businesses a practical guide for trade facilitation upgrades. It details the core objectives of the TFA, the implementation strategies of the Mercator Programme, and key aspects such as joining compliance, technical assistance, and monitoring & evaluation. This guide helps businesses reduce trade costs and enhance their international competitiveness by leveraging these frameworks.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Dutch Customs Hosts WCO Training to Boost Global Trade

Dutch Customs Hosts WCO Training to Boost Global Trade

The Netherlands Customs Administration successfully hosted officials from the 50th WCO Fellowship Programme, offering in-depth learning opportunities in rules of origin and commodity classification to officers from Cameroon and Sierra Leone. Through expert exchanges, field visits, and training courses, the fellows gained a deeper understanding of the operations of the Dutch Customs and international trade. This initiative promoted international customs exchange and cooperation, fostering stronger relationships and shared knowledge among participating nations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Gambia in Trade Facilitation Via AEO Program

WCO Aids Gambia in Trade Facilitation Via AEO Program

With support from HMRC, the WCO is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in implementing an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program and advancing Coordinated Border Management (CBM). Through online training, field visits, and joint workshops, the initiative aims to enhance the capacity of the GRA and other border agencies. This optimization of customs clearance processes is expected to promote trade facilitation in Gambia, leading to improved efficiency and reduced costs for businesses involved in international trade. The project is crucial for Gambia's economic development by streamlining border procedures.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Enhance Ghanas Trade Facilitation

WCO and UNCTAD Partner to Enhance Ghanas Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and UNCTAD are jointly empowering trade facilitation in Ghana through capacity-building workshops, experience sharing, and project proposal preparation. This initiative aims to help Ghana simplify trade procedures and improve trade efficiency. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC), the collaboration supports Ghana's economic development and its ambition to become a regional trade hub. The focus is on streamlining processes and enhancing Ghana's ability to participate effectively in global trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

WCO Enhances Customs Efficiency Through Time Release Study Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducts Technical Operational Advisor (TOA) accreditation workshops to develop Time Release Study (TRS) experts, assisting members in optimizing customs procedures. Through rigorous assessment and training, accredited TOAs will participate in technical assistance missions, enhancing global customs efficiency and promoting trade facilitation. This initiative aims to build capacity within member administrations to conduct and utilize TRS effectively, leading to improved border management and reduced trade costs. The TOA program is a key component of the WCO's efforts to modernize customs operations worldwide.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Support

Ghana Revenue Authority Upgrades HR System with WCO Support

The Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), has launched a blueprint for Human Resource Modernization. Through the WCO WACAM project, the GRA aims to establish a competency-based HR management system. This includes optimizing recruitment processes, strengthening employee training, improving performance management, and enhancing the capabilities of the HR department. The overall goal is to contribute to the economic development of Ghana by creating a more effective and efficient workforce.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

Bahrain Boosts Customs Efficiency with WCO Audit Clearance Systems

The WCO assisted Bahrain in enhancing its Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) and Pre-Arrival Processing (PAP) capabilities to align with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Bahrain committed to applying the acquired knowledge and skills. The WCO will continue to support Bahrain's customs modernization efforts. This assistance aims to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs procedures, ultimately facilitating trade and economic growth for Bahrain.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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