WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

WCO Ensured Global Trade Stability During Pandemic

Amidst the global pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) actively coordinates its member customs administrations to address the impact on international trade. This is achieved through information sharing, trade facilitation measures, enhanced international cooperation, and protection of frontline customs officers. The WCO established a dedicated COVID-19 information webpage, simplified customs clearance procedures for essential medical supplies, promoted the revised Kyoto Convention, and provided capacity building support. These efforts significantly contribute to ensuring global trade stability and fostering economic recovery during these challenging times.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Uganda Revenue Authority Adopts Datadriven Performance System

Uganda Revenue Authority Adopts Datadriven Performance System

The Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) sought WCO technical assistance to enhance its performance management system. The WCO assessed URA's current state and recommended improving performance indicator systems, enhancing data analysis capabilities, optimizing the application of performance evaluation results, and deepening the application of ASYCUDA/ASYPM systems. The report emphasizes that high-level support, full participation, and continuous improvement are key to success. The goal is to help URA improve operational efficiency and service levels. This includes refining KPIs and leveraging data for informed decision-making.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Aids Guyana in Modernizing Customs Procedures

WCO Aids Guyana in Modernizing Customs Procedures

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provides strategic support to the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to facilitate customs modernization and compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. This support involves assessing the GRA's current state, identifying challenges, and recommending improvements. The initiative aims to enhance the GRA's operational efficiency and contribute to Guyana's economic development. This demonstrates the WCO's active role in promoting global trade facilitation.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Lesotho Revenue Authority Modernizes Talent Management for Efficiency

Lesotho Revenue Authority Modernizes Talent Management for Efficiency

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is implementing a competency-based human resource management system in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance operational efficiency and tax revenue. WCO workshops and capacity-building support are helping LRA staff acquire modern HR management skills and develop action plans. With strong commitment from LRA leadership, talent management is poised to be a key driver in the tax department's transformation. This initiative signifies a significant step towards modernizing the LRA and improving its ability to meet its revenue collection goals.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Chief Praises Uzbekistans Growing Trade Prospects

WCO Chief Praises Uzbekistans Growing Trade Prospects

In 2010, the WCO Secretary-General visited Uzbekistan, meeting with the President to focus on regional customs cooperation and economic development. As a double-landlocked country, Uzbekistan faces unique challenges but remains committed to trade liberalization, emphasizing the importance of the private sector and education. The WCO pledged its support, highlighting the role of customs in facilitating trade. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to jointly promote regional economic development. The visit underscored the importance of customs cooperation in fostering economic growth in Central Asia.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Helps Senegal Modernize Trade with Ruling System

WCO Helps Senegal Modernize Trade with Ruling System

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Senegal Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. Through diagnostic assessments and action plan development, the initiative aims to improve trade facilitation in Senegal, reduce trade risks for businesses, and enhance customs clearance efficiency. Senegal is committed to actively promoting the development of this system, and the WCO will continue to provide support, contributing to global trade prosperity. The implementation of the advance ruling system is expected to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Indonesia Boosts Trade Security with Wcobacked AEO Program

Indonesia Boosts Trade Security with Wcobacked AEO Program

Indonesia is expanding its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO). A seminar was held in Jakarta, sharing experiences from the EU, US, and Japan. The program aims to enhance supply chain security by certifying businesses, granting them benefits such as streamlined customs clearance and reduced risk. Future plans include integrating the AEO program with aviation security. The WCO has pledged continued collaboration to promote trade facilitation, attract investment, and improve Indonesia's international competitiveness. The AEO program is crucial for Indonesia's economic growth and global trade integration.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Guatemala Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

Guatemala Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the Mercator Program, supports Guatemala's Tax and Customs Administration (SAT) in implementing the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). This support includes on-site missions, needs analysis, and action plan development. The WCO team engaged with Guatemalan stakeholders, proposing recommendations to optimize customs clearance processes, enhance transparency, and strengthen inter-agency cooperation. The aim is to help Guatemala achieve trade facilitation, thereby promoting economic development. This initiative underscores the WCO's commitment to assisting member states in streamlining trade procedures and fostering a more efficient global trading environment.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Bahamas Customs Adopts Wcobacked Preruling System to Boost Trade

Bahamas Customs Adopts Wcobacked Preruling System to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Bahamas in establishing a commodity classification advance ruling system to enhance trade facilitation. Through national workshops and technical assistance, the WCO assists the Bahamas Customs in its modernization efforts, establishing a pre-ruling system to resolve trade disputes, attract foreign investment, and promote economic development. While challenges exist in establishing the advance ruling system, the WCO's support and cooperation will help the Bahamas achieve its trade facilitation goals. This initiative aims to create a more predictable and efficient trade environment for businesses operating in the Bahamas.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Calls for Global Trade Collaboration Digital Shift

WCO Calls for Global Trade Collaboration Digital Shift

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) has called for enhanced international cooperation and digital transformation to address the challenges posed by the pandemic and build a more resilient global trade system. He emphasized the crucial role of customs in facilitating the cross-border flow of vaccines and essential goods, and encouraged leveraging data and technological innovation to improve management efficiency and service delivery. The WCO will continue to support its member customs administrations in their digital transformation efforts, contributing to the recovery of global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More