WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a Spanish version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist Spanish-speaking customs administrations in evaluating their gender equality policies, identifying gaps, and implementing reforms. The tool covers core principles such as employment, work-life balance, and governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting policies. It aims to support customs modernization in Latin America and promote trade facilitation by fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within customs organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

Bolivia Optimizes Trade with SECOWCO Goods Release Study

The SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) supported Bolivia in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to improve trade efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through expert guidance, questionnaire optimization, and pilot testing, the GTFP helped Bolivia identify bottlenecks in goods release and optimize operational procedures. This support contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by streamlining processes and improving efficiency within Bolivia's trade system. The TRS provides valuable insights for further improvements.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jordan Customs Boosts Air Cargo Efficiency with Dubai Model

Jordan Customs Boosts Air Cargo Efficiency with Dubai Model

Jordan Customs, with support from the WCO and SECO, studied Dubai Customs' best practices in air cargo clearance to enhance its capabilities and align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to optimize risk management, promote automation, strengthen inter-agency cooperation, and improve the e-commerce environment within Jordan Customs. The goal is to contribute to global trade facilitation by implementing lessons learned from the Dubai experience, ultimately streamlining customs processes and reducing trade costs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

Comoros Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Single Window System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Comoros to assist the country in evaluating the feasibility of implementing a Single Window. The assessment will provide Comoros with tailored recommendations and capacity-building support to strengthen effective coordination between customs and other border agencies, enhance trade facilitation reforms, and move towards a Single Window environment. This initiative ultimately aims to promote economic development in Comoros by streamlining trade processes and reducing associated costs and delays.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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
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WCO Backs Benins Customs Reform to Boost Cotonou Port Trade

WCO Backs Benins Customs Reform to Boost Cotonou Port Trade

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization (WCO), Benin has launched a customs reform and modernization strategy. The aim is to improve the efficiency of the Port of Cotonou, optimize clearance procedures, strengthen risk management, and introduce advanced technologies. Through international tenders and expert support, the action plan is continuously adjusted to meet the needs of port expansion and modernization. Initial monitoring missions assess the progress of the reforms, laying the foundation for Benin's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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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
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Wcos MADAO Project Enhances Customs Management in West Africa

Wcos MADAO Project Enhances Customs Management in West Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the West Africa Customs Modernization Project (MADAO) to enhance strategic management capabilities. Following regional training, national-level support will be provided to establish strategic systems. This initiative aims to improve customs efficiency and effectiveness across West Africa by strengthening their strategic planning and management processes. The MADAO project focuses on building sustainable customs capacity through training and the development of robust strategic frameworks, ultimately contributing to regional economic growth and security.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO and the Government of Japan, held a seminar to enhance disaster response capabilities and promote digital tools to optimize customs clearance processes. This initiative aims to build a more resilient customs system, providing a more stable and efficient trading environment for businesses and fostering economic development in Cameroon. The focus is on strengthening customs' ability to withstand disruptions and leverage technology for improved efficiency and security in international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Abu Dhabi Customs Streamlines Trade with Preruling System

Abu Dhabi Customs Streamlines Trade with Preruling System

Abu Dhabi Customs is actively implementing an Advance Ruling System to optimize commodity classification, valuation, and origin processes, aiming to comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through legal framework and infrastructure upgrades, with technical support from the WCO, Customs is committed to raising trader awareness and officer capabilities. The Advance Ruling System is expected to reduce trade costs, improve efficiency, enhance compliance, and attract more foreign investment, injecting new momentum into Abu Dhabi's trade development.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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