WCO Boosts Guyanas Postclearance Audit Capacity

WCO Boosts Guyanas Postclearance Audit Capacity

Under the Mercator Program, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a post-clearance audit (PCA) workshop for the Guyana Revenue Authority (GRA) to enhance its tax compliance oversight capabilities. Through the training, Guyanese customs officers gained in-depth knowledge of PCA concepts and techniques, laying the groundwork for improved customs control efficiency and trade facilitation. The WCO looks forward to continued cooperation with the GRA to further advance its customs administration.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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World Customs Organization Boosts Gender Equality in East and Southern Africa

World Customs Organization Boosts Gender Equality in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through Phase II of the Finland-East and Southern Africa Project, is helping customs administrations in the region enhance their gender equality capabilities. This includes providing tools, organizing training, and promoting cooperation. Workshops focused on gender mainstreaming, sharing practical examples, and developing guidelines for regional development. The WCO will continue to support national customs agencies in building a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient working environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

WCOJICA Enhances Customs Valuation in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in partnership with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched a Customs Valuation Mentor Training Program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to build a regional pool of experts and enhance customs valuation capabilities. The program promotes regional cooperation, enhances competitiveness, and achieves sustainable development by cultivating local experts and developing regional training materials. Recommended follow-up actions include strengthening training evaluation, establishing an information-sharing platform, and improving legal and regulatory frameworks.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Francophone African Officials Boost Customs Expertise

Francophone African Officials Boost Customs Expertise

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a training session in Mauritius for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. The training aimed to enhance their expertise in HS coding and customs valuation. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and group discussions, participants not only mastered relevant knowledge but also strengthened their awareness of regional cooperation, laying the foundation for better serving international trade in the future. The training also explored the challenges and opportunities of HS coding in regional applications.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Revenue in Pacific Islands

WCO JICA Boost Customs Revenue in Pacific Islands

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), launched the Pacific Islands Customs "Professional Mentoring Framework" (PMF) to enhance customs modernization in the region. A preparatory meeting identified customs valuation and commodity classification as priority areas. The project's success hinges on accurate needs assessments, practical training content, diverse training methods, scientific impact evaluation, and ensuring sustainability. The PMF aims to build capacity and improve tax administration through effective mentorship and targeted training programs.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone Adopts Wcos Ncen System to Strengthen Risk Management

Sierra Leone Adopts Wcos Ncen System to Strengthen Risk Management

Under the Mercator Program, the World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Sierra Leone in deploying the nCEN system to enhance risk management and customs valuation capabilities. Through technical assistance, training, and experience sharing, the WCO assists Sierra Leone in establishing an efficient and secure customs system, promoting trade facilitation and economic development. This initiative aims to strengthen customs procedures and improve overall border management in Sierra Leone, contributing to a more streamlined and secure trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

Colombia Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) technical assistance workshop for the Colombian Tax and Customs Authority (DIAN). The workshop aimed to enhance DIAN's PCA capabilities and assist in applying the WCO PCA diagnostic tool. Through expert training and guidance, DIAN made significant progress in understanding PCA concepts, improving audit processes, and developing long-term development strategies. This contributes to building a more efficient and transparent tax system in Colombia.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Swiss Customs Funds WCO Talent Program to Strengthen Global Trade

Swiss Customs Funds WCO Talent Program to Strengthen Global Trade

Swiss Customs is committed to long-term support for the WCO Francophone Africa Scholarship Programme, annually funding participants to enhance their management skills and master WCO standards. This program cultivates customs management talents with an international perspective through training and study visits, contributing to the sustainable development of global trade. Many current Directors General of Customs have benefited from this program. Switzerland's support reflects the customs family's shared commitment to the organization's development.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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