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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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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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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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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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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Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts HR Strategy with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts HR Strategy with WCO Aid

With Sida's funding, the WCO, through the WACAM project, is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority in enhancing its human resource management capabilities and optimizing recruitment processes. This initiative aims to strengthen the GRA's operational efficiency by improving its ability to attract, retain, and develop qualified personnel. The project focuses on modernizing HR practices and aligning them with international standards to support the GRA's mandate in revenue collection and border security. Ultimately, this contributes to Gambia's economic development by fostering a more effective and transparent customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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