Egypt Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Modernization

Egypt Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Customs Modernization

The Egyptian Customs Authority (ECA), with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), has developed a new vision, mission, and strategic plan. By enhancing customs efficiency, strengthening risk management, promoting compliance, improving transparency, and fostering international cooperation, the ECA aims to become an efficient, transparent, and trustworthy customs agency, contributing to Egypt's economic prosperity. This strategic transformation will improve Egypt's trade competitiveness and provide a reference for other developing countries. The plan focuses on modernization and alignment with international best practices.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

Lesotho Boosts Trade with Enhanced Customs Audits

A high-level virtual workshop on Post-Clearance Audit was successfully conducted for the Lesotho Revenue Authority under the joint framework of HMRC, WCO, and UNCTAD. The workshop aimed to support developing countries in effectively implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. It enhanced the professional skills of Lesotho Revenue Authority officials and fostered cooperation between customs and businesses, contributing to Lesotho's economic development. The training focused on modern PCA techniques and risk management strategies to optimize revenue collection and improve trade compliance.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Perboosts Trade Efficiency with Facilitation Project

Perboosts Trade Efficiency with Facilitation Project

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) partnered with SUNAT, the Peruvian Customs Authority, to conduct a strategic planning workshop. The aim was to enhance SUNAT's strategic planning capabilities by refining strategic objectives and developing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for a more efficient regulatory model. WCO experts tailored a strategic map and integrated control panel for Peruvian Customs, supporting its digital transformation and sustainable development. This collaboration seeks to improve SUNAT's overall effectiveness and contribute to Peru's economic growth through streamlined trade processes.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Barbados Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization

Barbados Customs Adopts Wcobacked HR Modernization

A WCO virtual workshop assisted Barbados Customs in building a competency-based HRM system to enhance efficiency, increase revenue collection, and improve relationships. The collaboration aims to modernize HRM practices within the organization. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the performance of Barbados Customs by aligning employee skills and knowledge with organizational goals and strategic objectives. The competency model will serve as a foundation for recruitment, training, performance management, and career development, ultimately contributing to a more effective and motivated workforce.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Latin America Strengthens Tax Customs Systems Through Global Partnerships

Latin America Strengthens Tax Customs Systems Through Global Partnerships

The "Senior Tax and Customs Administration Program," jointly organized by institutions like the IMF and WCO, aims to enhance the capabilities of mid-to-senior level managers in tax and customs administrations across Central and South America. This program, delivered through a blended online and offline approach, provides training in areas such as strategic planning, risk management, and change management. It assists customs and tax departments in addressing global trade and tax challenges, ultimately contributing to economic development in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Uses Time Release Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nicaragua Uses Time Release Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), is utilizing a Time Release Study (TRS) to identify and address bottlenecks in its cargo clearance process. Through on-site visits and action plan development, Nicaragua aims to reduce clearance times, enhance trade efficiency, improve competitiveness, and foster a better business environment. Facing challenges related to data accuracy, inter-agency coordination, and technical capacity, Nicaragua is actively working to overcome these obstacles and lay the foundation for future trade facilitation improvements.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

Global Trade Grows As Kyoto Convention Membership Exceeds 113

With the accession of the Republic of the Congo, the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties. This convention serves as a blueprint for 21st-century customs modernization, aiming to enhance trade efficiency and reduce costs by simplifying customs procedures, optimizing the use of information technology, and effectively implementing risk management. The RKC helps businesses thrive in the global market. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the RKC, fostering a brighter future for global trade facilitation.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

Global Customs Agencies Crack Down on Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Environment Programme, in collaboration with customs administrations from 11 countries, is enhancing capabilities to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) through online diagnostic assessments. Focusing on key areas such as training, enforcement, legislation, cooperation, intelligence, and risk management, the program tailors solutions and gathers international experts to build a global anti-smuggling defense line and safeguard ecological security. The initiative aims to improve customs' effectiveness in detecting and preventing the trafficking of endangered species and related products.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Oman Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

Oman Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Advance Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Oman in establishing an advance ruling system for commodity classification and origin, providing technical guidance through workshops. This system aims to enhance trade transparency and predictability. Oman is actively improving its legal framework, standardizing operational procedures, strengthening information management, and enhancing capacity building to promote trade facilitation. The implementation of advance rulings is a key step in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient trade environment for businesses operating in and with Oman.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UAE Enhances Customs Efficiency Via Wcobacked Training Reform

UAE Enhances Customs Efficiency Via Wcobacked Training Reform

The WCO assessed the recruitment and training of customs inspectors in the UAE, recommending the standardization of customs procedures. This aims to enhance enforcement efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The assessment highlighted the need for capacity building initiatives to ensure inspectors are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement customs regulations. By adopting unified standards, the UAE can streamline customs processes, reduce delays, and improve overall trade competitiveness. This ultimately contributes to a more secure and efficient global trading system.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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