WCO Aids Sierra Leones Trade Recovery Postdisaster

WCO Aids Sierra Leones Trade Recovery Postdisaster

Following the devastating mudslides in Sierra Leone, the WCO assisted the National Revenue Authority (NRA) in developing its Strategic Plan for 2018-2022. This plan focuses on trade facilitation as a key driver for economic growth and development. The WCO's support aimed to strengthen the NRA's capacity to implement efficient and effective customs procedures, ultimately contributing to the country's reconstruction and long-term economic stability. The strategic plan provides a roadmap for modernizing customs operations and promoting a more business-friendly environment in Sierra Leone.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

WCO Certification Enhances Trade in Latin America

The World Customs Organization successfully held a Mercator Programme Advisor certification workshop for the Spanish-speaking Americas region. The aim was to cultivate a group of high-quality MPA experts and promote the coordinated implementation of trade facilitation measures globally. This initiative helps relevant countries optimize customs clearance processes, reduce trade costs, and improve efficiency, injecting strong momentum into regional trade facilitation. The workshop focused on equipping participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively implement the WCO's Mercator Programme, ultimately contributing to streamlined trade procedures and economic growth.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Tool Boosts Global Customs Training Efficiency

WCO Tool Boosts Global Customs Training Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully piloted a learning development assessment tool aimed at enhancing the effectiveness of capacity building for its members. Through implementation in Eswatini, the WCO gathered feedback and improved the assessment framework to more scientifically measure the value of training activities. This tool will be promoted and applied to support the development of customs worldwide, ensuring that training initiatives deliver tangible and measurable results in improving customs operations and efficiency.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

Botswana Boosts Customs Audits with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) to enhance its revenue administration capabilities. This activity, part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, covered topics like risk management and customs valuation. The workshop aims to assist Botswana in increasing tax revenue, combating smuggling, and promoting trade facilitation and sustainable development. It focuses on strengthening BURS's ability to effectively conduct PCA and improve overall customs control.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

The latest meeting of the WCO Technical Committee focused on customs facilitation, emphasizing data standardization, risk management, SME support, cross-border e-commerce facilitation, and AEO mutual recognition. Businesses should strengthen compliance management, embrace digital transformation, and enhance international cooperation to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. The meeting highlighted the importance of streamlined processes and innovative solutions to promote efficient and secure international trade flows, ultimately contributing to global economic growth and development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills with WCO Training

Comoros, with the support of the African Development Fund, successfully hosted a national workshop on the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System. The workshop aimed to enhance the legal and technical capabilities of customs officers, equipping them with commodity classification skills to facilitate international trade. Participants were provided with Harmonized System tools. Follow-up training sessions are planned across the islands to ensure customs personnel master the latest classification techniques and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative strengthens customs capacity and promotes efficient trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Aids Cte Divoire in Customs Reform

WCO Aids Cte Divoire in Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting the Ivorian General Directorate of Customs (DGD) in enhancing its customs valuation and commodity classification capabilities. An expert team conducted a diagnostic assessment in Côte d'Ivoire, engaging with customs officials and the private sector to propose improvements. Recommendations include strengthening personnel training, refining regulations, upgrading IT infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation. The aim is to establish an efficient and transparent customs management system, promoting economic development and trade facilitation in Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Standards

WCO Committee Updates Global Trade Classification Standards

The 57th session of the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Committee holds significant implications for global trade. This session adopted several commodity classification decisions, classification opinions, and amendments to the Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, covering sectors like food and beverages, plastic products, agricultural machinery, and electronics. Businesses should closely monitor the WCO official website, enhance communication with customs authorities, and improve their own classification capabilities to effectively navigate new trade challenges. Staying informed is crucial for compliance and efficient international trade operations.

01/26/2026 HS Code Query
Read More
Seychelles Adopts WCO Standards to Simplify Trade

Seychelles Adopts WCO Standards to Simplify Trade

Seychelles is actively adopting the WCO's Harmonized System (HS) standards to improve trade efficiency. This involves overcoming challenges through training programs, revising regulations, and upgrading systems. These efforts aim to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately foster trade development within the country. The implementation of HS standards is crucial for aligning with international best practices and facilitating smoother international trade transactions for Seychelles.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More
WCO JICA Enhance Pacific Islands Customs Capacity

WCO JICA Enhance Pacific Islands Customs Capacity

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "Program for Master Trainers" (PMF) to help Pacific Island countries build localized teams of HS experts. The program progressively enhances the HS classification capabilities of participating countries through online workshops, expert support, and regional cooperation. The ultimate goal is to establish a regional platform for sharing expert resources, thereby promoting trade facilitation in the Pacific region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
Read More