Togo Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs AEO Program

Togo Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs AEO Program

The WCO is assisting the Togo Revenue Authority in establishing an AEO program to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative focuses on optimizing processes and strengthening cooperation to promote economic growth in Togo. By implementing the AEO program, Togo aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and attract foreign investment. The program's success will contribute to increased efficiency in cross-border trade and a more competitive business environment for Togolese companies. This collaboration between the WCO and Togo Customs is expected to yield significant benefits for the country's economy.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Firms Partner on Disruptive Tech

Global Customs Body Firms Partner on Disruptive Tech

The 44th meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) focused on the impact of disruptive technologies on the customs environment. It emphasized strengthening customs-private sector cooperation to address cross-border e-commerce challenges, piloting information exchange, and establishing regional organizations. Discussions covered topics such as combating counterfeit goods, global connectivity, the WCO Academy, and trade platforms. The meeting aimed to promote trade facilitation and sustainable economic development by addressing the evolving landscape and fostering collaboration between customs authorities and the private sector.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Customs Enforcement for Environmental Agreements

Botswana Enhances Customs Enforcement for Environmental Agreements

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Secretariat, held a workshop in Botswana to enhance customs officers' awareness and enforcement capabilities regarding multilateral environmental agreements. The workshop covered key issues such as the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol, strengthening cooperation between customs and environmental agencies. The WCO will continue to provide technical support to Botswana and other countries in achieving sustainable development goals. This initiative aims to combat illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods and promote responsible environmental practices.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs to Curb Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the Asia-Pacific Border Management Waste Project to strengthen customs control over plastic waste in the Asia-Pacific region, combat illicit trade, and raise awareness of the Basel Convention amendments. Through virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesia and the Philippines, the WCO will develop detailed implementation plans and host regional workshops to promote regional cooperation in addressing plastic waste management challenges and building green border defenses. The project aims to enhance the capacity of customs administrations to effectively regulate and manage the transboundary movement of plastic waste.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Code Errors Pose Trade Risks Experts Warn

HS Code Errors Pose Trade Risks Experts Warn

This article delves into the World Customs Organization's (WCO) recommendations on HS code classification, exploring the challenges and risks faced by businesses. It proposes strategies including accurately understanding HS coding rules, building a professional team, utilizing search tools, communicating with customs, establishing a database, and monitoring WCO updates. Through case studies, it emphasizes the complexity and importance of HS code classification, aiming to help companies reduce trade risks, ensure compliance, and gain a competitive edge. The article provides practical guidance for navigating the intricacies of HS codes in international trade.

02/06/2026 HS Code Query
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Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

Namibia Enhances Trade with Wcobacked WTO Deal

At the request of the Namibian Customs and Excise Department, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic support mission focused on the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through extensive consultations with Namibian public and private sectors, the WCO will provide a tailored report with recommendations and collaborate with NCE to develop an implementation plan. This initiative aims to enhance capacity building and international cooperation, ultimately assisting Namibia in achieving trade facilitation and economic growth. The mission highlights the importance of customs cooperation in supporting TFA implementation.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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UAE Customs Adopts Wcobacked Training System

UAE Customs Adopts Wcobacked Training System

At the invitation of the UAE's Federal Customs Authority (FCA), the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted in harmonizing the recruitment and training standards for Customs inspectors nationwide. Through diagnostic assessments, the WCO provided systematic improvement recommendations, covering unified recruitment criteria, optimized training systems, and strengthened qualification certifications. The aim is to enhance the professionalism of the UAE Customs workforce and promote international trade facilitation. This initiative focuses on building capacity and ensuring consistent application of Customs procedures across the country, ultimately contributing to more efficient and secure trade flows.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Upgrades Tax Talent Management System

Lesotho Upgrades Tax Talent Management System

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is modernizing its human resource management system to improve operational efficiency and tax collection. The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the LRA through training and capacity building, assisting in the implementation of a competency-based HRM system to build a highly effective tax workforce. With strong commitment from LRA senior management and continued empowerment from the WCO, the LRA aims to achieve its modernization goals. This collaboration focuses on developing a skilled and competent workforce to drive revenue generation and improve tax administration.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

Global Customs Tackle Ecommerce Valuation for Smoother Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its second seminar on E-Commerce and Customs Valuation, focusing on the valuation challenges in cross-border e-commerce. The event brought together international organizations, customs administrations, and private sector representatives to discuss policies, procedures, and practices. The aim was to address the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of e-commerce trade, facilitate trade, and build a fair and efficient cross-border e-commerce ecosystem. The WCO is actively working to develop a more comprehensive e-commerce valuation system to promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

DR Congo Boosts Customs Oversight to Reform Trade Practices

The General Directorate of Customs of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) sought technical assistance from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to regain control over customs valuation, aiming to assess and enhance the capabilities of customs officers. Following a diagnostic assessment, the WCO recommended that the DRC utilize modern tools such as risk management and post-clearance audit, and supported its strategy to comply with the Niamey Declaration and the Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative not only improves customs valuation capacity in the DRC but also revitalizes the national economy and reshapes the trade landscape.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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