WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

WCO Launches Antitrafficking Training in MENA to Protect Cultural Heritage

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with various partners, successfully conducted a training-of-trainers workshop for customs officers in the Middle East and North Africa region. This initiative aimed to enhance the capacity of customs personnel to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. The training covered cultural property identification, risk management, and international cooperation, emphasizing the importance of implementing relevant WCO resolutions. This training represents a significant step by the WCO in the field of cultural heritage protection and contributes to strengthening the defenses against cultural property crime.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Enhances Trade Via Customs Time Release Study

Armenia Enhances Trade Via Customs Time Release Study

The WCO organized a TRS workshop in Armenia to enhance customs efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The workshop aimed to improve the effectiveness of Armenian customs procedures. Through the Time Release Study (TRS), bottlenecks were identified and action plans were developed to address them. This initiative aligns with WTO requirements for trade facilitation and contributes to streamlining cross-border trade processes. The TRS provides valuable insights for optimizing customs operations and reducing delays, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Upgrades Customs Labs to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador hosted a workshop on modernizing customs laboratories to enhance commodity classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the workshop focused on the Harmonized System (HS) classification and international cooperation. The aim was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and faster trade flows. This initiative underscores the importance of modern customs infrastructure and skilled personnel in supporting global trade and economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances South African Tax Authority Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Leadership and Management Development Workshop in South Africa to support the South African Revenue Service (SARS) in enhancing the capabilities of its middle managers and driving organizational reform. The workshop emphasized the importance of self-awareness, strategic management, people management, communication skills, and change management. Follow-up cooperation is planned to develop a regional center of expertise. Leadership and management development are crucial for organizational success, requiring continuous learning and practice.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Philippines Customs Adopts WCO Data Training to Boost Risk Management

Philippines Customs Adopts WCO Data Training to Boost Risk Management

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis and risk management workshop for the Philippine Customs, aiming to enhance its risk identification and control capabilities and promote intelligent supervision transformation. The workshop focused on database management and data analysis, emphasizing intelligence-driven risk management techniques, and shared the experience of the Netherlands Customs. The Philippine Customs will explore data analysis tools, strengthen data governance, promote data sharing and cooperation, and build a safer and more efficient trade environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Georgia Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Classification Training

Georgia Enhances Customs Skills with WCO Classification Training

With the support of the WCO, Georgia hosted a national workshop on commodity classification, aimed at enhancing the institutional capacity of the Revenue Service and cultivating a core team of experts. Through theoretical learning, practical exercises, and expert exchanges, participants significantly improved their understanding and application of the HS, laying a solid foundation for the future development of Georgian Customs. This workshop also provides valuable experience for other countries seeking to improve their commodity classification expertise.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked HS Code Reform

Nigeria Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked HS Code Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the European Union, held a high-level workshop in Nigeria to enhance the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)'s expertise in Harmonized System (HS) coding. Through a combination of theoretical and practical training, the workshop aimed to improve the accuracy of customs officials in classifying goods, thereby promoting trade facilitation and injecting new vitality into Nigeria's economic development. This initiative is crucial for ensuring efficient customs procedures and boosting international trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Boosts Crossborder Trade with WCO Backing

Thailand Boosts Crossborder Trade with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Coordinated Border Management (CBM) workshop in Thailand to enhance the Thai Customs' cross-border trade management capabilities. The workshop focused on key areas such as cooperation between border agencies, Single Window implementation, and paperless trade. Participants also conducted a site visit to a border checkpoint to provide expert recommendations for upgrading Thailand Customs' CBM. This initiative aims to help Thailand create an efficient and convenient cross-border trade environment.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

Kazakhstan Enhances Trade Transit with Wtobacked Customs Reforms

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Kazakhstan to support the implementation of Article 11 of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, aiming to improve transit efficiency. The workshop focused on the role of the National Transit Coordinator and shared best practices. It provided support for Kazakhstan to optimize transit procedures and promote trade facilitation, strengthening its position as a transit hub in Central Asia. The initiative is expected to streamline customs processes and boost regional trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

Customs Agencies Adopt AI to Drive Digital Transformation

The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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