Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs Strengthens Leadership to Boost Trade

Bolivia Customs successfully held an executive leadership retreat through participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme. The project addressed key customs strategic challenges, tailoring team-building and individual leadership development solutions. This significantly enhanced the cohesion, leadership skills, strategic planning abilities, and negotiation skills of the executive team. This initiative lays a solid foundation for Bolivia Customs to address future challenges and contributes to national trade facilitation efforts. The program aimed to improve overall effectiveness and prepare the organization for upcoming reforms.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Morocco Boosts Customs AI with SECOWCO Backing

Morocco Boosts Customs AI with SECOWCO Backing

Morocco has launched the second phase of the SECO-WCO Trade Facilitation Programme, leveraging AI to enhance customs risk management and trade facilitation. The project aims to improve efficiency and security in cross-border trade through intelligent systems and data analysis. The World Customs Organization (WCO) is providing technical support to Morocco in implementing these advanced technologies and best practices. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce trade costs and improve the overall competitiveness of the Moroccan economy by streamlining customs procedures and minimizing delays.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Leaders Meet to Simplify Trade Procedures

Global Customs Leaders Meet to Simplify Trade Procedures

This paper interprets the agenda of the WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation, analyzing reports, plans, Mercator Programme progress, donor reports, and joint sessions. The aim is to promote the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and foster international cooperation. The analysis covers key aspects of the meeting agenda, providing insights into the WCO's efforts to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers globally. This contributes to a better understanding of the ongoing initiatives and collaborative efforts within the framework of the TFA.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

WCO Enhances Customs Training to Strengthen Environmental Protection

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEA) Train-the-Trainer workshop in Kenya, focusing on the Basel and Montreal Conventions. Through capacity building, the WCO aims to assist national customs administrations in improving compliance, combating illegal trade, and protecting the environment. The Sida-WCO Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization (TFCM) Programme provides technical assistance to relevant customs agencies to address trade-related environmental issues and promote sustainable development. This initiative empowers customs officers to effectively enforce environmental regulations and contribute to global environmental protection efforts.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO and Japan Boost Trade Compliance with Lab Upgrades

WCO and Japan Boost Trade Compliance with Lab Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched the "Customs Laboratory Regional Programme" to enhance the chemical analysis capabilities and HS code classification skills of its member customs administrations. Supported by Japan Customs, the program targets customs laboratory analysts and future professionals, offering training in cutting-edge technologies, laboratory management optimization, tariff classification mastery, and understanding of the WCO system. It aims to empower participants to improve their professional competence and promote global trade compliance. The program focuses on practical skills and knowledge transfer to improve efficiency and accuracy in customs operations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

WCO Reports Palestines Progress in Mercator Trade Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) assessment reveals Palestine's active participation in the Mercator Programme, which supports the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement and simplifies trade procedures. The Palestinian Customs Administration has benefited significantly in areas such as tariffs and risk management, maintaining close ties with the private sector and neighboring customs administrations. The assessment lays the groundwork for future tailored support, and the WCO will continue to provide assistance to promote Palestinian economic development and regional trade facilitation. This collaboration aims to further streamline customs processes and enhance trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts Project Management for Modernization

Gambia Revenue Authority Boosts Project Management for Modernization

The Gambia Revenue Authority, with support from the WCO-Sweden Cooperation Programme (OMD-MADAO), has successfully developed a project management methodology to improve the efficiency of reform and modernization projects. This methodology covers all phases of the project lifecycle and is expected to be officially approved and fully implemented in September. It aims to establish an efficient and standardized project management system within the Gambia Revenue Authority and serve as a model for other developing countries. The initiative will enhance the GRA's ability to effectively manage and execute strategic projects.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Afcfta Study Finds Origin Rule Gaps in Textiles Auto Sectors

Afcfta Study Finds Origin Rule Gaps in Textiles Auto Sectors

The EU-World Customs Organization Rules of Origin Africa Programme released a report comparing rules of origin for the textile and automotive industries. The report reveals the impact of different rules on trade, industrial layout, and value chains. It provides a reference for policymakers and businesses, contributing to African regional economic development. The analysis highlights key differences and their consequences for sourcing strategies, production location, and overall competitiveness within the African context. This research aims to inform better policy decisions and promote sustainable economic growth in the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia Boosts Trade Efficiency with Datadriven Customs Reforms

Serbia has established a Customs-Business Round Table to enhance trade facilitation through data-driven collaboration. Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, the initiative brings together representatives from government, chambers of commerce, and businesses to address customs operational challenges and optimize trade policies. The goal is to build a more efficient business environment. By focusing on data sharing, policy optimization, and risk prediction, Serbia aims to become a regional leader in trade facilitation. This collaborative approach is expected to streamline processes and boost economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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