WTO Aids Bolivia in Strengthening Customs Resilience During Pandemic

WTO Aids Bolivia in Strengthening Customs Resilience During Pandemic

The World Trade Organization's Global Programme on Trade Facilitation (PMFE) organized stress management and psychological support training for Bolivian customs officers to help them cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic. The training included online assessments, knowledge dissemination, and offline workshops, focusing on work-life balance and enhancing psychological resilience. Following the training, customs officers acquired stress management skills, and the expert team proposed establishing a regular stress management mechanism. This initiative aimed to improve the well-being and effectiveness of customs personnel during a demanding period.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

West and Central African Customs Chiefs Back Continental Free Trade

The meeting of heads of customs from West and Central Africa focused on the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The World Customs Organization reaffirmed its support, emphasizing the critical role of customs departments and the importance of infrastructure. Discussions also covered addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic, combating counterfeit medicines and vaccines, and strengthening capacity building and regional cooperation. These efforts aim to contribute to regional economic development and the prosperity of the African continent. The importance of efficient customs procedures for the AfCFTA's success was highlighted.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Supports Benin Customs in Streamlining Disaster Relief Clearance

WCO Supports Benin Customs in Streamlining Disaster Relief Clearance

The World Trade Organization (WTO) assisted Benin Customs in developing standard operating procedures for clearing natural disaster relief goods. Through unified import procedures, accelerated clearance processes, expert experience sharing, and practical exercises, the project aims to establish an efficient and convenient customs clearance mechanism for disaster relief supplies. This initiative not only enhances Benin Customs' disaster response capabilities but also provides valuable lessons for other countries, contributing to the construction of a global disaster relief system. The focus is on speed and efficiency in getting aid to those who need it most.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WERC Initiative Connects Students to Logistics Careers

WERC Initiative Connects Students to Logistics Careers

WERC is dedicated to introducing career opportunities in material handling, supply chain, and logistics management to high school students, college students, and educators through practical learning and industry exchange. It aims to spark student interest, foster innovative thinking, and help them understand industry development prospects, laying the foundation for future career planning. The program provides exposure to real-world applications and encourages students to explore various roles within the logistics and supply chain sectors. Ultimately, WERC strives to cultivate a pipeline of skilled and passionate individuals ready to contribute to the evolving landscape of logistics.

02/04/2026 Logistics
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Americas Caribbean Customs Workshop Boosts Audit Skills for Revenue Growth

Americas Caribbean Customs Workshop Boosts Audit Skills for Revenue Growth

The World Customs Organization held a post-clearance audit (PCA) seminar for the Americas and Caribbean region in the Dominican Republic, aiming to enhance customs tax collection capabilities. The seminar focused on risk management, audit planning optimization, personnel training, and information technology application, promoting regional cooperation to address cross-border trade challenges and safeguard national economic security. By strengthening PCA, the goal is to improve tax compliance and achieve effective growth in tax revenue. This initiative underscores the importance of robust PCA systems in ensuring fair and efficient tax administration.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advocates Techdriven Border Solutions at WTO Forum

WCO Advocates Techdriven Border Solutions at WTO Forum

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a thematic session at the WTO Public Forum, exploring how cutting-edge technologies like blockchain and AI can empower customs and border management to facilitate trade. The session focused on the challenges and opportunities of technology adoption, and how customs administrations can develop technology strategies to embrace technological change. The goal is for customs to play a more significant role in the digital transformation of global trade. Discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration and knowledge sharing to maximize the benefits of these technologies.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Sierra Leone NRA Adopts Competencybased HR System for Tax Efficiency

Sierra Leone NRA Adopts Competencybased HR System for Tax Efficiency

The National Revenue Authority (NRA) of Sierra Leone, with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), modernized its human resource system by introducing a competency-based HR management system. This initiative aims to enhance organizational effectiveness and build a professional tax workforce to better serve the national economy. This paper analyzes the construction and application of the competency model, and identifies potential challenges faced by the NRA during the transformation process, along with corresponding strategies to address them. The goal is to improve performance and create a skilled and efficient workforce.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

WCOSKKU Scholarship Boosts Customs Data Skills in Developing Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with Sungkyunkwan University in Korea, has launched a scholarship program in data analysis for customs officials from developing countries. This program aims to cultivate data analysis experts by enhancing their skills and cultural awareness through online and offline courses, practical projects, and cultural excursions. The initiative supports customs administrations in leveraging data-driven insights to improve management practices in the data era. It focuses on building capacity within developing nations to effectively utilize data for enhanced customs operations and decision-making.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Global Customs Disaster Response Initiative

WCO Launches Global Customs Disaster Response Initiative

The WCO's (World Customs Organization) COVID-19 Project held its first Asia-Pacific regional seminar, focusing on disaster management and supply chain continuity. Customs representatives from various countries gathered to share experiences and discuss cooperation, aiming to enhance customs' ability to respond to pandemics and similar emergencies and ensure global supply chain stability. The WCO is actively developing guidelines and promoting digital transformation within customs to build a more resilient global supply chain. The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration and innovation in navigating the challenges posed by global crises.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

WCO Launches Datadriven Customs Portal to Modernize Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s Smart Customs Project is fostering global customs cooperation and innovation through an agilely developed community portal. This portal serves as a project information hub, a secure collaboration space, and a platform for exchanging experiences. It gathers technical application guidelines and research findings to help customs administrations address challenges and promote trade facilitation. The active participation of national contact points is crucial for the project's success. The portal aims to be a central point for accessing resources and engaging with the Smart Customs initiative.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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