WCO Enhances Trade and Customs Modernization in Namibia

WCO Enhances Trade and Customs Modernization in Namibia

At the request of Namibian Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment to support the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through in-depth research and tailored recommendations, the WCO aims to help Namibian Customs streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen cooperation with other development partners. The ultimate goal is to achieve customs modernization and promote economic growth in Namibia. This initiative focuses on identifying areas for improvement and providing practical guidance for enhancing trade facilitation measures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Meet in Shanghai to Boost Regional Cooperation

The 2018 Asia Pacific World Customs Organization Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held in Shanghai, focusing on customs capacity building. Discussions centered on e-learning, training strategy implementation, seminar benefit optimization, and strengthening RTC functions. The meeting fostered regional cooperation, clarified the direction of capacity building, promoted the implementation of the WCO training strategy, and enhanced the international influence of Asia Pacific Customs. It emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to improve customs practices and facilitate trade within the region.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

WCO Forum Outlines Postpandemic Customs Strategy

The inaugural meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Working Methods Forum (CWOF) was successfully held, bringing together global experts to discuss the transformation of customs working methods. The meeting clarified future work directions, emphasizing the importance of technology, personnel, and leadership. It also planned follow-up activities aimed at building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable customs system. The forum highlighted the need for customs administrations to adapt to evolving global challenges and embrace innovative approaches to trade facilitation and border security.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs with Wcobacked Reforms

With support from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Burkina Faso to assist the country in implementing the revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) and the SAFE Framework. The workshop focused on the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, providing practical guidance on the RKC and AEO for customs officials and private sector representatives of Burkina Faso. It also helped develop action plans to improve customs administration and promote international trade development in Burkina Faso.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

Moldova Boosts Trade Compliance with Wcobacked Customs Upgrades

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a Customs Valuation Workshop in Moldova, aiming to enhance the understanding and application of the WTO Valuation Agreement among Moldovan customs officials. The workshop focused on strengthening the role of valuation databases in risk assessment, standardizing valuation procedures, and addressing challenging issues such as the valuation of second-hand goods, the determination of assistance costs, and license fees. This initiative contributes to trade facilitation and economic development by improving customs valuation practices in Moldova.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids DR Congo Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

WCO Aids DR Congo Customs to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is providing technical assistance to the General Directorate of Customs and Excise (DGDA) of the Democratic Republic of Congo to enhance its customs valuation capacity and reclaim outsourced functions. Through diagnostic assessments, recommended improvements, and capacity building initiatives, the WCO is helping the DRC build an efficient and transparent customs valuation system. This aims to promote trade facilitation and contribute to economic development by strengthening the country's ability to accurately value goods and collect revenue.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Estonia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

Estonia Adopts Revised Kyoto Convention to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization announced that Estonia has officially acceded to the Revised Kyoto Convention. This signifies Estonia's alignment of its customs management with international standards. By simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures, and applying risk management, this move aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and optimize the investment environment, contributing to global trade facilitation. Estonia's adoption of the Revised Kyoto Convention demonstrates its commitment to streamlined and efficient trade practices, further integrating it into the global trading system.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guatemala Customs Boosts Leadership for Trade Efficiency

Guatemala Customs Boosts Leadership for Trade Efficiency

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Tax Administration Superintendency of Guatemala held a leadership and management development workshop to enhance the leadership and management skills of customs officials. Through self-awareness exercises, learning personnel management tools, and practical drills, participants unleashed their potential for change and innovation, injecting strong momentum into the modernization of Guatemalan customs and building an efficient and convenient customs clearance environment. The workshop aimed to cultivate future leaders and improve overall organizational performance.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

Botswana Customs Boosts Environmental Enforcement with Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), held a workshop in Botswana to enhance the capacity of customs officials in controlling hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop aimed to improve customs officers' knowledge and skills related to the identification, detection, and prevention of illegal trade in environmentally sensitive goods covered under various multilateral environmental agreements. This initiative underscores the importance of customs authorities in enforcing environmental regulations and combating environmental crime.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos HS Code Guide Eases Global Vaccine Trade

Wcos HS Code Guide Eases Global Vaccine Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) jointly released a new HS Code Reference Guide to provide clear coding guidance for the cross-border transportation of vaccines and related medical supplies. This guide aims to simplify customs clearance procedures, improve transportation efficiency, and ensure the smooth progress of global vaccination efforts. It covers HS codes for key areas such as vaccine products, medical consumables, storage, and transportation equipment, helping businesses operate in compliance and reduce trade risks.

01/05/2026 HS Code Query
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