West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

West Africa Customs Adopts Gender Equality to Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is implementing a Gender Equality and Diversity (GED) capacity-building project in West Africa. Through workshops, assessments, and action plans, the project aims to enhance the GED awareness and practical capabilities of customs administrations in countries like Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana. This initiative seeks to promote a more equitable, inclusive, and efficient customs system, ultimately facilitating trade and fostering economic development in the region. The project focuses on improving internal policies and practices within the customs administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance on risk management to Madagascar Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation by optimizing risk assessment, clearance procedures, and inter-agency collaboration. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs of the UK, the project involved an expert team analyzing the current situation and proposing improvements. This initiative supports Madagascar Customs in achieving sustainable development and economic growth by strengthening its risk management capabilities and streamlining trade processes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkmenistan Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade Security

Turkmenistan Upgrades Customs System to Boost Trade Security

Turkmenistan Customs, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), held a national workshop on risk management. The workshop aimed to assess and optimize the existing risk management system, enhancing trade security and customs clearance efficiency. It covered the WCO Risk Management Compendium, the latest tools and techniques, and the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. In-depth discussions were held on risk assessment processes, response measures, information sharing, and cooperation. The workshop provides strong support for the modernization of Turkmenistan Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Online Leadership Program for Customs Officials

WCO Introduces Online Leadership Program for Customs Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an online Customs Leadership course aimed at enhancing the leadership capabilities of senior management personnel. This initiative seeks to empower customs leaders with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive organizational effectiveness and efficiency. By providing accessible and engaging online learning resources, the WCO aims to foster a new generation of dynamic and strategic customs leaders who can effectively navigate the challenges of the 21st century and contribute to the sustainable development of their organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis lecture for WCO Scholarship Program students at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. The lecture covered data strategy implementation, customs data analysis applications, and geospatial intelligence. Through interactive discussions, WCO representatives answered student questions, helping to enhance customs data analysis capabilities and promote global trade security and facilitation. The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to leverage data for improved customs operations and decision-making within their respective administrations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Guyana Boosts Customs Oversight After WCO Audit Review

Guyana Boosts Customs Oversight After WCO Audit Review

At the request of the Government of Guyana, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in October 2018. Through consultations with the Guyana Revenue Authority - Customs and Trade Administration and external stakeholders, the WCO aimed to assist the country in establishing a robust PCA system. This initiative seeks to enhance customs control capabilities, promote trade facilitation, and support Guyana's sustainable economic development. The ultimate goal is to improve compliance and efficiency in customs procedures.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

WCO Enhances PICARD Standards to Strengthen Global Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is upgrading the PICARD Professional Standards (PS) to adapt to the evolving global trade landscape. The updated standards will encompass key areas such as public-private sector cooperation, customs and tax function integration, and coordinated border management. It will also address emerging trends, security, trade facilitation, technological advancements, and project management. The WCO invites stakeholders to participate in capacity building initiatives to jointly promote global customs development. This collaborative effort aims to enhance customs efficiency and effectiveness worldwide.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

Swedish Customs Chief Meets WCO on Digital Trade Modernization

The Director General of Swedish Customs led a delegation to visit the World Customs Organization (WCO), focusing on discussions about digital transformation, international cooperation, and trade facilitation. Emphasis was placed on leveraging information technology to enhance customs efficiency, strengthening information sharing, and jointly addressing global challenges. Appreciation was expressed for Sweden's significant support in WCO projects. This meeting injected new vitality into the future development of global customs, paving the way for enhanced collaboration and innovative solutions in the international trade landscape.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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