WCO Backs UAE in Standardizing Customs Recruitment Training

WCO Backs UAE in Standardizing Customs Recruitment Training

At the request of the UAE Federal Customs Authority, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of its customs personnel recruitment and training processes. The aim was to establish unified standards, improve customs efficiency, and facilitate international trade. A WCO expert team, through research and interviews, drafted a guide for a unified recruitment and training system and developed a follow-up action plan. This laid the foundation for the standardization and professionalization of the UAE customs personnel workforce.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

Malawi Strengthens Customs Controls to Boost Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of Malawi Customs' risk management processes to support Malawi's customs modernization reforms under the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The assessment identified shortcomings in Malawi Customs' risk management practices and provided recommendations for improvement. The WCO will continue to collaborate with Malawi to advance its trade facilitation agenda. The assessment highlights the need for enhanced risk profiling, improved data analysis, and strengthened cooperation between customs and other agencies to effectively manage risks and facilitate legitimate trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

WCO Belgian Customs Academy Train African Officials

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Belgian Customs School (BCS) are deepening their collaboration to provide tailored training for customs officials from French-speaking African countries. This includes visits to the WCO headquarters and upgraded BCS courses, aiming to enhance their professional capabilities. This initiative intends to better serve African economic development and provide a model for global customs cooperation. The partnership underscores the commitment to strengthening customs administrations in Africa and fostering a more efficient and effective global trade environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Global Customs Body Cracks Down on Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the importance of marine conservation on UN World Oceans Day, urging global attention to plastic waste pollution. The WCO combats illegal plastic waste trade and protects marine ecosystems through strengthened enforcement cooperation, promotion of green trade facilitation, enhanced environmental enforcement capabilities for customs officers, and active participation in international collaborations. These efforts aim to build a blue ecological barrier and protect our oceans from the detrimental effects of plastic pollution.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Symposium in Nigeria Stresses Customs Disaster Relief Role

WCO Symposium in Nigeria Stresses Customs Disaster Relief Role

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a multi-regional workshop in Nigeria, focusing on the critical role of customs in disaster relief. The meeting highlighted the importance of customs in facilitating trade, ensuring supply chain continuity, and collaborating with various stakeholders to provide rapid assistance. The aim was to enhance the emergency preparedness and response capabilities of customs administrations.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Strengthens Leadership for Strategic Reform

Cameroon Customs Strengthens Leadership for Strategic Reform

In 2015, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted Cameroon Customs in enhancing its leadership capabilities, regaining control of outsourced functions, and promoting reforms. This support culminated in the "Mbankomo II Declaration," which aims to further support the development of Cameroon Customs. The initiative focused on strengthening internal management and fostering a more effective and autonomous customs administration.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Benin Customs Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Assistance

Benin Customs Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports the Benin Customs Administration in implementing a competency-based human resource management system, aiming to enhance customs administration in the region. Through the WCO-WACAM project, Benin Customs completed a job directory, competency inventory, and job descriptions, and developed a detailed work plan, laying the foundation for HR modernization. This initiative not only improves the quality of Benin Customs staff but also provides a reference for other African countries. This project contributes to strengthening customs efficiency and effectiveness.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Standards Accelerate Global Trade Digitalization

WCO Standards Accelerate Global Trade Digitalization

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) highlighted the crucial role of data and technology in driving the global digital transformation of trade at the ICC Future Trade Forum, introducing relevant WCO initiatives. He advocated for the adoption of the WCO Data Model to promote interoperability of trade standards and explored collaboration opportunities with Singapore Customs, the International Chamber of Commerce, and APEC. The aim is to enhance trade efficiency, security, and inclusivity through standardized data and technological advancements in customs procedures and international trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Aid for Trade Review Boosts Global Customs Cooperation

WTO Aid for Trade Review Boosts Global Customs Cooperation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively showcases its contribution to enhancing supply chain efficiency and harmonizing border management in the WTO's Aid for Trade Global Review, emphasizing the importance of trade facilitation. Through its tools, projects, and capacity building programs, the WCO consistently supports its members in simplifying customs procedures, strengthening supply chain security, and promoting global trade facilitation, thus contributing to the prosperity of global trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

Timorleste Updates Customs Tariff with WCO Backing

At the request of Timor-Leste, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WCO-Norad project, provided technical assistance to support the country's tariff update from HS 2012 to HS 2017. This initiative aims to enhance Timor-Leste Customs' commodity classification capabilities, integrate into the ASEAN Economic Community, and promote trade facilitation and economic development. The project encompassed tariff assessment, gap analysis, training guidance, and system upgrades, contributing to the modernization of Timor-Leste Customs.

11/03/2025 Customs Knowledge
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