Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Asiapacific Nations Boost Trade with Streamlined Customs Corridors

Customs experts from the Asia-Pacific region gathered in India to discuss best practices in customs transit. The workshop focused on the WCO Transit Guidelines, shared experiences in railway transit, and explored future development directions. The aim was to strengthen regional cooperation, promote the application of information technology, improve laws and regulations, enhance capacity building, and foster public-private partnerships. Ultimately, the goal is to jointly build a new landscape for customs transit in the Asia-Pacific region, facilitating smoother and more efficient trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Southern Africa Boosts Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Partnership

Southern Africa Boosts Customs Skills Via WCOJICA Partnership

A WCO/JICA-supported customs valuation training program for Southern Africa took place in Botswana. The initiative aimed to enhance the customs valuation capabilities of five countries in the region. By improving valuation practices, the project contributes to regional economic development and facilitates smoother trade flows within Southern Africa. The training program focused on equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to accurately assess the value of imported goods, ensuring fair and efficient revenue collection and promoting a level playing field for businesses.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zambia Adopts Digital Customs System to Speed Air Cargo Clearance

Zambia Adopts Digital Customs System to Speed Air Cargo Clearance

With the support of the WCO, Zambia Customs is accelerating its digital transformation of air cargo clearance, optimizing clearance processes, and improving efficiency while reducing costs. By collaborating with various stakeholders, Zambia is expected to achieve a significant digital leap in air cargo clearance in 2023. This advancement aims to promote trade growth and economic development by streamlining customs procedures and minimizing delays. The digitalization initiative is a key component of Zambia's broader efforts to modernize its customs operations and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked KPI System

Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked KPI System

The WCO assisted Colombian Customs in enhancing its strategic performance. Through the GTFP project, DIAN optimized its KPI system and strengthened project management, contributing to trade facilitation. This initiative aimed to improve efficiency and effectiveness within the customs administration, ultimately supporting smoother and faster trade processes. The focus was on aligning strategic goals with operational performance, ensuring that customs activities effectively contribute to national trade objectives and economic growth. The project's success hinges on continuous monitoring and evaluation of the implemented KPIs and project management practices.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Advocates Digital Customs to Ease Ecommerce Trade Barriers

WTO Advocates Digital Customs to Ease Ecommerce Trade Barriers

During the 2016 WTO Public Forum, a joint WCO/AAEI session focused on the role of digital customs in facilitating cross-border e-commerce. Discussions covered e-commerce definitions, customs challenges, platform compliance, national practices, and industry recommendations. The session emphasized building an open, convenient, and secure cross-border e-commerce environment through simplified regulations, enhanced cooperation, technological innovation, and support for SMEs. The goal is to promote global trade prosperity by leveraging digital customs and fostering a more efficient and inclusive e-commerce ecosystem.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Trade Security

Wcos SAFE Framework Enhances Global Trade Security

The 28th SAFE Working Group (SWG) meeting focused on upgrading and monitoring the implementation of the SAFE Framework. Discussions included the implementation monitoring questionnaire, the WCO Data Strategy, the Green Customs Initiative, and capacity building activities. The revised SWG work plan was approved. The meeting also deepened cooperation between customs and sectors such as aviation and ports, injecting new momentum into the future development of global trade. The discussions aimed to enhance efficiency and security in international trade through improved customs procedures and collaboration.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

Revised Kyoto Convention Hits 113 Members Boosts Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) now has 113 contracting parties, with the Republic of Congo being the latest addition. This convention, recognized as the blueprint for modern customs by the international customs community, aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures, thereby facilitating global trade. It emphasizes the application of information technology, risk management, enhanced cooperation with the trade community, and the establishment of accessible appeal systems. The WCO encourages more members to join and implement the convention's provisions to build a more competitive global economy.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

Mali Customs Adopts Competencybased HR Modernization

With WCO support, Mali Customs initiated a competency-based human resource modernization reform. This aims to build a high-quality, professional workforce through a modern training system, career development system, and integrity policies. The goal is to enhance overall customs performance, strengthen organizational competitiveness, and promote Mali's sustainable economic development. This paper analyzes the reform's background, objectives, key achievements, challenges, and opportunities. It also proposes recommendations for an action plan to further the reform's success and ensure its long-term impact on the Malian customs administration.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Promotes Trade Ease Via Publicprivate Partnerships at COMALEP

WCO Promotes Trade Ease Via Publicprivate Partnerships at COMALEP

The WCO participated in the COMALEP meeting and private sector forum to deepen public-private partnerships and promote trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized the importance of the private sector in customs policy development and explored issues such as regional customs cooperation, technological challenges, and fiscal risk management. The WCO's strategic leadership and the deepening of regional cooperation will contribute to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Singapores Tradefirst Initiative Enhances Business Compliance Efficiency

Singapores Tradefirst Initiative Enhances Business Compliance Efficiency

Singapore's TradeFirst program integrates services like AEO to enhance compliance and efficiency for businesses. The WCO has acknowledged its customer-centric approach and explored its potential support for regional customs reforms. It aims to streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve overall competitiveness for participating companies. TradeFirst represents a significant step towards modernizing customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and reliable trading environment in Singapore and potentially beyond.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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