Niger Enhances Trade Skills with WTO Workshop

Niger Enhances Trade Skills with WTO Workshop

In 2010, the WTO held a trade facilitation workshop in Niger to identify the country's needs and priorities through self-assessment. Experts from UNCTAD and WCO assisted in the workshop, enhancing Nigerien officials' awareness of international trade challenges and clarifying actions aligned with WTO principles. The workshop focused on customs issues, deepening participants' understanding of international trade and customs affairs, and contributing to Niger's integration into the global trading system.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

Lesotho Implements Customs Preruling System to Ease Trade

The WCO is assisting Lesotho in establishing a customs advance ruling system to reduce trade costs and improve customs clearance efficiency. Discussions between the two parties covered legal amendments, software upgrades, and the development of an action plan to promote economic development. This initiative aims to streamline trade processes, provide greater certainty for traders, and ultimately contribute to Lesotho's economic growth by fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership with Executive Training

Bolivia Customs Boosts Leadership with Executive Training

Bolivia Customs, through its participation in the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, successfully held an executive leadership and management development workshop. This workshop aimed to enhance the leadership capabilities of the senior management team to address future strategic challenges. Through team building, individual leadership development, and negotiation skills training, the workshop significantly strengthened team cohesion and improved leadership skills, laying a solid foundation for the future development of Bolivia Customs.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Streamlines Ecommerce Customs Via SECOWCO Program

Colombia Streamlines Ecommerce Customs Via SECOWCO Program

Under the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme Phase II, Colombia hosted a workshop focusing on accelerated customs clearance, with a particular emphasis on the e-commerce sector. The workshop aimed to improve the efficiency of customs clearance for cross-border e-commerce in Colombia, promoting its integration into the global trading system. This was to be achieved through streamlining processes, optimizing risk management, and leveraging technological applications to facilitate trade.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Enhances Customs Oversight with Audit Training Completion

East Africa Enhances Customs Oversight with Audit Training Completion

The WCO and JICA's joint "Master Trainer Programme" successfully concluded in East Africa, training 18 post-clearance audit experts and developing regional training materials. This initiative aims to enhance customs audit capabilities in East Africa, facilitating trade, combating smuggling, and safeguarding economic security. The project is expected to inject new momentum into regional development by strengthening customs administration and promoting efficient trade practices within the East African Community.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Tackles Trade Tech Gender Gaps Island Economies

Global Customs Body Tackles Trade Tech Gender Gaps Island Economies

The 221st/222nd meetings of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee focused on the development of Small Island Economies, Gender Equality, and the application of Technological Foresight. Discussions centered on customs procedures and trade facilitation. The meeting emphasized support for Small Island Economies, highlighted the advancement of women in information technology, and explored the application of technologies like blockchain in customs. The outcomes provide valuable insights and recommendations for the Policy Commission.

02/06/2026 Customs Knowledge
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El Salvador Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Adopts WCO Data Model to Boost Trade Efficiency

El Salvador Customs is actively adopting the WCO Data Model to enhance clearance efficiency and promote trade development. By standardizing data, system interoperability is achieved, reducing trade costs and improving supply chain security. This initiative brings faster clearance speeds, enhanced competitiveness, and a more secure and reliable supply chain to businesses. This signals a brighter trade future for El Salvador Customs, fostering economic growth and facilitating international commerce.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Program Strengthens Pacific Islands Customs Trade Efficiency

WCOJICA Program Strengthens Pacific Islands Customs Trade Efficiency

The WCO/JICA Joint Master Trainer Programme aims to enhance customs capacity in Pacific Island countries. Through long-term training and customized material development, the program cultivates a high-quality team of trainers. The 4th Working Group Meeting, held in Fiji, focused on refining training materials, improving training skills, and learning from international best practices. These efforts contribute to building a sustainable customs capacity building system in the region.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Algeria Boosts Customs Enforcement with Dutch Lab Support

Algeria Boosts Customs Enforcement with Dutch Lab Support

Algerian customs experts visited the Netherlands to study the organization, technology, and training experience of Dutch customs laboratories. This visit aims to support the establishment of a new laboratory in Algeria and enhance Algerian customs enforcement capabilities. The Algerian delegation focused on learning best practices in laboratory management, analytical techniques, and staff training programs. The knowledge gained will be instrumental in developing a state-of-the-art customs laboratory in Algeria, ultimately strengthening the country's ability to combat illicit trade and protect its borders.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Initiative Boosts Trade for Landlocked Nations

WCO Initiative Boosts Trade for Landlocked Nations

The WCO supports landlocked developing countries (LLDCs) in integrating into global trade by simplifying transit procedures and reducing costs. Global transit conferences and WCO guidelines aim to build efficient and interconnected trade networks to promote development. These initiatives focus on streamlining customs processes, enhancing cooperation between transit countries, and improving infrastructure to facilitate the smooth and cost-effective movement of goods. Ultimately, the WCO's efforts contribute to the economic growth and diversification of LLDCs by connecting them to global markets.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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