West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

West and Central Africa Customs Struggle With Modernization Delays

The annual meeting of the West and Central Africa Customs Capacity Building Liaison Office focused on four key challenges: lack of leadership, outdated human resource management, unclear ownership of outsourced responsibilities, and difficulties in implementing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Participants shared experiences and sought greater support from the WCO, aiming to overcome these bottlenecks and promote the modernization and transformation of customs administrations in the region. The goal is to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance with international standards.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Launches AEO Program to Streamline Trade

Nicaragua Launches AEO Program to Streamline Trade

Nicaragua has launched an AEO pilot program, supported by the WCO, aimed at enhancing customs capacity, streamlining clearance procedures, reducing business operating costs, and boosting international trade competitiveness. The program includes AEO certification and Time Release Studies, designed to create an efficient and convenient customs environment and promote Nicaragua's economic development. This initiative is expected to significantly improve the ease of doing business and attract foreign investment by fostering a more predictable and reliable trade ecosystem.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

New Customs System Eases Trade Amid Environmental Rules

A WCO workshop in the EAC/SADC region helped customs administrations address environmental risks, combat illicit trade, protect the environment, and facilitate trade. The workshop aimed to strengthen customs' capacity to identify and manage environmental risks associated with cross-border movements. Businesses are encouraged to improve their compliance levels to mitigate potential risks related to environmental regulations and international trade practices. This proactive approach ensures both adherence to legal requirements and contribution to a more sustainable global trade environment.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

Asiapacific Customs Adopt Digital Tools for Modernization

The 20th Asia-Pacific WCO Regional Training Center Heads Meeting focused on digital transformation and capacity building. Discussions centered on leveraging VR technology to enhance customs training, deepening regional cooperation, evaluating the impact of capacity building initiatives, and addressing challenges posed by the pandemic. The meeting aimed to improve the professional capabilities and modernization level of customs administrations in the Asia-Pacific region by exploring innovative training methods and fostering collaboration in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

01/16/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

Colombia Boosts Customs Efficiency with Wcos GTFP Initiative

WCO remotely assisted Colombian Customs in optimizing its strategic planning, enhancing operational efficiency and performance measurement. This involved introducing project-based management and emphasizing capacity building to ensure sustainability. The assistance aimed to improve the overall effectiveness of Colombian Customs and align its operations with international best practices. The support included guidance on developing key performance indicators (KPIs) and implementing effective project management methodologies. The initiative was part of the broader GTFP project, focusing on trade facilitation and security.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

New Rules Ease Customs for Crossborder Ecommerce

A WCO report analyzes the customs clearance challenges of low-value goods in cross-border e-commerce, focusing on facilitation and risk management. It proposes optimization solutions such as intelligentization and international cooperation to improve efficiency and security. The report highlights the growing importance of addressing these challenges to ensure smooth trade flows and effective revenue collection in the rapidly expanding cross-border e-commerce landscape. It emphasizes the need for modernized customs procedures and enhanced collaboration between stakeholders.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Plan Trade Recovery Reforms

Asiapacific Customs Chiefs Plan Trade Recovery Reforms

The WCO Asia Pacific Heads of Customs Conference was held in Seoul, focusing on upgrading strategies, building smart customs, and strengthening international cooperation. Thailand was elected as the next Vice-Chair. South Korea will establish a training center to further support capacity building in the region. The conference highlighted the importance of regional collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security within the Asia Pacific region and beyond, aiming to create a more efficient and interconnected global trade environment.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Customs Adopts Remote Training for Capacity Building

Asiapacific Customs Adopts Remote Training for Capacity Building

The 19th WCO Asia/Pacific Regional Training Center Heads Meeting was held online, focusing on the challenges and practices of distance learning under the pandemic. Participants shared experiences, discussed innovative models, and emphasized collaborative construction, aiming to enhance regional customs capacity building and respond to the new international trade environment. The meeting highlighted the importance of adapting training methodologies to effectively address the evolving needs of customs administrations in the region and ensure continued professional development despite global disruptions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

WCO Private Sector Collaborate to Strengthen Global Supply Chains

The WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) meeting and Policy Commission dialogue focused on business recovery, data strategy, and green customs. Participants emphasized the need to make trade facilitation measures permanent, leverage data-driven strategies for planning, and promote green customs to build a sustainable trade ecosystem. The discussions centered on jointly addressing global trade challenges and building more resilient supply chains. The aim is to foster a robust and adaptable global trade environment capable of weathering future disruptions.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Abu Dhabi Customs Streamlines Trade with Preruling System

Abu Dhabi Customs Streamlines Trade with Preruling System

Abu Dhabi Customs is actively implementing an Advance Ruling System to optimize commodity classification, valuation, and origin processes, aiming to comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through legal framework and infrastructure upgrades, with technical support from the WCO, Customs is committed to raising trader awareness and officer capabilities. The Advance Ruling System is expected to reduce trade costs, improve efficiency, enhance compliance, and attract more foreign investment, injecting new momentum into Abu Dhabi's trade development.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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