WCO Backs African Customs Agencies to Strengthen Green Trade

WCO Backs African Customs Agencies to Strengthen Green Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the UN Environment Programme and the Basel Convention Secretariat, conducted workshops in Kenya and Tanzania. These workshops aimed to enhance the knowledge and enforcement capabilities of the two countries' customs departments regarding the Basel Convention and the Montreal Protocol. This initiative is part of the Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to promote sustainable development in Sub-Saharan Africa and strengthen the role of customs in environmental protection. The workshops focused on identifying and intercepting illegal shipments of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

Global Groups Simplify Crossborder Rail Amid Pandemic

A joint statement by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the Intergovernmental Organisation for International Carriage by Rail (OTIF), and the Organization for Cooperation between Railways (OSJD) aims to coordinate and facilitate cross-border rail transport during the pandemic. It encourages the temporary acceptance of electronic documents to simplify customs procedures. Based on the Revised Kyoto Convention, this initiative seeks to ensure the continuity and facilitation of international rail transport and promote digital transformation within the rail transport industry.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

Guinea Boosts Trade Efficiency with Stakeholder Partnerships

With support from the Swedish-funded WACAM project, Guinea, in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the World Bank, has strengthened communication among stakeholders in trade facilitation. Through training initiatives and the establishment of a port advisory committee in Conakry, the aim is to improve customs efficiency and promote collaboration among all parties. This effort seeks to enhance the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and foster Guinea's international trade development.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ethiopia Boosts Trade with WCO Harmonized System Partnership

Ethiopia Boosts Trade with WCO Harmonized System Partnership

The Ethiopian Customs Commission (ECC), in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO), enhances the professional capacity of its officers in the Harmonized System (HS). This article emphasizes the importance of commodity classification, shares highlights from the ECC's study visit, and provides references and suggestions for customs and enterprises in other developing countries. The aim is to improve trade competitiveness through strengthened customs expertise and efficient classification practices, ultimately contributing to smoother international trade flows.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Customs Risk Management in Americas Caribbean

WCO Enhances Customs Risk Management in Americas Caribbean

With funding from the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a pre-accreditation workshop on risk management for technical advisors in the Americas and Caribbean region in Guatemala. The workshop aimed to expand the WCO's pool of experts and enhance the risk management capabilities of member customs administrations. Participants' technical knowledge, skills, and teamwork abilities were assessed during the seminar, laying the foundation for regional customs modernization efforts.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

Costa Rica Streamlines Trade with New Customs Preruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Costa Rica in upgrading its customs system, with a focus on implementing an Advance Ruling System to enhance commodity classification and origin management, thereby facilitating trade. This initiative aims to improve customs clearance efficiency, reduce trade costs, and increase trade certainty by providing businesses with clearer expectations. This approach is a valuable model for other countries and businesses seeking to streamline their customs processes and improve trade efficiency.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Postclearance Audit Strategy

Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Postclearance Audit Strategy

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop for Kazakhstan, aiming to enhance the country's customs control and promote trade compliance. The workshop emphasized the importance of risk management, information sharing, and cooperation, assisting Kazakhstan Customs in building a more efficient and intelligent control system. This contributes to trade facilitation and security by strengthening Kazakhstan's ability to effectively manage post-clearance activities and ensure compliance with customs regulations.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Publishes Arabic PCA Guidelines to Enhance Trade Compliance

WCO Publishes Arabic PCA Guidelines to Enhance Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the Arabic version of the Post-Clearance Audit Guidelines, Volume 2, translated by Jordan Customs. This aims to enhance post-clearance audit efficiency in Arabic-speaking regions. The guidelines, consisting of two volumes, are tailored for customs management and frontline auditors, offering strategic guidance and practical operational advice to promote global trade compliance. It provides valuable insights and tools for effective audit processes and strengthens overall customs control.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Oman Strengthens Customs Audits to Improve Trade Compliance

Oman Strengthens Customs Audits to Improve Trade Compliance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Oman Customs in enhancing its post-clearance audit capabilities. Through workshops, Omani customs officials are empowered with key skills such as risk-oriented auditing and document interpretation. This improved audit capacity of Oman Customs will have a significant impact on companies engaged in import and export trade in Oman. Businesses need to strengthen compliance management and proactively address the new challenges and opportunities arising from these enhancements.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Boosts Trade with Wcosupported AEO Program

Madagascar Boosts Trade with Wcosupported AEO Program

A World Customs Organization (WCO) expert team visited Madagascar to assist its customs administration in implementing the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The goal is to enhance supply chain security and efficiency, thereby promoting trade facilitation. The mission covered AEO simplified procedures, customs support measures, standards and benefits, and international best practices. This initiative aims to bring new highlights to Madagascar's customs management and lay the foundation for the country's sustainable economic development.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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