EU Boosts Cameroons Customs Classification Skills

EU Boosts Cameroons Customs Classification Skills

The World Customs Organization is assisting Cameroon in implementing its customs modernization program, with funding from the European Union, focusing on enhancing tariff classification capabilities. Through training workshops held in Douala, Cameroonian customs officials learned about the HS coding system, case studies, and trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy of commodity classification, promote regional integration, and foster trade development. The program emphasizes practical application and knowledge transfer to ensure sustainable improvements in customs procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

Central America Adopts Kyoto Convention to Modernize Customs

The Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO)-World Customs Organization Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) launched an assistance program in Central America to help countries adopt the Revised Kyoto Convention, simplify customs procedures, and promote trade facilitation. Through workshops, self-assessments, and capacity building, the project will support Central America in improving customs management and integrating into the global trade system. The initiative aims to enhance efficiency and transparency in customs operations across the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

Tonga Customs Workshop Boosts Trade Efficiency

In January 2025, the WCO and Tonga Customs jointly held a workshop on tariff rulings in Nuku'alofa, aiming to enhance Tonga Customs' tariff classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund, the workshop covered WCO guidelines, Tonga Customs practices, action plan development, and expert experience sharing. Through capacity building, institutional improvement, technical support, and international cooperation, Tonga Customs will be better positioned to serve national economic development.

01/23/2025 Customs Knowledge
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St Lucia Customs CCLEC Enhance Trade Ties in Caribbean

St Lucia Customs CCLEC Enhance Trade Ties in Caribbean

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Saint Lucia, meeting with Saint Lucia Customs, the Caribbean Customs Law Enforcement Council (CCLEC), and government officials. Discussions focused on the trade challenges and opportunities facing small island economies in the Caribbean region. The visit emphasized the importance of customs reform and regional cooperation. The Secretary General also conducted field visits to observe customs operations, with the aim of promoting regional trade facilitation and security. The overall goal is to enhance trade efficiency and security within the Caribbean.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

Lao Customs Adopts Japanese Expertise to Curb Smuggling

In 2017, Lao Customs officers participated in a training program on airport compliance and enforcement, supported by the World Customs Organization and sponsored by the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund. The training aimed to enhance Lao Customs' capabilities in passenger risk management. Through theoretical learning and practical exercises, participants mastered key skills such as risk assessment, risk profiling, and target selection. They also learned practical methods including verbal and non-verbal risk assessment and questioning techniques. This initiative contributes to the modernization of Lao Customs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

Hungary Conference Explores Tax and Customs Cooperation Reforms

A tax and customs cooperation conference held in Hungary focused on improving the synergistic efficiency of tax and customs departments. The World Customs Organization emphasized the importance of data sharing, joint risk management, and capacity building. The conference also commemorated Hungarian customs pioneers and explored future cooperation trends towards intelligence and synergy, aiming to build a more prosperous and secure international trade environment. The discussions highlighted the need for streamlined processes and enhanced collaboration to facilitate legitimate trade while combating illicit activities.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

Global Customs Crack Down on Fake COVID19 Vaccines Illicit Trade

The World Customs Organization launched the "COVID-19-related Goods Cross-Border Transport Facilitation and Coordination Customs Supervision Emergency Project." This initiative combats counterfeit vaccines and related illicit trade while ensuring the smooth flow of legitimate goods. The project strengthens customs cooperation, enhances regulatory capabilities, optimizes customs clearance processes, and collaborates closely with vaccine companies, the transportation industry, and international organizations. This collaborative effort aims to secure the global vaccine supply chain and contribute to the global fight against the pandemic.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey Boosts Trade Ties to Spur Postpandemic Recovery

Turkey hosted its first International Customs Trade Conference, where the Secretary-General of the World Customs Organization emphasized Turkey's importance as a global supply chain hub. He called for strengthened customs and trade cooperation to facilitate post-pandemic economic recovery. Turkey is committed to customs modernization and enhanced international collaboration to address global trade challenges and promote economic development. The conference highlighted the need for streamlined processes and innovative solutions to ensure efficient and secure trade flows in a rapidly changing global landscape.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcokorea Program Boosts Global Customs Trade Efficiency

Wcokorea Program Boosts Global Customs Trade Efficiency

The 4th WCO-Korea Customs & Business Administration Advanced Training Program successfully concluded at Seoul National University, with customs officials from 10 developing countries participating. The program aimed to provide a theoretical framework for international trade and business management, helping participants address customs challenges. Through a combination of theory and practice, the program enhanced participants' capabilities. The WCO also provided support for customs reform and modernization. All parties will continue to collaborate and contribute to the development of global customs affairs.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

Revised Kyoto Convention Boosts Global Trade Efficiency

The 23rd session of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) Management Committee marked a crucial second phase in the RKC review. The meeting approved the WGRKC's final report and discussed the business case for the RKC review, laying the groundwork for subsequent revisions. The RKC's revision will streamline customs procedures, enhance transparency, and promote global trade facilitation, significantly impacting businesses. This update aims to modernize customs practices and adapt to evolving global trade patterns, ultimately reducing costs and delays for international trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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