Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

Gambia Revenue Authority Upgrades HR Systems with WCO Aid

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, supports the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in modernizing its Human Resource Management (HRM). GRA is pioneering a competency-based HRM approach in West and Central Africa, reviewing and refining key tools such as job catalogs and competency frameworks. This initiative aims to build a highly qualified tax workforce, improve operational efficiency and service delivery, and contribute significantly to national economic development. The focus is on creating a sustainable and effective HRM system within the GRA.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

Global Trade Initiative Extended to Boost Sustainable Growth

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), jointly launched by the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been officially extended for another year. The program aims to simplify trade procedures, enhance transparency, strengthen international cooperation, and build capacity to promote global trade development. This extension provides beneficiary countries with more opportunities to further advance trade facilitation reforms and improve their competitiveness in global trade. It allows for continued support in streamlining customs processes and fostering a more efficient and predictable trading environment.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New UN Tool Targets Global Plastic Waste by 2028

New UN Tool Targets Global Plastic Waste by 2028

To more effectively manage the growing global plastic waste pollution problem, the World Customs Organization (WCO) will implement a new version of the Harmonized System (HS) in 2028. This revision introduces more specific subheadings for plastic waste, providing customs authorities and businesses worldwide with more precise tools for regulation and compliance. This enhancement aims to better implement the requirements of the Basel Convention, combat illegal plastic waste trafficking, and ultimately protect the global environment. The refined HS codes will enable improved monitoring and control of plastic waste movement across borders.

01/30/2026 HS Code Query
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WTO WCO Boost Customs Valuation in St Lucia

WTO WCO Boost Customs Valuation in St Lucia

A joint workshop by the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization aimed to enhance Saint Lucia's customs valuation capabilities and optimize its trade environment. The workshop covered topics including the Valuation Agreement, technical analysis, dispute resolution, and risk management. The goal was to improve the expertise and skills of Saint Lucian customs officials, ultimately fostering the country's economic development. By strengthening customs valuation practices, Saint Lucia can promote fair trade and attract investment, contributing to sustainable economic growth.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lebanon Customs Adopts WCO Risk Management for Trade Security

Lebanon Customs Adopts WCO Risk Management for Trade Security

Lebanese Customs, in collaboration with the WCO, held a risk management workshop to enhance Lebanese Customs' risk management capabilities and build a new line of defense for trade security. The workshop covered risk management organization, assessment, targeting, and information intelligence, emphasizing systems thinking and resource optimization. It also introduced relevant WCO tools. This collaboration marks a significant step for Lebanese Customs in risk management, contributing to a new landscape of global trade security. The workshop aimed to improve efficiency and safety in international trade.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

Madagascar Revamps HR to Strengthen Tax Revenue

The Madagascar Revenue Authority (MRA), with support from the World Customs Organization (WCO), launched an HR modernization project. This initiative aims to enhance operational efficiency, optimize tax collection, and improve employee engagement by building a competency-based HR management system. The MRA will focus on developing a highly skilled and professional tax workforce through competency models, digital empowerment, and cultural transformation. This transformation will enable the MRA to contribute more significantly to Madagascar's economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Trade Aid for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

WCO Enhances Trade Aid for Landlocked Nations During Pandemic

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) emphasized at the Annual Conference of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) the WCO's commitment to supporting LLDCs in overcoming pandemic challenges and accelerating trade facilitation to achieve sustainable development goals through standard setting, capacity building, and enhanced cooperation. WCO's specific initiatives include promoting international standards, fostering regional cooperation, addressing the impact of the pandemic, and promoting data-driven decision-making.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Customs Body Warns of Rising Smuggling Threats

Global Customs Body Warns of Rising Smuggling Threats

The World Customs Organization (WCO) released its latest 'Smuggling Trends Report,' providing an in-depth analysis of illicit trade dynamics and trends, offering risk alerts and compliance guidance for businesses. The report emphasizes the importance of international cooperation in helping businesses identify vulnerabilities, strengthen supply chain security, and maintain global trade stability. It serves as a valuable resource for understanding evolving smuggling patterns and implementing proactive measures to mitigate risks associated with illegal trade activities.

02/12/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

Lesotho Revenue Authority Adopts Competencybased HR System

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is actively implementing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance operational efficiency and tax collection capabilities. Supported by the World Customs Organization (WCO) through training and capacity building, the LRA aims to modernize its HR practices, establishing a transparent and efficient system. This initiative seeks to better serve the nation's economic development by improving the skills and performance of its workforce within the tax administration.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Zimbabwe Fasttracks Trade Single Window with WCO Backing

Zimbabwe Fasttracks Trade Single Window with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Zimbabwe's Electronic Single Window (ZeSW) project by conducting workshops to enhance interaction with cooperating government agencies and improve trade facilitation. The workshops covered key topics such as the single window model and data harmonization, and shared Nigeria's successful experiences. Zimbabwe is committed to following the workshop recommendations to promote the construction of ZeSW and facilitate economic development. The focus is on streamlining processes and data exchange for efficient trade.

02/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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