Cape Verde Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Cape Verde Customs Boosts Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the WACAM project, supported Cape Verde Customs in preparing its first Time Release Study (TRS) to improve clearance efficiency and comply with the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. A workshop facilitated collaboration between customs officials and stakeholders, leading to the development of an action plan. This initiative not only enhances trade facilitation in Cape Verde but also provides a valuable reference for other developing countries. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and streamline processes for faster goods release.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Eswatini Adopts Modern HR to Improve Trade Efficiency

Eswatini Adopts Modern HR to Improve Trade Efficiency

The Eswatini Revenue Service adopted modern human resource management practices to address trade facilitation challenges. The World Customs Organization recommends building a competency framework to enhance employee capabilities and organizational competitiveness. This approach aims to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the revenue service by ensuring that employees possess the necessary skills and knowledge to meet the demands of a rapidly changing trade environment. The implementation of a competency model is crucial for aligning employee performance with organizational goals and driving sustainable growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nicaragua Uses Time Release Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nicaragua Uses Time Release Study to Boost Trade Efficiency

Nicaragua, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), is utilizing a Time Release Study (TRS) to identify and address bottlenecks in its cargo clearance process. Through on-site visits and action plan development, Nicaragua aims to reduce clearance times, enhance trade efficiency, improve competitiveness, and foster a better business environment. Facing challenges related to data accuracy, inter-agency coordination, and technical capacity, Nicaragua is actively working to overcome these obstacles and lay the foundation for future trade facilitation improvements.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tonga Customs Adopts Wcobacked Digital Clearance System

Tonga Customs Adopts Wcobacked Digital Clearance System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in Tonga to help Tonga Customs optimize processes and improve trade facilitation. Through a comprehensive internal and external assessment, the WCO expert team provided strong support for Tonga Customs' modernization efforts, envisioning a future of smart customs clearance. The mission aimed to identify areas for improvement in PCA implementation and contribute to enhanced efficiency and effectiveness of customs operations in Tonga, ultimately boosting trade and economic growth.

01/30/2026 Customs Knowledge
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West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

West Africa Launches Etransit System to Enhance Trade

With the support of the World Customs Organization, Customs administrations of five West African countries (Burkina Faso, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Senegal, and Togo) have launched the development of an electronic transit messaging system. This initiative aims to simplify cross-border transit procedures by standardizing data and sharing information, thereby improving regional trade efficiency and promoting the effective implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement. The system is expected to inject new impetus into the economic development of the West African region.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Central America Turns to Ppps to Modernize Customs Enhance Trade

Central America Turns to Ppps to Modernize Customs Enhance Trade

The World Customs Organization participated in the 'Americas Partnership for Prosperity' wrap-up meeting, focusing on customs modernization projects in Central America. The meeting highlighted the role of public-private partnerships in trade facilitation and economic development, sharing best practices and discussing risk management and AEO programs. Newly participating countries also expressed their commitment to advancing customs modernization, signaling a new chapter in regional cooperation. The discussions underscored the importance of streamlined customs procedures for boosting regional trade and investment.

02/02/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Trade and Customs Modernization in Namibia

WCO Enhances Trade and Customs Modernization in Namibia

At the request of Namibian Customs, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment to support the implementation of the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through in-depth research and tailored recommendations, the WCO aims to help Namibian Customs streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen cooperation with other development partners. The ultimate goal is to achieve customs modernization and promote economic growth in Namibia. This initiative focuses on identifying areas for improvement and providing practical guidance for enhancing trade facilitation measures.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Enhances African Customs Risk Management Against Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through the "Trade Facilitation and Customs Modernization Programme for Sustainable Development in Sub-Saharan Africa," supports Customs administrations and national environmental agencies in the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The program develops risk indicators for goods and substances controlled by the Montreal Protocol and the Basel Convention. This aims to combat the illegal cross-border movement and trade of hazardous waste, thus maintaining the sustainability of the global environment.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

WCOJICA Initiative Strengthens Customs Trade in East and Southern Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), successfully held the 3rd Working Group Activity of the Advanced Rules of Origin Trainers Project for the East and Southern Africa region in Zambia. This project aims to cultivate qualified customs trainers, enhance regional customs capacity, and facilitate the smooth implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Through systematic training and curriculum development, the project will provide a solid foundation of skilled personnel for regional trade facilitation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

WCO OECD Align Customs and Transfer Pricing to Boost Trade

A joint workshop by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) aimed to enhance the expertise of customs and tax authorities in customs valuation and transfer pricing. It promoted cooperation to resolve tax disputes and trade frictions arising from valuation differences. The workshop included rule learning, practical exchanges, and provided WCO guidelines as reference. Future efforts will focus on deepening collaboration to build a fair trade environment by addressing valuation challenges and fostering international cooperation.

02/03/2026 Customs Knowledge
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