WCO Guide Aids Customs Agencies in Adopting Virtual Training

WCO Guide Aids Customs Agencies in Adopting Virtual Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released the 'Guide to Successful Transition to Live Virtual Training,' offering strategies and techniques to help customs administrations effectively transition to virtual training modalities. Endorsed by reputable institutions and available in multiple languages, the guide covers needs analysis, instructor preparation, learner management, engagement strategies, and evaluation mechanisms. It aims to enhance training effectiveness and address challenges posed by crises. This guide provides practical advice for designing and delivering engaging and impactful virtual training programs for customs officials.

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.

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.

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

WCO Boosts Supply Chain Resilience in Americas Caribbean

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Americas and Caribbean region celebrated International Customs Day, emphasizing the theme of "Recovery, Renewal, Resilience." The focus was on technology empowerment, international cooperation, green development, and a people-centered approach. The aim is to reshape sustainable global supply chains, contributing to global trade security and economic prosperity. The celebration highlighted the importance of customs administrations in building resilient and adaptable systems to face future challenges and support global recovery efforts.

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

Asiapacific Adopts Standardized Ecommerce Customs Rules

The WCO Asia-Pacific E-commerce Symposium focuses on 15 core standards for cross-border e-commerce, aiming to promote regional e-commerce standardization, ensure smooth trade flows, and boost economic recovery. The symposium highlights the importance of harmonized customs procedures and data standards to facilitate efficient and secure cross-border transactions within the Asia-Pacific region. By adopting these standards, countries can reduce trade barriers, enhance transparency, and foster greater trust among trading partners, ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth and development in the region.

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.

Philippines Customs Boosts IP Protection Via WCO Training

Philippines Customs Boosts IP Protection Via WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for the Bureau of Customs of the Philippines, aiming to enhance its capacity to combat counterfeiting and piracy, and address intellectual property protection challenges during the pandemic. The workshop covered customs' responsibilities under the pandemic, WCO tools and instruments, and rights holders' involvement. This initiative seeks to improve the Philippines Customs' ability to protect intellectual property rights, maintain social security, and safeguard the economic order. The focus was on practical strategies and collaborative approaches to effectively combat IP violations.

Sri Lanka Tackles Plastic Waste With World Customs Support

Sri Lanka Tackles Plastic Waste With World Customs Support

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Sri Lanka Customs in upgrading its border controls to address the growing problem of cross-border plastic waste flows. Through virtual diagnostic missions, customized implementation plans, and regional workshops, the WCO aims to strengthen customs' management of plastic waste, curb illegal shipments, protect the environment, and build a new global framework for plastic waste governance. This initiative highlights the importance of international collaboration in tackling environmental challenges and enhancing customs' role in preventing illicit trade.

WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

WCO Releases New Rules for Crossborder Ecommerce Shipments

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a report addressing the challenges of customs clearance for low-value cross-border e-commerce parcels. It proposes solutions in five areas: facilitation, risk management, data exchange, anti-counterfeiting regulation, and tax collection. The aim is to improve customs clearance efficiency, maintain market order, and promote the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. The report provides guidance for customs administrations to streamline processes, enhance security, and ensure fair revenue collection in the rapidly growing e-commerce landscape.

WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

The WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement emphasized the WCO's crucial role in implementing the TFA. Discussions centered on supporting global trade flow through tools and initiatives like National Trade Facilitation Committees, Coordinated Border Management, Time Release Studies, and the Mercator Programme. The meeting also approved a study tool designed to assist members in submitting national practice case studies easily incorporated into implementation guidelines. This aims to further streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency at borders worldwide.