WCO JICA Team Up to Enhance African Trade Facilitation

WCO JICA Team Up to Enhance African Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance trade facilitation in Africa. This initiative focuses on improving Africa's competitiveness in global value chains through the development of One-Stop Border Posts, capacity building, and the optimization of trade corridors. The WCO Secretary General also lectured scholarship students on strategic priorities, emphasizing information exchange, agreement implementation, and e-commerce regulation. These efforts aim to support sustainable economic development across the African continent.

01/27/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Pacific Islands Enhance Customs Skills Via WCO Training Program

Pacific Islands Enhance Customs Skills Via WCO Training Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a Harmonized System (HS) expert development program for Pacific Island Countries, aiming to enhance customs capacity in the region by building a regional pool of experts. The first working group activity was held in October 2021, with the participation of customs administrations from six countries, including Fiji and Papua New Guinea. This initiative, a collaboration between the WCO and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), seeks to promote trade development and economic cooperation among Pacific Island Countries.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

Botswana Strengthens Environmental Enforcement at Borders

The World Customs Organization, in collaboration with UNEP and others, held a workshop for Botswana Customs to enhance their understanding of the Basel and Montreal Conventions. This initiative aims to strengthen their capacity to control the cross-border movement of hazardous waste and ozone-depleting substances. The workshop supports Botswana in building a green border and similar activities are planned for other beneficiary countries. The goal is to improve customs' ability to enforce environmental agreements and protect the environment through effective border management.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Africaasia Customs Boost Wildlife Trafficking Fight Via INAMA

Africaasia Customs Boost Wildlife Trafficking Fight Via INAMA

The INAMA project supports nine countries in Africa and Asia to enhance their capacity to combat illegal wildlife trade (IWT) by deploying expert missions. The project focuses on training frameworks, legal instruments, risk management, and action plans. Funded by the U.S. Department of State and the Customs Cooperation Fund, this initiative aims to effectively curb IWT crimes and protect global biodiversity through international cooperation. It strengthens customs enforcement and promotes sustainable solutions to address the complex challenges posed by wildlife trafficking.

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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TMS Cuts Logistics Costs Optimizes Supply Chains

TMS Cuts Logistics Costs Optimizes Supply Chains

Facing rising freight costs, capacity constraints, and demand for supply chain visibility, businesses need to implement a Transportation Management System (TMS) to optimize logistics. TMS helps reduce costs, improve efficiency, and enhance transparency by automating transportation planning, tracking shipments in real-time, and optimizing carrier selection. Successful TMS implementation requires clearly defined goals, selecting the right system, developing a detailed plan, and continuously improving the process. The system enables companies to achieve cost reduction and efficiency gains in their transportation operations.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Botswana Modernizes Tax System with Datadriven Talent Upgrade

Botswana Modernizes Tax System with Datadriven Talent Upgrade

With the assistance of the World Customs Organization, the Botswana Unified Revenue Service (BURS) is implementing a competency-based human resource management system. This initiative aims to enhance tax collection efficiency and improve international competitiveness. The focus on capacity building and talent development is crucial for modernizing the tax administration and ensuring its long-term effectiveness in a globalized economy. This strategic approach is designed to equip the BURS with the skilled workforce necessary to meet the evolving challenges of tax administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Trucking Industry Debates Hours of Service Rules Impact

Trucking Industry Debates Hours of Service Rules Impact

This paper analyzes the impact of HOS regulations on shippers, highlighting potential consequences such as reduced capacity, increased costs, and heightened supply chain disruption risks. The paper suggests that shippers can mitigate these challenges by optimizing transportation plans, strengthening carrier partnerships, diversifying risk, and proactively planning. Furthermore, it recommends active participation in industry events to advocate for a more favorable policy environment. By implementing these strategies, shippers can better navigate the complexities introduced by HOS regulations and maintain efficient and resilient supply chains.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Chinaeurope Shipping Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Strains

Chinaeurope Shipping Costs Surge Amid Supply Chain Strains

This paper delves into the underlying reasons for the surge in China-Europe sea freight rates, encompassing factors such as soaring demand, capacity shortages, port congestion, rising oil prices, environmental regulations, labor shortages, and geopolitical risks. The article also outlines the three main shipping routes between China and Europe and offers a perspective on the future challenges and opportunities in the shipping market. The rise in sea freight rates has the most significant impact on industries such as manufacturing, retail, and agriculture.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Global Shipping Routes Face Shifts Amid Strategic Port Rivalries

Global Shipping Routes Face Shifts Amid Strategic Port Rivalries

This article provides an in-depth analysis of major global ocean shipping routes, including those in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. It details key ports in Asia, the Americas, and Europe. The analysis focuses on the characteristics, transit times, freight rates, geographical locations, throughput capacity, and operational efficiency of each route and port. The aim is to offer a practical shipping guide for foreign trade professionals, helping them optimize transportation plans, reduce costs, and effectively manage various shipping risks.

01/26/2026 Logistics Encyclopedia
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