Burkina Faso Adopts Wcos Modernized Customs System to Enhance Trade

Burkina Faso Adopts Wcos Modernized Customs System to Enhance Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO), with funding from the Swedish government through the West Africa Customs Modernization Project (MADAO), held a capacity building workshop on the Harmonized System (HS) and Advance Ruling for Burkina Faso Customs. The workshop aimed to enhance the professional skills of Burkina Faso Customs officials, assist the country in establishing an efficient and transparent advance ruling system, improve trade facilitation, and attract foreign investment. This initiative supports Burkina Faso's efforts to modernize its customs procedures and promote economic growth.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Ghana Establishes Customs Committee to Enhance Trade

Ghana Establishes Customs Committee to Enhance Trade

The Ghana Revenue Authority successfully launched a Joint Consultative Committee at Tema Port, aiming to optimize the trade environment and promote economic development through multi-stakeholder participation and collaborative governance. This initiative draws on international experience and implements the Trade Facilitation Agreement, strengthening capacity building. It offers valuable lessons for other countries and marks a significant step forward for Ghana in its trade facilitation journey. The committee is expected to streamline customs procedures and reduce trade barriers, ultimately boosting Ghana's economic competitiveness.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tajikistan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

Tajikistan Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided Goods Release Time Study (TRS) capacity building assistance to Tajikistan Customs, aiming to optimize customs procedures. TRS, a diagnostic tool, enhances customs efficiency, reduces trade costs, and promotes international trade facilitation through time measurement, bottleneck identification, and reform recommendations. The assistance included workshops, methodological guidance, and experience sharing, helping Tajikistan improve clearance efficiency and promote economic development. The goal is to streamline processes and contribute to a more efficient and competitive trade environment for Tajikistan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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OMD OSCE Target Cultural Heritage Trafficking in Eastern Europe Central Asia

OMD OSCE Target Cultural Heritage Trafficking in Eastern Europe Central Asia

The WCO and OSCE jointly organized a virtual PITCH training to enhance the capacity of customs administrations in Eastern Europe and Central Asia to combat the trafficking of cultural property. The training covered key areas such as identification, risk assessment, and international cooperation. This initiative aims to strengthen regional efforts in protecting cultural heritage by equipping customs officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively identify and intercept illicit cultural artifacts, fostering collaboration across borders to disrupt smuggling networks.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Advances Global Trade with Regional Framework

WCO Advances Global Trade with Regional Framework

The WCO promotes trade facilitation through its regional architecture, emphasizing capacity building, strategic planning, and cooperation. It leverages platforms like CLiKC! to address global trade challenges. This regional approach allows for tailored solutions and stronger partnerships within specific geographic areas. By fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, the WCO aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and ultimately contribute to increased economic growth and development within the regions it serves. This includes harmonizing standards and promoting the adoption of international best practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Tightens Border Security with Riskbased Screening

Laos Tightens Border Security with Riskbased Screening

With the support of the World Customs Organization, the Lao People's Democratic Republic is actively building a risk-based passenger clearance mechanism through capacity-building workshops. This mechanism aims to enhance border security, improve customs clearance efficiency, and optimize resource allocation. Facing challenges in data analysis, technology application, and inter-agency collaboration, Laos' experience provides valuable lessons for other developing countries. The implementation focuses on streamlined processes and targeted inspections, improving overall border management while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Trade Controls in Azerbaijan to Counter WMD Threats

WCO Boosts Trade Controls in Azerbaijan to Counter WMD Threats

The WCO's ACES project has assisted Azerbaijan Customs in enhancing its control over weapons of mass destruction. This initiative involved training customs officers and certifying experts, enabling Azerbaijan to fulfill UN Security Council resolutions and contribute to building a global security barrier. The project strengthens strategic trade control and customs capacity building, ultimately aiming to prevent the proliferation of WMDs and ensure a safer global environment. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing critical security challenges.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Armenia Boosts Customs Efficiency Via Wcos Blue Corridor Initiative

Armenia Boosts Customs Efficiency Via Wcos Blue Corridor Initiative

Armenia is collaborating with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance trade facilitation by building an efficient "Blue Lane" through improved risk management and post-clearance audit capabilities. A WCO expert team conducted a diagnostic mission to Armenia, providing support for optimizing its risk management system, refining post-clearance audit mechanisms, strengthening international cooperation, and enhancing the capacity of customs officers. This collaboration aims to assist Armenia in achieving its trade facilitation goals by modernizing customs procedures and reducing barriers to trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

Customs Enhances Aid CRED Project Innovates Epidemic Response

The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s C-RED project aims to enhance the capacity of West African customs to respond to epidemics. Through multilateral cooperation and streamlined customs procedures, it has significantly improved the region's efficiency in responding to emergencies. The C-RED+ project plans to expand its coverage and leverage new technologies to build a more robust lifeline, providing a stronger guarantee for global humanitarian assistance. This initiative strengthens customs' role in facilitating aid delivery and ensuring timely responses to crises.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Seychelles Customs Officials Enhance Valuation Skills in WCO Training

Seychelles Customs Officials Enhance Valuation Skills in WCO Training

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a customs valuation training in Seychelles to enhance the practical skills of the country's customs officers. The training focused on the core principles of the WTO Agreement on Customs Valuation, combining theoretical knowledge with practical exercises. This initiative is part of the WCO's capacity building project, aimed at assisting developing countries in improving customs administration, promoting trade facilitation, and increasing revenue collection. Accurate customs valuation is crucial for ensuring revenue integrity and maintaining fair trade practices.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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