WCO Boosts Nicaraguas Trade and Security Through Customs Reform

WCO Boosts Nicaraguas Trade and Security Through Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Deputy Secretary General visited Nicaraguan Customs to support its modernization efforts. Nicaragua is enhancing its national competitiveness and integrating into the global trade system through initiatives like implementing the AEO program, introducing non-intrusive inspection technologies, and participating in Central American customs integration. Dialogue with the private sector is also crucial for building a mutually beneficial and trustworthy partnership. Nicaragua's case offers valuable lessons for other developing countries seeking to modernize their customs procedures and facilitate trade.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

SADC Conference Boosts Regional Trade Through Customs Reform

The 2010 SADC Customs Capacity Building Conference fostered regional customs reform and modernized management, strengthening regional coordination. Participants shared capacity-building experiences and identified areas for cooperation based on WCO standards. Significant attention was given to the SACU pilot project and the implementation of the WCO Customs Learning Standards, laying the foundation for future regional capacity-building development. The conference highlighted the importance of harmonized procedures and collaborative efforts in enhancing customs efficiency and regional trade facilitation within the SADC region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Guyana Boosts Customs Oversight After WCO Audit Review

Guyana Boosts Customs Oversight After WCO Audit Review

At the request of the Government of Guyana, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission in October 2018. Through consultations with the Guyana Revenue Authority - Customs and Trade Administration and external stakeholders, the WCO aimed to assist the country in establishing a robust PCA system. This initiative seeks to enhance customs control capabilities, promote trade facilitation, and support Guyana's sustainable economic development. The ultimate goal is to improve compliance and efficiency in customs procedures.

01/08/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Argentina in Faster Customs Clearance Via Time Study

WCO Aids Argentina in Faster Customs Clearance Via Time Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a virtual Time Release Study (TRS) workshop for Argentina Customs to support its first TRS, aiming to identify and improve bottlenecks in national clearance processes. The workshop covered TRS methodology, business process mapping, action plan development, and software applications. Argentine Customs officials drafted an action plan and expressed their commitment to implementing the TRS to enhance clearance efficiency and facilitate trade. The initiative is expected to streamline procedures, reduce delays, and improve overall customs performance in Argentina.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

WCO Introduces New Audit Tools to Enhance Trade Facilitation

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched new Post Clearance Audit (PCA) tools to assist member customs administrations in enhancing trade facilitation. Developed through expert group meetings, the WCO created two key tools: the PCA Benefits Visualization Tool and the PCA Technical Reference. These tools are designed to help customs management and frontline auditors better understand and implement PCA effectively. By improving PCA practices, these tools aim to contribute to the healthy development of global trade and streamline customs procedures.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

Thailand Sierra Leone Join Revised Kyoto Convention Enhancing Global Trade

The Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) has surpassed 100 contracting parties, with Thailand and Sierra Leone's accession further boosting global trade facilitation. The convention aims to simplify and harmonize customs procedures by applying information technology and risk management, improving customs efficiency and reducing trade costs. The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes the RKC's implementation and encourages more members to join, fostering global trade prosperity. The growing number of signatories demonstrates the international commitment to streamlined customs processes and enhanced trade efficiency.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs Boost Trade

Bahamas Adopts WCO Program to Modernize Customs Boost Trade

The World Customs Organization's (WCO) Mercator Program is assisting the Bahamas Customs Department (BCD) in its customs modernization efforts to support its accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Through gap analysis, process optimization, and the establishment of a Single Window system, the program aims to enhance trade facilitation in the Bahamas, strengthen its international competitiveness, and promote economic development. This initiative is crucial for streamlining customs procedures and fostering a more efficient and transparent trade environment in the Bahamas.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Jamaica Customs Boosts Efficiency Via WCO UNCTAD Partnership

Jamaica Customs Boosts Efficiency Via WCO UNCTAD Partnership

The WCO and UNCTAD assisted the Jamaica Customs Agency in implementing ASYCUDA, enhancing data analysis and customs clearance efficiency, and promoting trade development. This initiative focused on modernizing customs procedures through improved data management and streamlined processes. The collaboration between international organizations and the Jamaica Customs Agency aims to facilitate smoother trade flows and contribute to economic growth. By leveraging ASYCUDA's capabilities, the agency can better analyze trade data, identify potential risks, and expedite the movement of goods across borders.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

WCO Program Enhances Madagascar Customs Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance on risk management to Madagascar Customs, aiming to enhance trade facilitation by optimizing risk assessment, clearance procedures, and inter-agency collaboration. Funded by HM Revenue & Customs of the UK, the project involved an expert team analyzing the current situation and proposing improvements. This initiative supports Madagascar Customs in achieving sustainable development and economic growth by strengthening its risk management capabilities and streamlining trade processes, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

WCO Aids Asiapacific in Plastic Waste Management Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) completed virtual diagnostic missions to Indonesian and Philippine Customs to assist in implementing the Basel Convention's plastic waste amendments. The project covers strategy, legal frameworks, procedures, enforcement, policy, and capacity building. It will provide detailed implementation plans and regional workshops to strengthen customs controls on plastic waste trade in the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance the collective response to the challenges posed by plastic waste and improve customs' ability to effectively manage its transboundary movement.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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