MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

MENA Adopts Digital Tech for Smarter Border Control

The WCO's SMART Borders workshop in Riyadh, focusing on the MENA region, highlighted the application of cutting-edge technologies like AI and blockchain in customs processes. Through WCO best practice sharing and guidance from ZATCA, participants explored how to leverage technology to enhance border management efficiency, injecting new momentum into the MENA region's digital transformation. The event fostered discussions on optimizing customs procedures and improving security through innovative digital solutions, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment within the region.

WCO Upgrades Clikc Platform with Mobile Learning for Customs Officials

WCO Upgrades Clikc Platform with Mobile Learning for Customs Officials

The WCO CLiKC! e-learning platform has been upgraded with a new website design and mobile application, supporting both iOS and Android. The initial launch includes 25 mobile-optimized courses and videos, featuring offline learning capabilities. This upgrade aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials worldwide, promote knowledge sharing, support capacity building, and contribute to the security and facilitation of global trade. It provides convenient access to training materials anytime, anywhere, fostering continuous learning and development within the customs community.

Asiapacific Nations Boost Customs Cooperation at WCO Meeting

Asiapacific Nations Boost Customs Cooperation at WCO Meeting

The 32nd WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Contact Points Meeting was held in Australia, focusing on regional cooperation, strategic planning, and WCO policy updates. The meeting highlighted the importance of data strategy, green customs, and technology application. The aim is to strengthen customs cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region, address global challenges, and promote trade security and facilitation. Discussions centered around enhancing information sharing, capacity building, and the implementation of international standards to improve efficiency and effectiveness in customs operations across the region.

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

WCO Trains Data Analysts in South Korea

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a data analysis lecture for WCO Scholarship Program students at Sungkyunkwan University in South Korea. The lecture covered data strategy implementation, customs data analysis applications, and geospatial intelligence. Through interactive discussions, WCO representatives answered student questions, helping to enhance customs data analysis capabilities and promote global trade security and facilitation. The initiative aims to equip participants with the skills necessary to leverage data for improved customs operations and decision-making within their respective administrations.

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

WCO Belgian Customs College Enhance Francophone Africa Customs Training

This paper analyzes a capacity-building program for Francophone African customs officials, a collaboration between the Belgian Customs Academy and the World Customs Organization. The program, employing methods like curriculum supplementation, field visits, and virtual reality training, aims to enhance the professional skills of African customs officials and their ability to navigate complex trade environments. The article highlights the importance of regional cooperation, localized application, technological innovation, and evaluation mechanisms in capacity building. It also provides relevant recommendations for improving future programs.

WCO Enhances Tanzania Revenue Authoritys Capacity Via Partnership

WCO Enhances Tanzania Revenue Authoritys Capacity Via Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) are deepening their cooperation through a project funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (Norad). This initiative aims to enhance the TRA's capabilities in key areas such as commodity classification and valuation. The collaboration involves joint needs assessments, the introduction of project management methodologies, and coordination with other cooperative projects. The overall goal is to facilitate trade, improve customs management in Tanzania, and contribute to the country's economic development.

WCO Tool Aids Jordan Customs in Modernization Efforts

WCO Tool Aids Jordan Customs in Modernization Efforts

At the invitation of Jordan Customs, the WCO utilized the Japan Fund to pilot a new risk management tool. The initiative aimed to assess Jordan Customs' capabilities in risk management, provide recommendations for improvement, and ultimately contribute to the modernization of Jordan Customs. This pilot project focused on leveraging WCO tools and best practices to enhance risk assessment and mitigation strategies within Jordanian customs operations. The goal was to strengthen border security and facilitate legitimate trade through improved risk management practices.

Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

Ukraine Boosts Customs Expertise with HS System Lab Partnerships

The World Customs Organization held a national workshop in Ukraine on the HS Nomenclature and the role of Customs Laboratories. The workshop aimed to enhance Ukraine's customs commodity classification capabilities, emphasizing the importance of Customs Laboratories in this process. It also fostered international cooperation and exchange, injecting new impetus into the modernization of Ukrainian customs. The event highlighted the crucial role of accurate classification in trade facilitation and revenue collection, underscoring the need for well-equipped and skilled Customs Laboratories.

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.

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Tech with Sinogerman Partnership

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Tech with Sinogerman Partnership

Within the framework of the World Customs Organization, Uzbekistan virtually studied Germany's post-clearance audit (PCA) experience to improve its customs management and build an efficient and compliant PCA system. The study covered the introduction of Germany's PCA system, case studies, AEO linkage, and the application of information technology. This provided valuable insights for Uzbekistan and serves as a reference for other developing countries. The focus was on learning best practices to enhance compliance and streamline trade processes through effective post-clearance controls.