WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

WCO Updates Customs Lab Handbook to Boost Regional Standards

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has updated its Customs Laboratory Guide, adding Annex V, which provides information on Regional Customs Laboratories (RCLs) and the procedures and requirements for establishing them. This initiative aims to strengthen regional capacity building, assisting members in upgrading their laboratories and becoming regional benchmarks. The guide, available in English and French on the WCO Members' website, serves as a crucial resource for customs laboratory advancement. It promotes cooperation and knowledge sharing within regions to enhance analytical capabilities and facilitate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

Serbia Enhances Trade Via WCO Mercator Program

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Mercator Program assessment of Serbian Customs, marking significant progress in trade facilitation for Serbia. The assessment aimed to understand Serbia's current compliance with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement and develop a tailored action plan. The WCO will provide technical assistance through the PMFE to help Serbia improve its trade facilitation level and promote economic growth. This initiative will support Serbia in streamlining customs procedures and reducing trade costs, ultimately boosting its competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

WCO Introduces Certification for Postclearance Audits in Francophone Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) launched a French-speaking Customs Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Technical and Operational Advisor Certification Program to develop a highly qualified team of experts and enhance PCA capabilities in French-speaking regions. The inaugural seminar was successfully held at WCO headquarters. Through rigorous selection and a combination of theoretical and practical training, this program lays the foundation for customs capacity building in the French-speaking area. The initiative aims to strengthen post-clearance controls and improve overall customs efficiency within the region.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Modernizes Trade with Improved Ruling System

Nigeria Customs Modernizes Trade with Improved Ruling System

Nigeria Customs is set to launch an “Advance Ruling” program to streamline customs clearance procedures and improve efficiency. This initiative aims to facilitate trade, achieve mutual benefits for all stakeholders, and contribute to economic development. The implementation of the Advance Ruling System is expected to provide traders with greater certainty and predictability regarding the classification, origin, and valuation of goods before importation, thereby reducing delays and costs associated with customs clearance. This will ultimately boost trade volumes and enhance Nigeria's competitiveness in the global market.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Korea Partner to Enhance Global Customs Platform Clikc

WCO Korea Partner to Enhance Global Customs Platform Clikc

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Korea Customs Service (KCS) signed an agreement where KCS will provide funding for the WCO's CLiKC! e-learning platform. This funding will support platform upgrades and enhanced functionalities. The upgraded CLiKC! platform will feature updated course content, optimized technology, and expanded multilingual support. The goal is to enhance the professional skills and knowledge of customs officials worldwide, benefiting supply chains and promoting trade facilitation and compliance. This initiative aims to foster greater efficiency and effectiveness within customs administrations globally.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

Azerbaijan Expands AEO Program to Facilitate Silk Road Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Azerbaijan Customs in accelerating its Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program, aiming to enhance supply chain security and improve trade efficiency. Through capacity-building workshops and the development of Mutual Recognition Agreements (MRAs), Azerbaijan is poised to better leverage its strategic geographic location as a key node on the 'Silk Road' to foster economic development. This initiative seeks to streamline customs procedures and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment for businesses operating in and through Azerbaijan.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

Comoros Boosts Customs Skills for WTO Accession Bid

A joint WTO-WCO workshop aimed to enhance Comoros' customs valuation capabilities in preparation for WTO accession. The workshop covered topics such as customs valuation methods, pre-shipment inspection, and trade facilitation. The goal was to assist Comoros in establishing an efficient and transparent trade system to promote economic development. The experience of Comoros can offer valuable insights for other developing countries seeking to improve their trade practices and integrate into the global trading system. This initiative highlights the importance of capacity building for successful WTO membership.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Amazon Expands European Warehouses for Faster Deliveries

Amazon Expands European Warehouses for Faster Deliveries

To enhance its Prime Now service, Amazon plans to establish 1,300 small warehouses across Europe, aiming to fulfill its promise of “one-hour delivery.” This initiative seeks to solidify its leading position in the e-commerce market and maintain competitiveness in the rapid delivery sector. By expanding its infrastructure, Amazon intends to provide consumers with a more convenient and faster shopping experience, further driving customer satisfaction and loyalty. The strategic investment underscores Amazon's commitment to innovation and customer-centricity in the increasingly competitive online retail landscape.

01/26/2026 Logistics
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G7 Experts Outline Postquantum Crypto Roadmap for Finance Sector

G7 Experts Outline Postquantum Crypto Roadmap for Finance Sector

The G7 Cyber Expert Group has released a roadmap to coordinate the financial sector's transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC), addressing security threats posed by quantum computing. The roadmap proposes phased action recommendations, including risk assessment, strategy development, testing and validation, and information sharing. It emphasizes the importance of international cooperation to build a quantum-safe financial future. This initiative aims to proactively mitigate vulnerabilities and ensure the resilience of financial systems against potential quantum attacks, fostering a secure and stable global financial landscape.

01/26/2026 International Settlement
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Airlines Adopt Guidelines to Reduce Singleuse Plastics

Airlines Adopt Guidelines to Reduce Singleuse Plastics

The IATA's 'Guidance on Reducing Single-Use Plastics in Air Cargo' (SUPP) offers crucial guidance for plastic reduction in the air cargo industry. The guideline emphasizes life cycle assessment, reduction strategies, and cultural development, aiming to drive the air cargo industry towards a circular economy. This initiative seeks to reduce environmental pollution, enhance corporate image, and achieve sustainable development. It provides practical steps for airlines, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders to minimize their plastic footprint and contribute to a more sustainable future for air cargo operations.

01/26/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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