Zimbabwe Enhances AEO System Following WCO Review

Zimbabwe Enhances AEO System Following WCO Review

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has completed a review of Zimbabwe's Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) pilot program, offering recommendations for upgrades to build a 'next generation' AEO program aligned with international standards. This initiative, supported financially and technically by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) of the UK, collaborates with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) to promote trade facilitation and supply chain security in Zimbabwe. The goal is to enhance efficiency and security within Zimbabwe's trade environment through improved AEO program implementation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia Enhances Border Systems to Improve Trade

Namibia is actively promoting Coordinated Border Management (CBM) by establishing an inter-agency standard regulatory framework and unified data standards, aiming to reduce border delays and facilitate legitimate trade. This framework was developed in collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) and supported by the WCO's Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme. Namibia's practice provides valuable experience for other developing countries, contributing to building a more open, efficient, and secure global trading system. The initiative focuses on streamlining procedures and enhancing cooperation between various border agencies.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Tanzania Adopts WCO Program to Enhance Trade Efficiency

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) in implementing Post Clearance Audit (PCA) through a capacity building workshop. This initiative aimed to optimize the PCA framework, enhance risk identification and analysis capabilities, and promote trade facilitation. The activity was part of the Swedish government-funded Sida-WCO TFCM Programme, designed to assist Sub-Saharan African countries in improving customs efficiency and achieving sustainable development. The workshop provided valuable training and resources to TRA officials, fostering a more streamlined and effective customs process.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

WCO Launches Enhanced Trade Efficiency Training Course

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched an upgraded Time Release Study (TRS) CLiKC! course, designed to help customs administrations measure cargo release times, optimize processes, and improve efficiency. The course covers all phases of the TRS methodology, emphasizing practical application through case studies, exercises, and role-playing to enhance participants' skills. This initiative supports trade facilitation and benefits the global economy. WCO members can access the course for free on the CLiKC! platform. It aims to enhance customs efficiency and reduce release times for goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Challenges

Crossborder Ecommerce Faces Customs Valuation Challenges

The World Customs Organization issued Advisory Opinion 23.1, clarifying that low-price transactions of flash sale goods can be used as a basis for customs valuation, provided they comply with the Valuation Agreement and the transaction is genuine and valid. This opinion guides cross-border e-commerce enterprises in compliant declaration, reduces trade risks, and provides customs authorities with scientific valuation methods, promoting the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce. It emphasizes adherence to existing valuation principles while acknowledging the unique characteristics of flash sales.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mauritius Revenue Authority Upgrades HRM After WCO Review

Mauritius Revenue Authority Upgrades HRM After WCO Review

The World Customs Organization conducted a diagnostic review of the Mauritius Revenue Authority's (MRA) human resource management system to support the MRA in establishing a modern and transparent HRM system. The review team proposed competency-based recommendations for improvement, which the MRA intends to actively adopt to enhance its human resource management capabilities and support its tax administration functions. This initiative aims to strengthen the MRA's ability to attract, retain, and develop skilled personnel, ultimately improving the efficiency and effectiveness of tax collection and compliance.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

WCO Enhances African Customs Training Amid Belgian Graduation Milestone

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization (WCO) attended the graduation ceremony of French-speaking African customs officials at the Belgian Customs Academy, emphasizing the crucial role of customs in revenue collection, trade facilitation, and societal protection. This initiative supports African economic development and the AfCFTA by enhancing customs management, promoting regional integration, and fostering international cooperation. The WCO plays a key role by providing technical assistance and promoting the application of international standards, ultimately contributing to a more efficient and secure trade environment in Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

EMCCA Customs College Overhauls Strategy with WCO Backing

The World Customs Organization (WCO) assisted the Inter-State School for Customs of the Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa (ISSC-CEMAC) in reshaping its development strategy, aiming to modernize its training system through capacity building. The WCO's diagnostic assessment provided recommendations for ISSC improvements, and a new development strategy was jointly formulated to enhance the professional competence of regional customs officers and promote trade facilitation. The focus is on strengthening the ISSC's role as a key training hub for customs administrations in the CEMAC region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

Bangladesh Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) held a strategic dialogue with the National Board of Revenue (NBR) of Bangladesh in February 2021 to strengthen Bangladesh's Time Release Study (TRS) capabilities. The meeting reviewed Bangladesh Customs' TRS experience and developed a future action plan to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. The aim is to streamline processes and reduce the time required for goods to be released from customs control, ultimately boosting trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

Burkina Faso Hosts Workshop on Trade Modernization Reforms

With support from Japan, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Burkina Faso to promote the implementation of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The seminar aimed to enhance customs efficiency and facilitate integration into global trade. The RKC is a key international instrument for simplifying and harmonizing customs procedures. By adopting the RKC and implementing programs like Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) certification, countries can streamline trade processes, reduce costs, and improve security. This initiative contributes to broader trade facilitation efforts and supports economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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