Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

Eswatini Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Mercator Program

A WCO Mercator Programme diagnostic of Eswatini Customs' PCA aimed to enhance risk management and trade compliance. The assessment recommended improvements to balance control and facilitation, ultimately promoting economic development. The findings highlighted areas for optimization in PCA processes, focusing on data analysis and risk profiling to improve efficiency and effectiveness. This will contribute to a more streamlined and secure trade environment, fostering economic growth and regional integration for Eswatini.

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

WCO Boosts Lesotho Customs Modernization with Audit Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully completed a Post Clearance Audit (PCA) diagnostic mission for the Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA). The mission aimed to assess the LRA's systems, techniques, and methodologies related to PCA and provide recommendations for improvement, enhancing the efficiency and transparency of its tax administration system. This initiative is part of the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD collaboration project, highlighting the importance of international cooperation in promoting customs modernization in developing countries.

Central African Republic to Launch Customs Preruling System

Central African Republic to Launch Customs Preruling System

The Customs Administration of the Central African Republic is actively preparing to establish an advance ruling system to provide businesses with a more transparent and predictable trade environment, reduce trade risks, and improve customs clearance efficiency. In cooperation with the WCO, the Central African Republic Customs has not only drafted relevant legal drafts but also established a steering committee and accepted the WCO's recommendations. This marks a significant step forward in trade facilitation, potentially promoting economic development and attracting foreign investment.

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia Modernizes Customs Tariffs to Meet Global Norms

Ethiopia is accelerating the modernization of its tariff classification system to align with international standards, aiming to facilitate trade and promote economic growth. With support from the EU-WCO Africa HS Project, the Ethiopian Customs Commission is working to streamline processes, improve efficiency, and strengthen capacity building to adapt to the evolving global trade environment. This initiative seeks to simplify customs procedures, reduce trade barriers, and enhance Ethiopia's competitiveness in the international market.

Malta Customs Adopts Innovation to Strengthen Island Economy

Malta Customs Adopts Innovation to Strengthen Island Economy

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Malta to discuss development opportunities for small island economies. Malta's Finance Minister highlighted the country's economic transformation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs. The Prime Minister presented the vision of a "Blockchain Island" and called for strengthened international cooperation. Malta Customs has achieved significant success in risk management and technology application, providing a valuable reference for customs cooperation among Mediterranean countries. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security in the unique context of a small island nation.

WCO Backs Philippines Customs Modernization with HRM System

WCO Backs Philippines Customs Modernization with HRM System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) successfully conducted a personnel management diagnostic of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) in the Philippines. This aimed to support BOC's strategic goals and HR modernization by building a competency-based HRM system. The diagnostic highlighted the importance of HR roles, competency-based HRM, and training development. The BOC committed to adopting the WCO's 18 customized recommendations to drive the implementation of future action plans.

WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

WCO Scholarship Program Enhances Customs Officials Global Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Spanish Scholarship Program has been launched to enhance the professional skills and management capabilities of customs officials from Spanish-speaking countries and promote customs reform and modernization. The program offers tailored curriculum, lectures by WCO experts, and field visit opportunities, helping participants broaden their international perspectives and accelerate their career development. This is an unmissable learning and development opportunity for customs professionals.

Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

Saudi Customs Launches Single Window for MENA Trade

A regional workshop held by the World Customs Organization in Saudi Arabia focused on coordinating border management, Single Window implementation, and the application of the WCO Data Model in the Middle East and North Africa region. The conference emphasized the importance of strategic planning, business process re-engineering, and data harmonization. The aim is to facilitate regional cross-border trade and economic development by streamlining procedures, improving efficiency, and enhancing transparency. This initiative seeks to create a more seamless and effective trade environment within the region.

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

Burkina Faso Boosts Customs Valuation with WCO Assistance

The World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance to the Burkina Faso Customs Administration to support the restoration of its autonomous customs valuation function. The first phase assessment has been completed, with the expert team offering recommendations through diagnostic assessments and collaborative dialogue. These recommendations aim to strengthen risk management, implement post-clearance audits, and enhance the capabilities of valuation officers. The ultimate goal is to build an autonomous and efficient customs valuation system for Burkina Faso.

Customs Agencies Boost Efficiency Through Talent Management Strategies

Customs Agencies Boost Efficiency Through Talent Management Strategies

This guide aims to assist customs departments in establishing a competency-based human resource management system to enhance organizational effectiveness. It elaborates on the importance of human resource management, provides a roadmap for developing practical tools, and outlines methods for integrating competency orientation into various processes. Divided into three parts, the guide seeks to enable customs departments to build an exceptional team capable of addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. The ultimate goal is to foster a high-performing workforce within customs administrations.