WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

WCO Program Modernizes Uzbekistans Customs Operations

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), is assisting Uzbekistan in enhancing its customs strategic planning capabilities. This initiative aims to help the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan build a more efficient and intelligent customs system by developing strategic roadmaps and designing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). The goal is to embrace openness and digital transformation, improve trade facilitation, and ultimately promote national economic development. The project focuses on strengthening Uzbekistan's ability to implement modern customs practices and contribute to regional and global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil Uruguay Agree on Mutual AEO Trade Recognition

Brazil and Uruguay signed an AEO Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) pilot program, aiming to simplify customs clearance, enhance supply chain security, and promote bilateral and regional trade facilitation through joint certification of compliant traders. This represents a significant milestone in customs cooperation between the two countries and serves as a model for global trade security and facilitation. The MRA is expected to reduce border delays and costs for certified companies, fostering greater economic integration within the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

Moldova Streamlines Aid Clearance Via WCO Trade Program

The Swiss-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) continues to support the Moldovan Customs Service in enhancing the efficiency of clearing humanitarian aid supplies. This is achieved through stakeholder workshops and the development of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The project aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders, streamline processes, and ensure the rapid delivery of relief goods, aligning with relevant provisions of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. The initiative focuses on simplifying customs procedures related to humanitarian assistance entering Moldova.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

Botswana Enhances Border Efficiency with WCO Study at Mamuno

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in conducting a Time Release Study at the Mamuno border post to establish a One-Stop Border Post and enhance trade facilitation. Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks are identified and processes optimized, injecting new vitality into Botswana's economic development. This initiative not only improves efficiency but also promotes international cooperation, setting a precedent for trade facilitation in Africa. The study aims to streamline border procedures and boost economic growth.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova Advances Customs Reform with SECOWCO Aid Targets 2026 TRS

Moldova, with the support of the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, held a virtual Time Release Study (TRS) workshop to assess clearance times and develop a national implementation roadmap. The goal is to complete the TRS report by January 2026, covering import and export processes, and to make it available to all stakeholders. The WCO pledged continued technical support to help Moldova improve trade facilitation and promote economic development. The TRS aims to identify bottlenecks and recommend improvements to streamline border procedures.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits with Maldives Expertise

Supported by the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme, a delegation from Uzbekistan Customs visited the Maldives to study post-clearance audit. Through experience exchange and practical exercises, Uzbekistan learned about the Maldives' best practices in risk management and trader compliance. Adapting these practices to their own context, Uzbekistan developed reform plans to improve its national post-clearance audit system and promote trade facilitation. The visit focused on building capacity and understanding practical implementation of modern audit techniques for enhanced efficiency.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

Gambia Enhances Trade Efficiency with Wcobacked Time Release Study

The World Customs Organization (WCO) supported the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) in conducting a Time Release Study (TRS) to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops and technical assistance, the WCO helped Gambia identify bottlenecks in cargo clearance, optimize customs procedures, and align with the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The ultimate goal is to improve the business environment and promote sustainable economic development in Gambia. The TRS aims to streamline processes and reduce the time and cost associated with importing and exporting goods.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

WCO Framework Enhances Customs Efficiency in Burundi

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Burundi Customs in building a national risk management framework to improve clearance efficiency and promote trade facilitation. By developing risk management policies, strategies, and action plans, and aligning them with regional frameworks, Burundi will be better positioned to implement its AEO program and fulfill its commitments under the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. This initiative aims to contribute to Burundi's sustainable economic development by enhancing customs operations and fostering a more predictable and efficient trading environment.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Laos Boosts Trade with Wcobacked Customs Reform

In 2017, the WCO conducted a tariff classification capacity building project in Laos to improve its classification skills, establish an advance ruling system, and implement HS 2017. Through workshops, tool applications, and expert guidance, the capacity of Lao Customs officials was enhanced, laying the foundation for trade facilitation. The experience of Chinese Customs also provided a reference for Laos. This initiative serves as a model of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and contributes to the economic development of Laos.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Partnership

Colombia Customs Boosts Efficiency with WCO Partnership

The World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), remotely assisted the Colombian Customs (DIAN) in strategic planning and optimizing its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) system to improve management efficiency. The project aims to build a sustainable performance management system, supporting DIAN's institutional transformation and capacity building. This initiative lays the foundation for the modernization of Colombian Customs and contributes to global trade facilitation efforts. The GTFP's support is crucial for enhancing DIAN's strategic alignment and operational effectiveness.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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