West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

West Africa Launches Electronic Trade Transit System

Five West African nations are jointly developing an electronic transit system to streamline processes, reduce costs, and improve efficiency, thereby promoting regional economic integration and supporting trade facilitation agreements. This initiative aims to modernize customs procedures and enhance the movement of goods within the region, fostering economic growth and attracting investment. By leveraging technology, the system seeks to overcome existing bottlenecks and create a more predictable and transparent trade environment for businesses operating in West Africa.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Nigeria Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked HS Code Reform

Nigeria Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked HS Code Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with the European Union, held a high-level workshop in Nigeria to enhance the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS)'s expertise in Harmonized System (HS) coding. Through a combination of theoretical and practical training, the workshop aimed to improve the accuracy of customs officials in classifying goods, thereby promoting trade facilitation and injecting new vitality into Nigeria's economic development. This initiative is crucial for ensuring efficient customs procedures and boosting international trade competitiveness.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

WCO JICA Boost Customs Audits in East Africa

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) jointly launched the "East African Post Clearance Audit Instructor Training Program" (MTP). This initiative aims to cultivate a high-quality regional instructor pool, enhance the Post Clearance Audit (PCA) capabilities of East African customs administrations, and facilitate trade. Through systematic training, curriculum development, and expert guidance, the program seeks to improve PCA skills, promote trade facilitation, strengthen regional cooperation, and achieve sustainable development in the region.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Trade Growth for Landlocked Nations

WCO Backs Trade Growth for Landlocked Nations

The World Customs Organization (WCO) reaffirms its commitment to the Vienna Programme of Action (VPoA), assisting Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) in overcoming geographical constraints and achieving trade facilitation and economic transformation through simplified customs procedures, capacity building, and international cooperation. WCO's specific actions include developing standards, implementing projects, issuing guidelines, and establishing a pool of experts. These efforts aim to build an efficient, transparent, and secure global trade environment, jointly promoting the sustainable development of LLDCs.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

WCO Backs Secretariat in Postpandemic Trade Revival

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Council supported the Secretariat, focusing on key areas like capacity building and trade facilitation. By adopting resolutions such as the HS 2022 Amendments, the WCO COVID-19 Action Plan, and the SAFE Framework 2021, the WCO aims to simplify customs procedures, strengthen international cooperation, and improve customs management. These efforts are designed to contribute to global economic recovery and safeguard trade development in the post-pandemic era by empowering customs administrations around the world.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

New Executive Program Aims to Empower Customs Leaders in Global Trade

The Executive Program in Commerce and Business Administration (EPCBA) aims to enhance the strategic thinking and practical skills of customs managers from developing countries. The program covers key topics such as international trade theory, business management knowledge, WCO international standards, and the WTO TFA, helping participants address customs challenges and promote global trade facilitation. It provides a comprehensive understanding of modern customs practices and equips participants with the tools necessary to improve efficiency and effectiveness in their respective roles.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

WTO Extends Trade Program to Aid Developing Nations Customs

The Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP), a collaboration between the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO), has been extended until December 2023 due to its significant achievements. The program aims to promote economic growth in developing countries by simplifying trade procedures and improving customs administration through capacity building. This extension will consolidate gains, address challenges posed by the pandemic, and enhance sustainability, ultimately providing long-term development opportunities for beneficiary countries.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Peru Customs Boosts Trade with GTFP System Upgrade

Peru Customs Boosts Trade with GTFP System Upgrade

The Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP) supports Peruvian Customs in strategic planning to enhance its strategic planning capabilities by optimizing strategic objectives and building Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), laying a solid foundation for future development. The workshop resulted in customized strategic maps and integrated dashboard design proposals, providing important references for Peruvian Customs' future strategic planning work. The project aims to streamline processes and improve efficiency within Peruvian Customs, ultimately contributing to increased trade and economic growth in Peru.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

WCO Boosts Tech Committee Focus on Ecommerce and Green Customs

The World Customs Organization's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) held its first in-person meeting after a three-year hiatus, focusing on updates to the E-commerce Package, the development of a global customs data exchange platform, and green customs initiatives. The meeting revised the E-commerce Package maintenance mechanism, approved pressure testing guidelines, and discussed data models and cooperation guidelines. These efforts aim to enhance customs' ability to address global trade challenges and promote trade facilitation and security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

Smart Customs Tech Boosts Global Trade Efficiency WCOWTO Report

The joint WCO/WTO report delves into the application, best practices, and challenges of technologies like blockchain, IoT, and big data in customs. It emphasizes that customs administrations should actively embrace technological change, strengthen international cooperation, increase technology investment, and improve regulatory frameworks. The goal is to enhance trade facilitation and promote global economic development. The report highlights the need for customs to adapt to the evolving technological landscape to effectively manage cross-border trade and ensure security.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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