WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

WCO Releases Spanish GEOAT to Boost Latin American Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has released a Spanish version of the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) to assist Spanish-speaking customs administrations in evaluating their gender equality policies, identifying gaps, and implementing reforms. The tool covers core principles such as employment, work-life balance, and governance, emphasizing the importance of cross-cutting policies. It aims to support customs modernization in Latin America and promote trade facilitation by fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment within customs organizations.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Customs and Logistics Innovations Boost Global Trade Efficiency

Customs and Logistics Innovations Boost Global Trade Efficiency

The WCO Deputy Secretary General attended the FITAC International Conference, discussing the role of customs and logistics in global competitiveness. The conference highlighted the critical role of customs in promoting economic development, focusing on two key topics: customs-business partnerships and customs modernization. The aim is to build an efficient, convenient, and secure global trade environment, helping businesses succeed in the global market. The discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration and innovation to streamline processes and enhance security, ultimately boosting economic growth and trade facilitation.

12/30/2025 Logistics
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Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Tightens Customs Rules to Improve Trade Efficiency

Kazakhstan Customs, with WCO support, held a HS Code workshop to improve tariff classification accuracy and consistency, promoting trade efficiency. The workshop covered the application of HS Code General Interpretative Rules, interpretation of Committee Decisions, adaptation to revisions, and the advance ruling system. This initiative aims to enhance the professional skills of customs officials and corporate compliance management, laying the foundation for the modernization of Kazakhstan Customs and the globalization of enterprises. The training is expected to improve trade facilitation and reduce discrepancies in customs declarations.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

EU Boosts Customs Training in Cte Divoire

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Côte d'Ivoire to enhance the country's customs tariff classification capabilities. The workshop focused on the application of the Harmonized System (HS), covering ex-ante and ex-post control, rule explanations, and tool donations. Côte d'Ivoire Customs plans to develop a training program and adopt HS revision recommendations to improve trade efficiency and promote customs modernization. This initiative aims to streamline processes, ensuring accurate classification and facilitating smoother international trade operations for Côte d'Ivoire.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Russia Shifts to Ruble Settlements As Markets Adapt

Russia Shifts to Ruble Settlements As Markets Adapt

The Russian economy is undergoing a profound transformation, with the rise of RMB settlement and reshaping of the consumer electronics market. Parallel import policies continue, retail trade fluctuates, and trade channels shift. Western companies are withdrawing, exacerbating logistical challenges. Russia is actively responding to these challenges by deepening cooperation with Eastern countries, promoting economic diversification, and pursuing modernization. This involves adapting to new market dynamics and building resilience in the face of external pressures. The focus is on fostering sustainable growth and strengthening its position in the global economy.

01/06/2026 Logistics
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Burkina Faso Customs Modernizes HR to Enhance West African Trade

Burkina Faso Customs Modernizes HR to Enhance West African Trade

Burkina Faso Customs, with the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO), has officially adopted human resource tools such as a competency framework and job catalogue to enhance talent management and organizational effectiveness. This initiative, a key outcome of the West Africa Customs Administration Modernization (WACAM) project, will help Burkina Faso Customs achieve its organizational goals, facilitate trade, and promote economic development in the West African region. The implementation aims to modernize HR practices and build a skilled workforce capable of meeting the challenges of international trade and customs administration.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

WCO Backs Cambodias Trade Reforms to Spur Economic Growth

At the invitation of the General Department of Customs and Excise of Cambodia (GDCE), the World Customs Organization (WCO) analyzed challenges in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) and assisted in developing a five-year strategic plan. Through in-depth discussions with government and the private sector, the WCO provided guidance for Cambodian customs reform and modernization. The aim is to enhance Cambodia's competitiveness in global trade, promoting economic growth and sustainable development. The cooperation focuses on streamlining procedures and improving efficiency within the Cambodian customs system.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Albania Upgrades Customs Lab to Enhance Trade Efficiency

Albania Upgrades Customs Lab to Enhance Trade Efficiency

With the support of WCO and Eurocustoms, Albanian Customs held a laboratory modernization workshop in 2017, aiming to enhance commodity classification and identification capabilities. Through hardware upgrades, quality management system improvements, personnel skill development, and international cooperation, Albania is committed to building a modern and internationally competitive customs laboratory. This initiative seeks to promote trade facilitation, ensure regulatory compliance, and ultimately contribute to the nation's economic development.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Gambia Customs in Enhancing Training Expertise

WCO Aids Gambia Customs in Enhancing Training Expertise

The World Customs Organization's MADAO project is assisting the Gambia Revenue Authority in developing a team of expert trainers. Through a 'Training of Trainers' workshop, the project enhances the capabilities of customs personnel, promoting trade facilitation and efficient tax collection. This initiative lays the foundation for customs capacity building in Gambia. Future evaluations will continuously assess the training's impact and contribute to the modernization of customs administration.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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ADB WCO Enhance Asian Trade Via Customs Reforms

ADB WCO Enhance Asian Trade Via Customs Reforms

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) are strengthening their collaboration to enhance trade facilitation in Asia. This partnership focuses on adopting WCO standards, promoting customs modernization, and fostering regional cooperation. The aim is to build an efficient, transparent, and secure trading environment, ultimately contributing to regional economic prosperity. The collaboration will involve joint efforts to implement best practices and streamline customs procedures across the region.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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