WCO Releases Handbook for Customs Performance Excellence

WCO Releases Handbook for Customs Performance Excellence

The WCO has released a Customs Performance Assessment Handbook, providing tools such as assessment guidelines, KPI selection, and data management. It aims to improve the operational efficiency and service levels of customs administrations. The handbook offers a framework for measuring and enhancing performance across various customs functions, ultimately contributing to more effective border management and trade facilitation. It serves as a valuable resource for customs agencies seeking to optimize their processes and achieve strategic goals related to revenue collection, security, and compliance.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Enhances Bahamas Customs Tariff Classification Skills

WCO Enhances Bahamas Customs Tariff Classification Skills

The World Customs Organization (WCO) continuously supports the Bahamas Customs and Excise Department (BCED) in enhancing its customs classification capabilities through technical assistance agreements. The WCO organized several Harmonized System (HS) training workshops to improve the professional skills of Bahamian customs officers and develop internal training capacity. These efforts help the Bahamas to classify goods more accurately and promote international trade development.

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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WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

WCO Committee Advances Global Trade Facilitation Measures

The latest meeting of the WCO Technical Committee focused on customs facilitation, emphasizing data standardization, risk management, SME support, cross-border e-commerce facilitation, and AEO mutual recognition. Businesses should strengthen compliance management, embrace digital transformation, and enhance international cooperation to adapt to the evolving trade landscape. The meeting highlighted the importance of streamlined processes and innovative solutions to promote efficient and secure international trade flows, ultimately contributing to global economic growth and development.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Adopts WCO Framework for Ecommerce Customs

Asiapacific Adopts WCO Framework for Ecommerce Customs

The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional E-commerce Seminar focused on the implementation of cross-border e-commerce standards frameworks. Key areas discussed included advance electronic data, data exchange, tax collection, AEO extensions, and technological applications. Participants actively engaged in addressing the challenges posed by the pandemic-accelerated e-commerce transformation. The aim is to build a secure and efficient new e-commerce ecosystem in the Asia-Pacific region by fostering collaboration and addressing emerging issues related to cross-border trade and customs procedures.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Lesotho Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Assistance

Lesotho Boosts Trade Efficiency with WCO Assistance

The Lesotho Revenue Authority (LRA) is strengthening its collaboration with the World Customs Organization (WCO) to enhance trade facilitation through capacity building. A WCO expert team provided tailored training in Lesotho, assisting the LRA in optimizing customs clearance processes, reducing trade costs, and enhancing international competitiveness. This initiative aims to inject new vitality into Lesotho's economic development.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Assessment Enhances Zambias Trade Facilitation Efforts

WCO Assessment Enhances Zambias Trade Facilitation Efforts

The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a trade facilitation capacity assessment in Zambia, focusing on time release studies, coordinated border management, data harmonization, and single window development. The assessment provided specific recommendations aimed at enhancing internal capabilities within the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) and establishing a timeline for implementing the time release study. This supports Zambia's trade facilitation reforms by identifying areas for improvement and offering a roadmap for achieving greater efficiency in customs procedures and border management.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cape Verde WCO Launch Trade Efficiency Study

Cape Verde WCO Launch Trade Efficiency Study

With support from the WCO-WACAM project, Cape Verde Customs is preparing its first Time Release Study (TRS) to identify bottlenecks, optimize customs procedures, and enhance trade competitiveness. Through WCO expert workshops and public-private partnership action plans, Cape Verde aims to fulfill the Trade Facilitation Agreement, establishing an efficient and transparent customs system to promote economic development. The TRS will provide valuable data for informed decision-making and targeted reforms, ultimately streamlining the flow of goods and boosting Cape Verde's participation in global trade.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

Mozambique Modernizes Tax HR with WCO Assistance

At the invitation of the Mozambique Tax Authority (MRA) and with funding from the CCF-China, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a diagnostic assessment of MRA's Human Resource Management (HRM) system modernization. The aim was to address HR challenges and achieve strategic goals by optimizing the HR framework. The assessment included meetings, interviews, and workshops, culminating in recommendations for improvement submitted to the MRA. The Commissioner General of MRA expressed optimism for future collaboration. This initiative highlights the importance of HR upgrades and customs cooperation for effective capacity building within customs administrations.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Unveils Global Strategy to Combat Counterfeiting

WCO Unveils Global Strategy to Combat Counterfeiting

The 17th Meeting of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Counterfeiting and Piracy (CAP) Group was successfully held, focusing on new challenges and responses faced by customs during the pandemic. The meeting reviewed and approved the WCO's work plan on intellectual property protection, emphasizing the importance of cooperation between right holders and customs. This article provides an in-depth interpretation of the strategic significance of the WCO's intellectual property protection efforts and offers practical strategies for enterprises to address counterfeiting issues.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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