Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia Sets Global Standard in Customs Training Innovation

Latvia has developed an innovative customs talent cultivation model in cooperation with Riga Technical University, the State Revenue Service, and the private sector, creating a multi-stakeholder ecosystem. This model combines theory and practice, integrates multiple disciplines, and continuously improves training quality, offering valuable insights for other countries. Simultaneously, the WCO Management Development Program empowers customs leaders and contributes to building a global community for customs talent development. This collaborative approach fosters a more effective and globally connected customs workforce.

11/30/-0001 Customs Knowledge
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UK Nigeria Boost Trade Via Customs Partnership

UK Nigeria Boost Trade Via Customs Partnership

The UK's HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) collaborated with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) to support the NCS in developing an AEO program compliant with WCO SAFE standards through AEO program benchmarking. This collaboration aims to strengthen trade partnerships between the two countries, enhance supply chain security and efficiency, and achieve trade facilitation, injecting new impetus into global trade development. The partnership leverages HMRC's experience to help NCS establish a robust and effective AEO program, ultimately fostering smoother and more secure international trade flows.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project Supports African Free Trade with Harmonized Rules

EUWCO Project Supports African Free Trade with Harmonized Rules

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme aims to support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by 2025. It focuses on finalizing the rules of origin, harmonizing key African origin regimes, and developing a community of practice for rules of origin. This initiative is expected to lay the groundwork for economic prosperity in Africa by facilitating trade and ensuring the smooth implementation of the AfCFTA agreement. The program will contribute to a more predictable and transparent trade environment across the continent.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

EUWCO Project to Strengthen Afcfta Via Rules of Origin by 2025

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme Steering Committee recently convened to review the 2025 project objectives. These objectives include assisting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) in finalizing its rules of origin and harmonizing the rules of origin regimes across African countries. The program aims to foster intra-African trade growth and promote regional economic integration. The project seeks to streamline trade processes and reduce barriers within the continent, ultimately contributing to a more unified and prosperous African economy.

01/15/2026 Customs Knowledge
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EU Customs Lab Trains Bosnia in Revenue Protection Techniques

EU Customs Lab Trains Bosnia in Revenue Protection Techniques

The European Regional Customs Laboratory (RCL) provided practical training to the Customs Administration of Bosnia and Herzegovina, enhancing their capabilities in commodity sampling and identification to combat smuggling and fraud, and safeguard national revenue. The training combined theoretical knowledge with practical exercises, interpreting the SAMANCTA sampling guidelines and conducting on-site drills within enterprises. The WCO continuously supports customs capacity building, aiming to foster a more efficient and secure global trade environment. This initiative strengthens customs operations and contributes to economic stability.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Unite on Ecommerce Rules During Pandemic

Asiapacific Nations Unite on Ecommerce Rules During Pandemic

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held an online workshop for Asia-Pacific members, focusing on the effective implementation of the E-Commerce Framework of Standards (E-Commerce FoS) to address challenges arising from the pandemic-accelerated growth of e-commerce. The meeting covered topics such as advance electronic data, data exchange, tax collection, cooperation & coordination, and technology applications. The aim was to promote trade facilitation, ensure effective customs control and revenue collection, and foster the healthy development of cross-border e-commerce.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

Asiapacific Nations Strengthen Customs Cooperation Against Illegal Plastic Waste Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Asia-Pacific customs administrations in upgrading their plastic waste management. Through virtual diagnostics, tailored implementation plans were developed for Indonesia and the Philippines. A regional workshop is planned to strengthen cooperation in addressing the challenge of 'foreign waste' and protecting the blue skies of the Asia-Pacific region. This initiative aims to enhance customs enforcement capabilities and ensure compliance with the Basel Convention, ultimately combating the illegal trade and improper disposal of plastic waste.

01/19/2026 Customs Knowledge
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North Macedonia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked Reforms

North Macedonia Customs Boosts Efficiency with Wcobacked Reforms

The WCO (World Customs Organization) is assisting North Macedonia Customs in enhancing leadership capabilities. This initiative focuses on reshaping the management culture, optimizing operational processes, and fostering a learning organization. The goal is to drive positive transformation within the customs administration, ultimately leading to improved efficiency and effectiveness. Key aspects include developing strong leadership skills at all levels, building cohesive and collaborative teams, and implementing modern management practices. This comprehensive approach aims to create a more agile and responsive customs service.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Trade Boosted by Customs Phytosanitary Agency Collaboration

Global Trade Boosted by Customs Phytosanitary Agency Collaboration

The World Customs Organization (WCO) actively promotes cooperation between customs and phytosanitary agencies to enhance trade facilitation. By sharing information, coordinating enforcement, and fostering technological innovation, countries can build more efficient and secure border management systems, promoting global trade prosperity. The Republic of Korea's practices offer valuable lessons for other nations seeking to improve border management and streamline trade processes. This collaborative approach is crucial for balancing trade facilitation with the need to protect plant health and ensure safe trade flows.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Boosts Trade Facilitation with SECOWCO Customs Reform

Moldova Boosts Trade Facilitation with SECOWCO Customs Reform

Moldova hosted a SECO-WCO trade facilitation project workshop, focusing on enhancing customs strategic alignment and performance evaluation. The workshop aimed to contribute to customs modernization by improving efficiency and effectiveness. Participants discussed best practices and strategies for streamlining customs procedures and measuring performance. This initiative underscores the importance of international cooperation in promoting trade facilitation and supporting customs authorities in their modernization efforts. The workshop provided a platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building, ultimately contributing to Moldova's economic development.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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