Global Customs Intensify Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

Global Customs Intensify Crackdown on Counterfeit Goods

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a seminar in Botswana focusing on intellectual property protection, addressing emerging trends in infringement, targeting techniques, data sharing, environmentally sound destruction, and multi-agency cooperation. Through practical exercises, experience sharing, and expert advice, the seminar aimed to enhance customs enforcement capabilities, combat counterfeit and pirated goods, strengthen intellectual property protection, and build a safe and orderly market environment. This initiative seeks to fortify defenses against IP violations and promote legitimate trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Madagascar Enhances Climate Disaster Resilience with Global Aid

Madagascar Enhances Climate Disaster Resilience with Global Aid

A WCO-led collaborative project strengthens Madagascar's capacity to respond to pandemics and natural disasters. By optimizing processes, providing training, and enhancing coordination, the initiative aims to improve disaster governance resilience. This includes streamlining customs procedures for essential goods, improving risk management, and fostering collaboration between various agencies. The project ultimately seeks to minimize the impact of crises on trade and ensure the efficient delivery of humanitarian aid, contributing to Madagascar's overall stability and economic recovery.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs Adopts Digital Tools to Strengthen Supply Chains

Cameroon Customs, with the support of the WCO and the Government of Japan, held a seminar to enhance disaster response capabilities and promote digital tools to optimize customs clearance processes. This initiative aims to build a more resilient customs system, providing a more stable and efficient trading environment for businesses and fostering economic development in Cameroon. The focus is on strengthening customs' ability to withstand disruptions and leverage technology for improved efficiency and security in international trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bosnia Boosts Ecommerce with Wcobacked Customs Reform

Bosnia Boosts Ecommerce with Wcobacked Customs Reform

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina focusing on cross-border e-commerce. The aim was to enhance the awareness of Bosnian Customs regarding e-commerce and to optimize clearance procedures. The workshop highlighted WCO's Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce and the Immediate Release Guidelines. These tools are designed to help Bosnia and Herzegovina seize the opportunities presented by cross-border e-commerce, address related challenges, and ultimately achieve economic development.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

Bahamas Enhances Trade with Wcobacked Ruling System

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting the Bahamas in developing an Advance Ruling System to enhance trade facilitation. Through workshops, Bahamian customs officials developed advance ruling application procedures, decision templates, information disclosure guidelines, and created an online database. The Advance Ruling System reduces trade risks, shortens clearance times, promotes international trade development, attracts investment, and reduces trade disputes. This initiative aims to streamline customs processes and improve the overall efficiency of trade operations in the Bahamas.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs Adopts Global Standards to Enhance Trade

Kazakhstan Customs actively embraces international standards and enhances tariff classification capabilities by hosting WCO Harmonized System workshops, thus improving the business environment. Through digital transformation and international cooperation, Kazakhstan Customs is committed to building an efficient and compliant customs system, promoting trade facilitation, attracting investment, and driving economic development. This contributes to the prosperity of global trade. The focus is on aligning with international best practices to streamline processes and foster a more attractive investment climate.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Moldova Modernizes Customs with Harmonized Trade System

Moldova Modernizes Customs with Harmonized Trade System

To modernize trade, Moldovan Customs is optimizing its tariff classification system. In 2013, the World Customs Organization (WCO) provided technical assistance, holding HS workshops to enhance the HS knowledge and practical skills of Moldovan Customs officials. This initiative aims to build an efficient and transparent customs system, promote trade facilitation, and lay the foundation for integration into the global trading system. The goal is to improve customs procedures and ensure accurate classification, ultimately streamlining cross-border trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

East Africa Enhances Customs Audits Via WCOJICA Training

The MTP project, a joint initiative between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has successfully developed a team of customs audit trainers and created regional training materials in East Africa. This initiative has significantly enhanced the region's customs audit capabilities, contributing to trade facilitation and regional economic development. The project's impact lies in its focus on building local expertise and providing tailored resources to address specific challenges within the East African context.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

WTO Trade Deal Advances with World Customs Organization Support

The WCO Working Group on Trade Facilitation Agreement emphasized the WCO's crucial role in implementing the TFA. Discussions centered on supporting global trade flow through tools and initiatives like National Trade Facilitation Committees, Coordinated Border Management, Time Release Studies, and the Mercator Programme. The meeting also approved a study tool designed to assist members in submitting national practice case studies easily incorporated into implementation guidelines. This aims to further streamline trade processes and enhance efficiency at borders worldwide.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Wcos SAFE Framework Strengthens Global Supply Chain Security

Wcos SAFE Framework Strengthens Global Supply Chain Security

The World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Working Group meeting focused on supply chain security and efficiency, discussing the implementation and future development of the SAFE Framework. The meeting highlighted forward-looking topics such as e-seals, regional cooperation, e-commerce inclusion, and blockchain applications. It also addressed innovative practices like standardized document formats, air cargo security, and electronic advance data sets. The aim is to strengthen customs cooperation and build a secure and efficient future for global trade.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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