West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

West and Central Africa Strengthen Customs to Fight Art Trafficking

Under the initiative of the World Customs Organization, West and Central African Customs administrations have jointly developed an action plan to strengthen cultural heritage protection and combat illicit trafficking. The plan encompasses key areas such as raising awareness, enhancing inter-agency cooperation, and conducting practical training. It emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to build a robust barrier against the illegal trade in cultural artifacts and promote the preservation of cultural heritage across the region.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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China Tightens Wildlife Trade Rules to Boost Conservation

China Tightens Wildlife Trade Rules to Boost Conservation

The Endangered Species Import and Export Management Office of the People's Republic of China, in conjunction with the General Administration of Customs, has issued an announcement updating the 'Import and Export Commodity Catalogue of Wild Fauna and Flora Species'. This aims to strengthen the supervision of wild fauna and flora import and export, ensuring international trade complies with relevant conventions. Enterprises and individuals are required to carefully review the latest catalogue, abide by laws and regulations, and jointly maintain biodiversity.

08/21/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Uganda Boosts Wildlife Trade Enforcement with WCO Backing

Uganda Boosts Wildlife Trade Enforcement with WCO Backing

With the support of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Inama Project, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) is actively enhancing its capacity to combat Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT). Through initiatives such as developing a CITES Enforcement Manual, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and raising public awareness, Uganda is poised to play a greater role in protecting endangered species and contributing significantly to global biodiversity conservation. The efforts focus on improving customs enforcement practices to effectively intercept and prevent the illegal trade of wildlife products.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

Malawi Strengthens Wildlife Trade Enforcement Via INAMA Project

The World Customs Organization's INAMA Project aims to enhance the capacity of developing countries' customs administrations to combat illegal wildlife trade. From 2019-2020, the project conducted risk management capacity assessment and enhancement activities in Malawi. Through training and cooperation, it helped the Malawi Revenue Authority strengthen risk identification and response, and promoted regional collaboration to combat illegal wildlife trade and protect endangered species. The project focused on improving customs officials' skills in detecting and intercepting illegal wildlife products.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

WCO Aids Gabon in Curbing Illegal Wildlife Trade

The World Customs Organization (WCO) held a CITES-Framework Action Plan training in Gabon, aimed at enhancing the capacity of African customs officers to combat illegal wildlife trade. Hosted by the Gabonese Customs Administration, the training involved representatives from multiple countries, focusing on discussing challenges and sharing experiences. The U.S. Department of State funded the training. The WCO-INAMA project is dedicated to protecting Africa's biodiversity through training and cooperation. This initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in tackling wildlife crime and strengthening customs enforcement efforts.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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HS Code Rules Updated for Endangered Wildlife Meat Trade

HS Code Rules Updated for Endangered Wildlife Meat Trade

This article provides a detailed overview of HS code 0208909010 and its subclasses, focusing on the classification and application of other fresh, chilled, or frozen meat from endangered wild animals. It highlights the significance of regulating international trade and protecting endangered species.

08/08/2025 HS Code Query
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New Hluhluwe Airport Boosts Access to South Africas Wildlife

New Hluhluwe Airport Boosts Access to South Africas Wildlife

Hluhluwe Airport (HLW) is a small airport in South Africa, strategically located for easy access to the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. This article provides essential information about the airport, including its IATA code, ICAO code, and geographical coordinates. It also offers travel tips for visitors planning to explore the region and its renowned wildlife conservation efforts. The airport serves as a convenient gateway to experience the natural beauty and wildlife of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, making it a vital point of entry for tourists.

01/20/2026 Airport Codes
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Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

Customs Key in Fighting Illegal Wildlife Trade CITES COP15 Insights

The 15th meeting of the CITES Conference of the Parties highlighted the crucial role of customs in combating cross-border environmental crime. The WCO contributes to the protection of endangered species by raising awareness among customs officers, providing enforcement tools, and strengthening international cooperation. Data analysis reveals a persistently high violation rate, necessitating enhanced data-driven enforcement and technological innovation to build a global environmental security defense. Further efforts are needed to improve detection and prevention measures, fostering a collaborative approach to effectively combat illegal wildlife trade.

01/22/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Global Operation DEMETER V Cracks Down on Illegal Environmental Trade

Global Operation DEMETER V Cracks Down on Illegal Environmental Trade

Operation DEMETER V is a global customs enforcement operation targeting the illegal cross-border movement of environmentally sensitive commodities. Initiated by the World Customs Organization, the operation focuses on the illicit trafficking of hazardous waste (particularly plastic waste) and ozone-depleting substances. Through enhanced international cooperation and information exchange, Operation DEMETER V has successfully seized significant quantities of illegal waste and ozone-depleting substances, effectively upholding the enforcement of international environmental conventions.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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