WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

WTO and WCO Partner to Enhance Global Trade Living Standards

The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) emphasized the crucial role of collaboration between trade and customs communities in improving global well-being at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council meeting. By strengthening information sharing, capacity building, and technological innovation, the WTO and WCO can jointly build a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable global trading system. This cooperation is essential for facilitating trade, ensuring security, and promoting economic development worldwide. The focus is on streamlining processes and fostering a collaborative environment for mutual benefit.

01/26/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Malawi Boosts Customs Efficiency with Japanbacked HS Code Training

Sponsored by Japan Customs and organized by the World Customs Organization, a national HS workshop was held in Malawi to enhance the commodity classification skills of Malawian customs officers. The aim was to improve tax revenue efficiency and promote international trade development. The workshop focused on core HS principles and practical operations, emphasizing the importance of capacity building for a sound tax system and exploring the strategic significance of improving HS coding capabilities. This initiative underscores the commitment to strengthening customs operations through targeted training and international collaboration.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Launches Elearning on Python ML for Customs Modernization

WCO Launches Elearning on Python ML for Customs Modernization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched a Data Quality E-Learning course to enhance data analysis skills of customs officials, ensuring data quality at the source and unlocking its value. The course covers data quality assessment, cleaning techniques, Python programming, and machine learning algorithm applications. It supports the intelligent transformation of customs departments and improves the accuracy of risk goods identification and tax revenue forecasting. The course aims to equip customs officials with the necessary skills to leverage data effectively for improved decision-making and operational efficiency.

12/30/2025 Customs Knowledge
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Americas Caribbean Customs Boost Postclearance Audit Expertise

Americas Caribbean Customs Boost Postclearance Audit Expertise

The World Customs Organization held a Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) workshop in the Americas and Caribbean region to enhance the auditing capabilities of customs administrations. The aim was to ensure compliance with laws and regulations and integrate international standards into customs operations. The workshop focused on the role of risk management in PCA, facilitating the exchange of experiences among customs administrations and the joint development of regional audit plans. This aims to improve compliance control levels and safeguard tax revenue. The future of PCA will increasingly rely on digitization and intelligent technologies.

01/07/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Helps Senegal Modernize Trade with Ruling System

WCO Helps Senegal Modernize Trade with Ruling System

With EU funding, the World Customs Organization (WCO) is supporting Senegal Customs in establishing a national advance ruling system. Through diagnostic assessments and action plan development, the initiative aims to improve trade facilitation in Senegal, reduce trade risks for businesses, and enhance customs clearance efficiency. Senegal is committed to actively promoting the development of this system, and the WCO will continue to provide support, contributing to global trade prosperity. The implementation of the advance ruling system is expected to streamline customs procedures and provide greater certainty for traders.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO South Korea Aid Yemens Customs Reform Amid Crisis

WCO South Korea Aid Yemens Customs Reform Amid Crisis

With funding from the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF), the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a high-level seminar in Amman, Jordan, to assist Yemen Customs in transitioning from crisis response to recovery. The seminar focused on key issues such as capacity building and strategic planning. The WCO provided technical assistance and resource coordination, while Korea provided financial support. The Head of Yemen Customs expressed gratitude to the WCO and pledged to enhance trade security and competitiveness to achieve national recovery. This initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in supporting fragile states.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

MENA Region Boosts Customs Risk Management Via WCO Workshop

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Regional Workshop on Risk Assessment and Targeting, sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and hosted by Qatar Customs, was held in Doha. The workshop aimed to enhance the risk management capabilities of customs administrations in the region. Focusing on risk assessment and profiling, the event facilitated the exchange of experiences through case studies and national reports. The goal was to improve customs' ability to identify and manage risks, enabling them to address the challenges posed by increasingly complex global trade.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

WCO Expertise France Boost Gender Equality in African Tax Agencies

The World Customs Organization (WCO) and Expertise France jointly organized a gender equality workshop in Côte d'Ivoire. The workshop aimed to raise awareness of gender equality among customs and tax officials in West and Central Africa. Practical tools, such as the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT), were introduced. The event also facilitated the exchange of experiences between countries, laying the foundation for a more equitable and inclusive customs and tax environment. The initiative underscores the importance of international collaboration in promoting gender equality within customs and taxation sectors.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Malta Customs Adopts Innovation to Strengthen Island Economy

Malta Customs Adopts Innovation to Strengthen Island Economy

The Secretary General of the World Customs Organization visited Malta to discuss development opportunities for small island economies. Malta's Finance Minister highlighted the country's economic transformation, emphasizing the crucial role of customs. The Prime Minister presented the vision of a "Blockchain Island" and called for strengthened international cooperation. Malta Customs has achieved significant success in risk management and technology application, providing a valuable reference for customs cooperation among Mediterranean countries. The discussions focused on leveraging technology and collaboration to enhance trade facilitation and security in the unique context of a small island nation.

01/05/2026 Customs Knowledge
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Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs Launches Fiveyear Modernization Plan

Antigua and Barbuda Customs is implementing a five-year strategy in response to the World Customs Organization's Mercator Program. This initiative aims to modernize customs operations, promote economic development, and enhance international competitiveness. The strategic plan focuses on streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and aligning with global best practices. By embracing international standards and modern technologies, Antigua and Barbuda Customs seeks to facilitate trade, strengthen border security, and contribute to the nation's sustainable economic growth. This modernization effort is crucial for attracting investment and fostering a more competitive business environment.

01/20/2026 Customs Knowledge
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