On 30 March 2026, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that it, in partnership with the United Kingdom (UK), continued to champion the implementation of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) through the Accelerate Trade Facilitation (ATF) Programme, building on more than 11 years of demonstrated impact and results achieved by participating members.
The WCO’s long-standing partnership with the UK’s His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) underscores a common dedication to strengthening the effective implementation of the WTO TFA. The ATF Programme supports developing countries in integrating more fully into global value chains, adhering to international standards and fully leveraging the opportunities offered by the multilateral trading system.
Launched in 2015, the ATF Programme aims to facilitate cross-border trade in goods and enhance public-private collaboration by implementing the WTO TFA. The partnership with UNCTAD enables synergies across the Customs and trade continuum to ensure full implementation of the WTO TFA.
Over the past years, the ATF Programme has evolved in both scope and regional focus, supporting Customs reforms across Africa, Asia and Latin America. The advancements made by each member highlight the programme’s effectiveness in helping them implement international standards, enhance their business environments and increase efficiencies in cross-border trade.
Building on the success of previous phases and recognising the importance of facilitating trade, the UK has announced a three-year extension of its partnership with HMRC, the WCO and UNCTAD to continue delivering trade facilitation capacity-building.
The UK has allocated £1,850,000 in funding for the WCO to extend the ATF Programme from April 2026 until March 2029. In this new Phase V, the WCO will focus on delivering technical assistance in five key areas:
- Post-Clearance Audit (PCA)
- Time Release Study (TRS)
- Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)
- Risk Management
- Coordinated Border Management (CBM)
Welcoming the news, the WCO Secretary General said: “The Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme has shown how targeted technical support and strong partnerships can drive meaningful improvements in cross-border trade. It has supported WCO members in streamlining procedures, reducing clearance times and strengthening supply chain resilience. As we enter this next phase, the WCO remains committed to supporting its members in building and enhancing their Customs procedures for a more secure and efficient global trading system.”
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) applauded the news of the Programme’s extension. NCS Comptroller-General stated that: “The Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme has significantly strengthened our trade facilitation efforts. Through enhanced Post-Clearance Audit, the establishment of an AEO programme and the implementation of Time Release Study, clearance times have been reduced and traders are benefiting directly. With continued support from the UK and the WCO, we will deepen and further advance reforms to make Nigerian trade more efficient, predictable and aligned with international standards.”
HMRC’s Head of International Customs and Border Engagement said: “The UK remains firmly committed to supporting implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. Working with the World Customs Organization, we will build on more than a decade of results delivered with partner Customs administrations, driving adherence to international standards, accelerating customs modernisation and improving the efficiency of cross-border trade so that borders work better for businesses and communities, whilst driving economic growth.”
As Phase V of the ATF Programme begins, the WCO, UNCTAD and the UK will continue to build on past successes by providing targeted technical assistance, strengthening public-private collaboration and supporting members in adopting international standards.
More information on the Accelerate Trade Facilitation Programme is accessible at:
https://www.wcoomd.org/en/topics/capacity-building/activities-and-progr…