Imagine a level playing field for global trade where every product's value is accurately assessed and every transaction is built on transparency and trust. This vision is not merely an ideal but an ongoing mission in the field of customs valuation. The critical question remains: how can we minimize valuation fraud, ensure fair taxation, and promote healthy regional trade development?
Jordan-China Collaboration Strengthens Trade Security
Under the active promotion of the World Customs Organization (WCO) and with support from the China Customs Cooperation Fund, Jordan Customs partnered with the WCO Secretariat to host a regional workshop on customs valuation and valuation fraud. Held from February 25 to March 1, 2018, at the WCO Regional Training Center in Amman, the event brought together twenty customs officials from fourteen administrations across North Africa, the Near East, and the Middle East.
The five-day workshop provided practical training to help participants master the key principles of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, utilize revenue protection tools, and develop effective methods to identify and combat valuation fraud.
Core Focus: Advancing Valuation Expertise
The intensive program covered several crucial areas:
- WTO Valuation Agreement Essentials: Detailed interpretation of agreement provisions to ensure comprehensive understanding of valuation rules.
- Revenue Protection Toolkit: Practical guidance on using valuation databases, risk assessment models, and other tools to improve accuracy.
- Fraud Detection Strategies: Case studies demonstrating methods to identify and counteract valuation fraud schemes.
Practical Training Through Case Studies
A special focus was placed on applying the WTO Customs Valuation Committee's Decision 6.1, which guides customs authorities when questioning the truth or accuracy of declared values. Participants engaged in:
- Realistic valuation scenario simulations
- Group problem-solving exercises
- Expert-led case analysis sessions
Risk Management: Creating a Valuation Safety Net
The workshop explored multiple risk assessment standards, including:
- Developing valuation databases as risk assessment tools
- Conducting mirror analysis (comparing export and import aggregate data)
- Enhancing intelligence sharing between customs administrations
Interactive Problem-Solving
The concluding sessions featured in-depth discussions on practical challenges, including:
- Selecting appropriate valuation methods for different commodities
- Valuation approaches for related-party transactions
- Assessing goods involving intellectual property
Toward a Fairer Trade Future
The Amman workshop significantly enhanced customs valuation capabilities across the region while strengthening inter-agency cooperation. As global trade grows increasingly complex, such international collaboration becomes essential to combat valuation fraud, maintain fair trade practices, and support regional economic development.
Participants left equipped with practical tools against valuation fraud and reinforced confidence in addressing these challenges collectively. The WCO continues to expand cooperation with members through training and technical support, advancing global customs valuation standards.