Imagine a country where customs clearance becomes significantly faster, business operational costs drop, and international trade competitiveness surges. Behind such progress lies an efficient risk management system. But how can customs authorities balance security controls with trade facilitation?
Recently, the World Customs Organization (WCO), through its Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP) in collaboration with Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), conducted a virtual risk management workshop for the Customs Administration of Serbia (CAS). Held from November 2-5, 2021, under WCO's Mercator Programme framework, the workshop aimed to enhance Serbia's customs risk management capabilities, establish robust systems, and improve its risk registry.
Focus on Serbia: Elevating Risk Management Capabilities
The workshop's primary objective was strengthening Serbia's internal risk management strategy. WCO experts analyzed the country's existing operational principles and provided recommendations for developing written risk management strategies aligned with international standards. These improvements are expected to increase inspection efficiency, enhance transparency, and ultimately facilitate trade.
The four-day session equipped Serbian customs officials with WCO methodologies, helping them identify strengths and areas for improvement. A key outcome was the creation of a roadmap for advancing risk management practices, providing clear direction for future reforms.
Risk Management: The Cornerstone of Trade Facilitation
In today's complex global trade environment, effective risk management is critical for customs authorities. A well-designed system enables:
- National security protection: Identifying and intercepting illegal goods to safeguard public safety
- Trade facilitation: Reducing unnecessary inspections to accelerate cargo release and lower business costs
- Revenue collection efficiency: Preventing tax evasion through accurate risk assessment
- Institutional credibility: Building trust through transparent and efficient clearance processes
WCO's Global Trade Facilitation Programme: Driving Change
The GTFP initiative, a partnership between WCO and SECO, assists developing and transition economies in implementing the WTO's Trade Facilitation Agreement. Through technical assistance and capacity building, the program helps customs administrations streamline procedures and reduce trade costs.
Mercator Programme: Benchmark for Capacity Development
As WCO's flagship initiative, the Mercator Programme provides comprehensive support for implementing trade facilitation measures, covering risk management, valuation, origin rules, and commodity classification through expert guidance and training.
Serbia's Customs Modernization: Advancing Trade Efficiency
The workshop marked a significant step in Serbia's customs modernization. Participants gained exposure to international best practices and received expert guidance. Expected outcomes include:
- Strategic: Development of internationally-aligned risk management policies
- Operational: Enhanced risk identification and assessment capabilities
- Organizational: Establishment of cross-departmental risk management committees
- Technical: Upgraded risk registry systems for improved data analysis
Future Outlook: Continued Collaboration
WCO will maintain close cooperation with Serbian customs to further develop risk management systems and trade facilitation measures. Through initiatives like GTFP and Mercator, WCO continues supporting developing economies in creating more efficient global trade environments.