Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Remote Support

Published: 01/19/2026
Customs Audit Trade Facilitation Technical Assistance
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a follow-up remote technical assistance mission to the State Customs Committee (SCC) of Uzbekistan. This aimed to enhance the country's post-clearance audit (PCA) capabilities, optimize audit processes, and develop specific customs audit procedures. Through practical exercises, case studies, and expert guidance, the mission sought to improve the audit skills and knowledge of customs officers, promoting trade facilitation and increased revenue collection. The focus was on strengthening PCA practices to ensure compliance and efficiency in customs operations.
Uzbekistan Boosts Customs Audits Via WCO Remote Support

Trade facilitation reforms extend beyond simplifying procedures and reducing tariffs. Modernizing customs audit capabilities is critical for ensuring compliance, combating smuggling, and maintaining fair trade practices. Recently, the World Customs Organization (WCO) provided follow-up remote technical assistance to Uzbekistan’s State Customs Committee (SCC) to enhance its post-clearance audit (PCA) capacity—a pivotal step in advancing trade facilitation.

Project Background: SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Program

This initiative falls under the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), a collaboration between Switzerland’s State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the WCO. As a follow-up to an April 2021 on-site assessment, WCO experts delivered virtual support from July 6–8, focusing on optimizing Uzbekistan’s PCA implementation.

Objectives: Monitoring Progress and Strengthening Capacity

The technical assistance aimed to:

  • Assess implementation: Evaluate SCC’s preliminary PCA progress and identify challenges.
  • Refine audit processes: Enhance customs officers’ practical understanding through simulated audits.
  • Build expertise: Strengthen SCC’s PCA comprehension for future improvements.
  • Develop standardized procedures: Create tailored customs audit protocols for Uzbekistan.

Technical Support: Simulations and Expert Guidance

Under the WCO Mercator Program, activities included:

  1. PCA conceptual review: Reinforcing core principles and methodologies.
  2. Interactive simulations: Role-playing audits from risk assessment to report drafting.
  3. Case studies: Sharing global PCA best practices adapted to Uzbekistan’s context.
  4. Process optimization: Recommendations for improving risk analysis, field audits, and interagency coordination.
  5. Customized guidelines: Proposals for Uzbekistan-specific audit procedures.

Data-Driven Audit Optimization

From an analytical perspective, PCA enhancements could leverage:

  • Risk modeling: Machine learning algorithms (e.g., logistic regression, decision trees) to analyze declaration data, credit history, and sector profiles.
  • Case selection: Stratified sampling based on risk levels and resource constraints.
  • Field audit efficiency: Real-time data visualization and mobile tools for on-site analysis.
  • Performance metrics: Statistical evaluation of audit outcomes to refine risk models.

Expected Outcomes

The initiative is projected to:

  • Elevate SCC’s audit proficiency through hands-on training.
  • Streamline PCA workflows for greater accuracy.
  • Bolster fair trade by curbing smuggling and non-compliance.
  • Increase tax revenue through improved enforcement.

With continued WCO support, Uzbekistan aims to establish an intelligent PCA system, contributing to economic growth and trade efficiency. Future collaboration may focus on developing in-house data analytics teams for advanced audit management.

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