The proliferation of counterfeit goods in global markets not only jeopardizes consumer rights but also undermines innovation. As the first line of defense against such illicit trade, customs authorities require specialized expertise to effectively combat this growing threat. To enhance intellectual property (IP) enforcement capabilities across the Asia-Pacific region, the World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a Technical Operational Advisor (TOA) certification workshop in Kashiwa, Japan from October 10-13, 2023.
Building Regional Expertise in IP Protection
Funded by Japan's Customs Cooperation Fund, the intensive four-day program brought together ten customs officials from Australia, Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong (China), India, Indonesia, Japan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The workshop's primary objective was to identify and certify qualified candidates as TOAs in intellectual property rights enforcement, expanding the pool of WCO-accredited experts available to support regional capacity-building initiatives.
Participants engaged in comprehensive practical exercises including presentations, group discussions, and role-playing scenarios designed to evaluate both technical knowledge of IP protection and training delivery skills. The program was jointly facilitated by two experts from the WCO Secretariat to ensure rigorous and impartial assessment.
Two-Phase Certification Process
Aligned with the WCO IP Strategy 2020 endorsed during the 41st Enforcement Committee meeting in March 2021, the workshop emphasized the critical role of certified experts in strengthening customs administrations' IP enforcement capabilities. The certification process comprises two stages:
- Phase One: Workshop-based assessment of participants' technical expertise and training competencies through practical exercises
- Phase Two: Field evaluation of candidates' application of knowledge in operational environments
Only those demonstrating proficiency in both phases receive official WCO certification as IP enforcement specialists.
Comprehensive Curriculum Addressing IP Enforcement Challenges
The curriculum covered essential components of effective IP protection:
- International and regional IP legal frameworks
- Advanced counterfeit detection techniques including visual inspection and technical analysis
- Operational strategies for risk assessment, intelligence gathering, and cross-border investigations
- Best practices for international cooperation and information sharing
- Methodologies for training delivery and knowledge transfer
Regional Challenges and Strategic Responses
The Asia-Pacific region faces unique IP enforcement challenges as both an economic growth leader and a primary target for counterfeit networks. Disparities in national IP protection regimes and the rapid expansion of e-commerce platforms have created vulnerabilities exploited by illicit traders.
However, technological advancements in artificial intelligence and blockchain, combined with growing political commitment to IP protection, present significant opportunities to strengthen enforcement mechanisms. The WCO's capacity-building initiatives play a pivotal role in harmonizing regional standards and operational practices.
This certification workshop represents one component of the WCO's broader strategy to develop sustainable IP protection systems and combat transnational counterfeit trade. Certified TOAs will assume critical roles in mentoring colleagues, delivering training programs, and providing technical support to customs administrations throughout the region.