A recent virtual workshop under the Global Trade Facilitation Program has demonstrated how international cooperation can transform customs administration, with Uzbekistan's newly established Post-Clearance Audit unit gaining valuable insights from Maldives' expertise.
The three-day online knowledge exchange, held September 21-23 under the World Customs Organization's Mercator Programme, marked a significant step in strengthening Uzbekistan's customs modernization efforts. Organized by the WCO and Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), the event focused on operationalizing effective post-clearance audit (PCA) systems.
Operational Knowledge Transfer
Maldives Customs Service, recognized for its mature PCA implementation, provided comprehensive guidance across multiple dimensions of audit operations. Technical discussions covered organizational structures, legal frameworks, operational procedures, inter-agency coordination mechanisms, and digital audit tools.
Uzbekistan's State Customs Committee delegates examined Maldives' approach to staffing PCA units, defining audit selection criteria, and implementing risk-based verification methods. Particular attention was given to legal provisions ensuring audit authority and taxpayer compliance requirements.
Practical Implementation Strategies
The knowledge sharing extended to practical challenges in PCA rollout, with Maldives detailing its experience in establishing cooperative frameworks with tax authorities and trade ministries. Technology integration emerged as a critical focus area, with demonstrations of automated audit workflows and data analytics applications.
Uzbek customs officials identified several process optimization opportunities through comparative analysis, including plans to strengthen legal foundations, enhance inter-agency data sharing protocols, and modernize audit management systems.
Global Trade Facilitation Impact
Post-clearance audit systems represent a key trade facilitation measure under the WCO's Revised Kyoto Convention, offering more efficient compliance verification than physical inspections. By shifting focus to documentary audits after goods release, PCA reduces trade bottlenecks while maintaining effective revenue protection.
The Global Trade Facilitation Program continues supporting developing economies in implementing such WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement measures. This Uzbekistan-Maldives collaboration exemplifies how targeted capacity building can accelerate customs modernization while fostering lasting international partnerships.