Imagine a world where customs valuation standards lack uniformity—where cross-border trade faces mounting challenges as parties dispute product valuations, business costs skyrocket, and trade conflicts multiply. This scenario is not hypothetical. To prevent such disruptions, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) have joined forces to advance customs valuation capacity-building initiatives across Southern Africa. Recently, the second working group session of this project concluded successfully in Maputo, Mozambique, marking another significant step toward regional trade facilitation.
The WCO/JICA joint initiative, known as the "Customs Valuation (CV) Expert Training Program (MTP)," aims to establish sustainable, self-sufficient training capabilities within customs administrations by (1) developing a pool of experienced trainers and (2) creating region-specific training materials and programs.
Strengthening Regional Capacity
The Maputo workshop, held from March 18 to 22, brought together 15 officials nominated by customs administrations from Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This gathering built upon the outcomes of the first sub-regional workshop held last October in Zambia. While the initial session focused on identifying regional challenges and enhancing technical knowledge in customs valuation, this second working group concentrated on developing training skills—equipping participants with the competencies needed to become effective trainers.
Experts from the WCO, Uganda Revenue Authority, and Japan Customs shared their knowledge and practical experiences in customs valuation and training methodologies. Participants demonstrated strong engagement throughout the workshop, actively contributing to working sessions and group discussions. Both WCO and JICA commended the attendees' proactive approach and commitment to fostering sustainable capacity development across Southern African customs administrations.
The Critical Role of Customs Valuation
Customs valuation serves as a cornerstone of international trade, directly influencing tariff collection and trade compliance. An efficient, transparent, and equitable valuation system reduces trade barriers, enhances facilitation, and ensures stable government revenue. Conversely, inconsistent or opaque valuation practices can lead to tax evasion, smuggling, and market distortions.
The WCO/JICA collaboration leverages global expertise and development assistance to strengthen customs operations in emerging economies. As the authoritative body for global customs standards, the WCO partners with JICA—Japan's official development agency—to combine technical knowledge with practical support for developing nations.
Regional Cooperation for Trade Growth
Southern African nations face shared challenges in customs management despite varying economic profiles. Through initiatives like the MTP program, countries can exchange best practices, align valuation approaches, and collectively improve trade governance. The project exemplifies how regional cooperation creates platforms for mutual learning and professional advancement.
For businesses, standardized customs valuation translates to predictable costs, streamlined clearance, and reduced disputes. Companies gain better control over import expenses, enhancing competitiveness while minimizing trade risks. The program also addresses complex valuation scenarios—such as related-party transactions, royalty payments, and intangible asset valuation—that require specialized expertise.
Future Directions
The WCO and JICA remain committed to supporting Southern African customs administrations through continued trainer development and curriculum refinement. As global trade evolves, customs valuation will increasingly incorporate digital tools and data analytics while strengthening public-private partnerships. The Maputo workshop represents an ongoing effort to build transparent, efficient customs systems that foster regional economic integration.