As trade facilitation becomes a crucial driver of economic development worldwide, countries face the dual challenge of ensuring trade security while improving customs efficiency. Burkina Faso, a landlocked West African nation, is actively seeking solutions to this challenge.
In response to requests from Burkina Faso's Customs Administration and to support the country's accession process to the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), the World Customs Organization (WCO), with funding from Japan's Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF Japan), conducted a national workshop in Ouagadougou from April 4-8, 2016.
The five-day workshop brought together over 40 customs officials and private sector representatives to focus on key provisions of the RKC and implementation of the SAFE Framework of Standards, particularly the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) program. The event provided practical technical support for Burkina Faso's customs modernization efforts.
International Standards for Trade Facilitation
The Revised Kyoto Convention serves as the WCO's cornerstone instrument for harmonizing and simplifying customs procedures to facilitate international trade. It contains standards and recommendations designed to enhance customs efficiency, transparency, and predictability. Implementation can significantly reduce trade costs, shorten cargo release times, and improve overall customs management.
The SAFE Framework represents an international initiative to secure and facilitate global supply chains through two pillars: customs-to-customs cooperation and customs-to-business partnerships. The AEO program, as a key component, certifies businesses meeting specific security and compliance standards, granting them expedited clearance to encourage stronger internal controls and supply chain security.
Key Focus Areas
With Burkina Faso in the final stages of RKC accession, the workshop provided critical technical assistance for drafting recommendations and developing an action plan with short- and medium-term objectives. This roadmap will guide the gradual implementation of RKC and SAFE standards to enhance customs management and promote international trade development.
Experts and Burkina Faso customs officials examined several critical implementation areas:
- Simplification and standardization of customs procedures: Streamlining declaration, inspection, and release processes according to RKC requirements to reduce administrative burdens and improve clearance efficiency.
- Risk management application: Implementing risk-based techniques to classify goods and focus limited customs resources on high-risk shipments.
- Technology integration: Adopting information technology to automate processes and achieve paperless customs operations.
- AEO program development: Establishing certification procedures for compliant businesses under SAFE Framework guidelines.
- Customs-business cooperation: Strengthening communication and partnerships between customs and trade operators.
Workshop Outcomes
Participants gained both theoretical knowledge and practical implementation skills while establishing connections with international customs experts. Burkina Faso's Customs Administration praised the workshop's contribution to its modernization efforts and committed to implementing the action plan.
The WCO commended Burkina Faso's progress and pledged continued technical support while calling for broader international cooperation to advance global trade facilitation and security.
The successful workshop not only advanced Burkina Faso's customs modernization but also provided a reference model for other developing countries, demonstrating how international cooperation and technical assistance can help overcome customs challenges and improve trade competitiveness.