With global cross-border trade reaching tens of trillions of dollars annually, the potential tax revenue loss due to inaccurate customs valuation presents a significant challenge for customs authorities worldwide. Peru's National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT) is actively exploring solutions, with a recent international virtual forum providing new momentum to these efforts.
SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Program Framework
The virtual forum was organized as part of Phase II of the Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), a collaboration between Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO). This initiative aims to enhance customs management capabilities in developing countries through technical support and capacity building. Peru's customs administration serves as a key partner in this program, with the forum specifically designed to address its needs in optimizing customs valuation risk management.
Forum Overview: Focus on Customs Valuation Risk Management
On June 25, 2025, SUNAT hosted the virtual forum titled "Optimizing Customs Valuation Risk Management Practices and Tools." The event brought together 60 Peruvian customs officials along with representatives from Brazil, Chile, Mexico, and Uruguay. Key discussion points included:
- Customs valuation risk database development: Exploring methods to establish and improve risk management databases that utilize data analytics to identify high-risk goods and businesses.
- Value verification process optimization: Analyzing ways to streamline verification procedures while maintaining revenue protection.
- Private sector engagement: Examining strategies to involve businesses in customs valuation risk management and establish effective communication channels.
Regional Knowledge Sharing
Participating countries exchanged valuable insights during the forum. Brazil presented case studies on using big data analytics to detect undervalued goods, while Chile shared experiences in private sector collaboration to combat valuation fraud. Mexico detailed its customs valuation expert database system, and Uruguay demonstrated its use of international valuation databases for comparative analysis.
Peru's Action Plan: Strengthening Valuation Processes
Following the forum, SUNAT outlined its strategic priorities:
- Enhancing value verification procedures through more scientific and standardized valuation methodologies
- Expanding training programs for valuation officers to improve professional competencies
- Developing stronger collaboration mechanisms with private sector stakeholders
WCO's Continued Support
The World Customs Organization has committed to providing ongoing technical assistance to Peru, including expert consultations, training programs, and best practice sharing to improve trade transparency and predictability.
Global Trade Security Implications
Effective customs valuation risk management serves as a critical component of international trade security. Proper implementation helps combat price manipulation, tax evasion, and other fraudulent activities while facilitating legitimate trade and economic growth.
Technology Applications in Valuation Management
Modern customs valuation systems increasingly rely on advanced technological tools:
- Risk assessment systems for identifying potential valuation discrepancies
- Database management platforms for storing and analyzing valuation data
- Data analytics tools for detecting abnormal patterns and trends
- Value verification resources including price databases and market intelligence
- Information sharing platforms for international cooperation
International Standards and Agreements
The WTO's Customs Valuation Agreement remains the foundational legal framework, establishing transaction value as the primary basis for customs valuation. The WCO supplements this with technical guidelines covering risk management, value verification, and intelligence gathering.
Future Directions: Digital Transformation
The future of customs valuation management points toward increased digitization and intelligent systems. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain promise to enhance risk detection accuracy and data security. Simultaneously, strengthened international cooperation will be essential to address cross-border valuation challenges and maintain global trade stability.
Peru's participation in the SECO-WCO program demonstrates how developing nations can enhance customs valuation capabilities through international collaboration, technological adoption, and process optimization—critical steps toward ensuring fair and efficient global trade systems.