Imagine a region where trade barriers no longer involve complex valuation processes but instead operate under efficient, standardized customs procedures. In Southern Africa, this vision is gradually becoming reality through a collaborative effort between the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Their joint "Customs Valuation (CV) Master Trainer Program (MTP)" aims to develop a sustainable pool of professional customs valuation trainers, injecting new momentum into the region's trade development.
Program Background: Enhancing Regional Customs Valuation Capacity
The Southern African region—comprising Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, and Zambia—faces significant challenges in customs valuation practices that hinder trade facilitation. Disparate implementation levels across countries and the absence of unified training standards have constrained regional trade growth. To address these issues, WCO and JICA launched the MTP initiative to establish a regional trainer database and elevate overall customs valuation capabilities.
Key Program Objectives:
- Develop an experienced trainer workforce through systematic instruction and practical exercises
- Create region-specific training materials addressing Southern Africa's unique requirements
Third Working Group Session Advances Practical Training
The program's third working group meeting (WG3), held October 21-25, 2019 in Gaborone, Botswana, brought together 15 customs valuation officers from the five participating nations. Under guidance from WCO and Japanese customs experts, participants progressed in developing training materials and model programs, building on previous sessions to strengthen both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
WG3 Session Highlights:
- Advanced theoretical instruction on current customs valuation principles
- Case study analysis translating theory into operational practice
- Collaborative development of region-specific training resources
- Design of model projects simulating real-world valuation scenarios
- Active participant engagement through group workshops
Curriculum Focus: Addressing Regional Priorities
The training curriculum specifically targeted Southern Africa's customs valuation needs, covering:
- Core principles of WTO Customs Valuation Agreements
- Examination methodologies for related-party transactions
- Identification standards for similar and identical goods
- Application of deductive and computed valuation methods
- Dispute resolution mechanisms for valuation conflicts
Developing Localized Training Resources
A central focus involved creating training materials adapted to regional characteristics, including:
- Valuation scenarios for locally traded commodities (agricultural products, minerals, textiles)
- Simplified valuation approaches for small-scale trade operations
- Procedural guidance aligned with regional customs administration systems
Practical exercises included simulated valuation scenarios for imported vehicles, agricultural products, and textiles—challenging participants to select appropriate methodologies while considering market variables and preventing under-valuation.
Commitment to Sustainable Capacity Building
WCO and JICA reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Southern Africa's customs modernization efforts through continued technical assistance and funding. The program aims to establish an efficient, transparent valuation system that reduces trade costs and promotes regional economic integration.
The developing pool of master trainers represents a lasting resource for the region's customs administration, ensuring sustained progress toward trade facilitation goals. As the MTP initiative progresses, Southern Africa moves closer to realizing its vision of streamlined cross-border commerce supported by professionalized customs operations.