Customs laboratories play a crucial role in maintaining international trade order, combating smuggling, and protecting consumer rights. However, development levels vary significantly across different countries and regions. In today's rapidly evolving trade environment, enhancing the professional capabilities of customs laboratories has become a shared challenge for customs administrations worldwide.
From August 25 to 29, 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO), in collaboration with China Customs, organized the Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Customs Laboratory Matters in Qingdao. Sponsored by the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF), the event aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and improve customs laboratories' expertise in commodity classification and analytical testing, thereby promoting trade facilitation and compliance.
I. Workshop Overview: Focusing on Capacity Building and Regional Cooperation
The workshop brought together 18 customs officials from 17 Asia-Pacific countries and regions, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.
Wu Haiping, Deputy Director General of China Customs, emphasized in his opening remarks the critical role of customs laboratories in fostering an open, fair, and sustainable trade environment. He proposed initiatives to enhance customs laboratory development, including:
- Leveraging "Smart Customs" to empower laboratories
- Strengthening regional cooperation
- Enhancing the role of WCO regional customs laboratories
II. Workshop Content: Combining Theory and Practice
The program was carefully designed to address the practical needs of Asia-Pacific customs laboratories, blending theoretical instruction with hands-on exercises.
1. Commodity Classification and HS Codes
The workshop focused on the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (HS) and relevant legal provisions for product classification. Through case studies and group discussions, participants examined challenges in classification processes and shared best practices.
2. WCO Tools and Programs
Participants learned about WCO's "Smart Customs" initiative and "DEMETER XI" operation, which respectively aim to enhance customs efficiency through IT solutions and combat illegal trade activities globally.
3. Analytical Techniques and Laboratory Management
Experts shared cutting-edge analytical methods and best practices in quality control and laboratory safety management to improve testing accuracy and reliability.
4. Field Visits
Participants toured Qingdao Customs Laboratory and Qingdao Port, observing advanced analytical equipment, safety protocols, and fully automated container terminal operations.
III. Outcomes and Impact: Strengthening Regional Cooperation and Capacity Building
The workshop successfully achieved its objectives, with participants expressing appreciation for the knowledge gained. Key outcomes included:
- Enhanced regional cooperation through experience sharing
- Improved professional competencies in laboratory management and analytical techniques
- Greater potential for trade facilitation through accurate commodity classification
- Strengthened capacity to combat illegal trade activities
IV. Future Prospects: Deepening Collaboration for Shared Development
The Qingdao workshop marked a significant step in WCO and China Customs' efforts to enhance Asia-Pacific customs laboratory capabilities. Future cooperation may focus on:
- Expanding training opportunities through workshops and online programs
- Providing technical support for equipment and expertise
- Establishing information-sharing platforms for classification data and risk alerts
- Conducting joint operations against cross-border illegal trade
Strengthening customs laboratory capabilities remains a long-term challenge requiring collective effort. The Qingdao workshop has laid a solid foundation for future collaboration to maintain international trade order and promote economic development across the Asia-Pacific region.