The World Customs Organization (WCO) has established the PICARD (Partnership in Customs Academic Research and Development) program as a strategic initiative to professionalize customs operations worldwide. Since its inception in 2006, the program has evolved into a comprehensive framework for customs capacity building, education standardization, and international cooperation.
Strategic Objectives of the PICARD Program
The initiative operates on four primary pillars designed to elevate global customs operations:
1. Professional Capacity Enhancement
The program focuses on developing technical competencies in key customs areas including:
- Advanced understanding of international trade regulations and customs legislation
- Commodity classification methodologies and valuation principles
- Risk management strategies and intelligence analysis techniques
- Operational skills in inspection, investigation, and enforcement
2. Global Cooperation Framework
PICARD facilitates international collaboration through:
- Knowledge-sharing platforms for best practice exchange
- Joint research initiatives addressing emerging trade challenges
- Development of internationally recognized customs standards
3. Academic Integration
The program promotes the incorporation of customs studies into national education systems by:
- Supporting university-level customs and trade-related programs
- Developing standardized curricula aligned with global requirements
- Establishing practical training partnerships with customs administrations
4. Career Pathway Development
PICARD creates structured professional development opportunities including:
- Clear progression frameworks for customs professionals
- Specialized training programs at various career stages
- International mobility and exchange opportunities
Global Standards and Certification
The WCO has established comprehensive professional standards serving as benchmarks for customs education. These standards, available in six languages, define the knowledge and skills required at operational and managerial levels.
The organization's certification program recognizes university courses that meet these standards, with institutions across Europe and Asia-Pacific having already received accreditation. The certification process evaluates curriculum relevance, faculty qualifications, and educational outcomes.
Knowledge Exchange Platforms
The annual PICARD Conference serves as the program's flagship event, bringing together customs officials, academics, and international organizations to discuss emerging trends and research findings in customs administration.
Complementing this is the International Network of Customs Universities (INCU), a global consortium of over 100 academic institutions specializing in customs education and research. INCU publishes the biannual World Customs Journal, featuring scholarly articles on customs policy and operational innovations.
Future Direction: PICARD 2020 Strategy
The program's strategic vision focuses on four key development areas:
- Continuous updating of professional standards to reflect evolving trade environments
- Implementation of comprehensive human resource strategies for leadership development
- Establishment of mutual recognition frameworks for customs qualifications
- Promotion of evidence-based policymaking through targeted research initiatives
The PICARD program represents the WCO's commitment to professionalizing customs operations through education standardization, capacity building, and international cooperation. By developing a globally competent workforce, the initiative aims to facilitate legitimate trade while maintaining effective border control measures.