This article explores how customs and related departments can enhance collaboration and efficiency through the Trade Facilitation Agreement and the Revised Kyoto Convention, promoting smooth international trade and reducing cargo clearance times.
Integrated Border Management (IBM) is an approach that enhances border control efficiency and security through the coordination of national and international agencies. It emphasizes policy coordination, resource optimization, and risk management, aiming to facilitate trade while ensuring border security. The implementation of IBM requires political will and private sector involvement to address the increasingly complex border management challenges in a globalized world. It seeks to create a seamless and secure flow of goods, people, and information across borders.
The 2017 WCO Global Transit Conference focused on improving cross-border transportation efficiency, releasing the 'Transit Guidelines' which emphasized the importance of political will, technological application, and international cooperation. The conference explored the development challenges faced by landlocked countries and shared successful experiences such as the EU's NCTS and the TIR Convention. The aim was to build a more efficient, convenient, and secure global transit ecosystem. The guidelines and discussions highlighted the need for harmonized procedures and data exchange to streamline transit operations.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a follow-up mission to Peruvian border agencies to strengthen cooperation and improve border control efficiency. By introducing the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) concept and developing a roadmap, focusing on enhanced information sharing, standardized procedures, risk management, and capacity building, Peru aims to establish an efficient and collaborative border control system. This initiative is expected to facilitate trade, boost economic development, and create new opportunities for growth. The mission highlights the importance of international collaboration in modernizing border operations.
A hardware company in Wenzhou successfully transported goods to Moscow via the Rusyun platform, enhancing logistics efficiency and experience. The platform provides one-stop services, significantly reducing costs. Meanwhile, the launch of Harbin Longyun International Land Port marks the opening of the Harbin-Russian highway corridor, attracting numerous businesses and promoting the development of foreign trade services. Statistics show that cargo shipment volume has significantly increased since the center's launch, highlighting the potential of regional logistics advantages.
With the support of the WCO-WACAM project, Niger Customs launched a human resource management modernization project. This initiative aims to raise awareness and garner broad support for HR modernization both within and outside the customs administration through change management and communication activities. By diagnosing challenges, building a competency framework, and conducting pilot programs, Niger Customs is committed to building an efficient, professional, and dynamic workforce. This workforce will contribute to the country's economic development and ensure its security.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is assisting Botswana in conducting a Time Release Study at the Mamuno border post to establish a One-Stop Border Post and enhance trade facilitation. Through data collection and analysis, bottlenecks are identified and processes optimized, injecting new vitality into Botswana's economic development. This initiative not only improves efficiency but also promotes international cooperation, setting a precedent for trade facilitation in Africa. The study aims to streamline border procedures and boost economic growth.
The General Administration of Customs recently announced new policies that eliminate the requirement for cross-border e-commerce export overseas warehouse registration and simplify export document declaration, enhancing customs efficiency and providing convenience for cross-border e-commerce companies. These new measures include a pilot program for 'inspection before shipment' for consolidated cargo and regulatory models for cross-border returns, which are expected to significantly shorten the customs service chain.
The implementation of the Belt and Road Initiative is transforming the structure of the international logistics industry, enhancing the logistics efficiency of cross-border e-commerce and reducing logistics costs. By coordinating customs policies, clearance times are shortened, providing consumers purchasing Southeast Asian fruits and other goods with lower shipping fees and faster delivery experiences. This transformation positively impacts individual consumption patterns, signaling the rapid development of the cross-border e-commerce sector.
The WCO Asia-Pacific Regional Workshop on Intellectual Property Border Enforcement was successfully held in Shanghai, bringing together customs representatives and experts from 26 countries. The workshop focused on the harms of intellectual property infringement, the application of the TRIPS Agreement, the use of the IPM system, the identification of genuine and counterfeit goods, and risk assessment. Through experience sharing and practical exercises, the event enhanced the intellectual property protection capabilities of customs officers, promoted international cooperation, and fostered innovation and prosperity.
