The Atlas Fee is closely related to customs clearance fees for imports into Germany, while the Atlas Computer Fee is associated with the cost of transmitting cargo invoices through the Atlas Computer System. This method is cost-effective and assists carriers in smoothly navigating the customs clearance process in Germany.
In 2013, the World Customs Organization (WCO) assessed Qatar Customs, acknowledging its significant progress in strategic planning, business processes, information technology, Single Window, Coordinated Border Management, academic research, and infrastructure. The WCO also recommended strengthening strategic planning, optimizing business processes, enhancing IT application, and deepening international cooperation, providing guidance for the future development of Qatar Customs. This assessment highlighted both achievements and areas for improvement, contributing to Qatar Customs' ongoing modernization efforts and alignment with international best practices.
The WCO Technical Committee meeting focused on the future development of customs, exploring digital transformation, performance evaluation, and innovative cooperation models. The meeting emphasized the importance of strategic direction, technology application, and partnerships, aiming to enhance the role of customs in global trade facilitation and security. Discussions centered on leveraging digital tools to streamline processes, establishing effective performance metrics, and fostering collaboration to address emerging challenges. The ultimate goal is to create more efficient, secure, and transparent customs operations worldwide.
The WCO MENA Leadership Workshop highlighted the crucial role of technology and digital leadership in customs digital transformation. By embracing technologies like AI and Big Data, and building strategic partnerships, customs leaders can effectively improve operational efficiency, optimize resource allocation, and ultimately achieve customs modernization and sustainable development. The workshop emphasized the importance of adapting to the evolving technological landscape to enhance border security, facilitate trade, and ensure revenue collection in a rapidly changing global environment.
The International Network of Customs Universities (INCU) released the eighth edition of the *World Customs Journal*, focusing on topics such as customs-business partnerships, performance measurement, customs and taxation, and the impact of climate change on international trade. This journal gathers research findings from global experts and scholars, providing valuable insights for businesses, policymakers, and researchers, and leading the future direction of customs transformation.
The 15th PICARD Conference focused on customs transformation and sustainable development in the context of the pandemic. Discussions centered on the reshaping of customs roles, customs' responsibilities in sustainable development, the construction of performance evaluation systems, and data-driven customs management models. The conference aimed to provide intellectual support and practical guidance for the modernization of customs worldwide. Registration was free and open to all participants.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) supports Sudan Customs in its HR management modernization transformation. Through workshops and expert assistance, the WCO helps Sudan Customs build a competency-based HR management system, including tools like a position directory, competency framework, job descriptions, and a competency dictionary. This initiative aims to improve customs service efficiency, enhance law enforcement capabilities, improve the customs image, and ultimately promote Sudan's economic development.
With the support of SECO-WCO GTFP, Colombian Customs hosted a trade facilitation forum. The forum focused on the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement, shared experiences from Abu Dhabi's customs reform, and explored the impact of disruptive technologies on the future of customs. The goal was to support DIAN's customs transformation, creating an efficient, transparent, and modern customs system. Ultimately, this initiative aims to promote trade development in Colombia by streamlining processes and embracing innovation within the customs framework.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) holds data analysis workshops to promote its application in customs and enhance management effectiveness. Through data analysis, customs can achieve goals like risk management, trade compliance, trade facilitation, and revenue collection, ultimately realizing digital transformation and building smart customs. Facing challenges in data quality, security, talent, and technology, customs must actively embrace data analysis and serve national economic development. This includes leveraging data to improve efficiency and effectiveness in various customs operations.
WCO, in collaboration with the Belgian Customs Academy, provides training to African customs officials to enhance their capabilities. Recently, officials visited the WCO headquarters to deepen cooperation, focusing on areas such as digital transformation. This partnership aims to strengthen customs administration in Africa and facilitate trade by building a skilled workforce and promoting modern practices. The collaboration underscores the WCO's commitment to supporting Africa's development through effective customs management and capacity building initiatives.
