South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka are enhancing trade efficiency and convenience through customs modernization. Digital platforms, trade agreements, and policy improvements are driving innovations in customs procedures, injecting new momentum into regional economic growth and global market competitiveness.
The national customs integration reform has introduced many changes and conveniences, with several key issues of concern to businesses, including the content of relevant announcements, changes in transfer declaration methods, procedures for self-reporting and self-payment, and the specifics of self-reporting expanding to all chapters. These measures aim to provide a more efficient customs experience and improve the business environment. Understanding this information will help enterprises better adapt to the new policies.
The World Customs Organization partnered with the Ghana Revenue Authority on a Gender Equality and Diversity project, empowering female traders in Ghana. The project included stakeholder meetings with SMEs and small traders, aiming to simplify trade procedures, provide information support, and promote gender equality. The outcomes of these meetings will be used to improve customs services and create a more equitable trading environment for women traders. This initiative seeks to address barriers faced by women in trade and foster inclusive economic growth.
The WCO Revenue Package aims to enhance customs revenue collection capabilities of member countries. China Customs actively participates in this initiative, providing valuation control case studies and sharing its experiences. China's customs valuation control system, characterized by comprehensive laws and regulations, advanced risk management techniques, a robust valuation database, and effective inter-departmental collaboration, offers valuable lessons for other nations. This participation underscores China's commitment to supporting global efforts in securing customs revenue and promoting best practices in valuation control.
El Salvador hosted a workshop on modernizing customs laboratories to enhance commodity classification capabilities and promote trade facilitation. Sponsored by the World Customs Organization (WCO), the workshop focused on the Harmonized System (HS) classification and international cooperation. The aim was to improve the accuracy and efficiency of customs procedures, ultimately contributing to smoother and faster trade flows. This initiative underscores the importance of modern customs infrastructure and skilled personnel in supporting global trade and economic development.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) published the 'Study Report on Customs Brokers' aiming to improve global customs broker standards. The report outlines the role of brokers in international supply chains, provides policy and organizational recommendations, offers a standardized model inventory, and highlights opportunities for cooperation between customs and brokers. Countries are encouraged to draw on the report to optimize broker management and promote trade facilitation.
A WCO project is assisting the Nigeria Customs Service in optimizing document review and risk control. Drawing on South African experience, Nigeria Customs will update its manual strategies to enhance trade facilitation. This initiative aims to streamline customs procedures, improve efficiency, and reduce delays in cross-border trade. By implementing best practices and leveraging international cooperation, Nigeria Customs seeks to strengthen its risk management capabilities and promote a more secure and efficient trading environment.
The 2019 WCO European Regional Heads of Customs Conference focused on topics such as regional transit system compatibility, performance measurement, e-commerce, and the WCO Strategic Plan. The meeting emphasized the importance of integrity and digital transformation, and also addressed the appointment of the new Head of the ROCB in Baku. The conference aimed to enhance the effectiveness of European customs administrations and promote regional trade development. The Russian Federal Customs Service was highly commended for its organizational work.
The World Customs Organization (WCO)'s 'Guidelines on Rail Transit' aims to simplify and standardize customs procedures for rail transport, encouraging technology application and international cooperation. This enhances cross-border trade efficiency, reduces costs, and promotes global economic prosperity. The guidelines, structured around four key objectives and supporting capacity building projects, provide a roadmap for customs facilitation in global rail transport. It offers practical guidance and best practices to streamline processes and improve security, contributing to a more efficient and reliable international trade network.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) is promoting a comprehensive revision of the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC) to simplify and harmonize customs procedures across countries. The 7th RKC Review Working Group meeting established a 'four-step framework' for the revision process and discussed revisions to rules of origin. The RKC revision presents both opportunities and challenges for import and export companies. Businesses should closely monitor progress, actively participate, and adapt to the new trade environment. This adaptation is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
