Proceedings of the 13th Meeting of
The COMCEC Trade Working Group
18
8. The Efforts of the International Institutions / Private Sector
8.1. World Customs Organization (WCO)
“WCO’s Perspective and Efforts on the Public Availability of Customs Information”
Mr. Ludovic THANAY, Head of Communications in World Customs Organization (WCO), made a
presentation with the theme of WCO’s Perspective and Efforts on the Public Availability of
Customs Information.
Mr. Thanay started his presentation by sharing some brief information on relevant TFA
articles. Then he urged upon General Annex (Chapter 9) to the Revised Kyoto Convention
which is regarding information, decisions and rulings supplied by customs. Mr. Thanay
pointed out that the availability of information on customs matters to interested persons is one
of the key elements of trade facilitation. This information, he continued, which must be
furnished by Customs, may be general or specific. Persons often need specific information
about a particular operation they intend to carry out. Sometimes the decision whether or not
to proceed with the operation may depend upon the information supplied by the Customs.
When such information is requested, it is the responsibility of the Customs to provide it
completely and accurately and as soon as possible. He mentioned that interested parties often
need information or decisions about specific activities which they are considering or intending
to carry out. Sometimes the decision whether or not to proceed may depend on information
supplied by customs.
Mr. Thanay emphasized that information is great content for trade. Thus, it’s necessary to
establish a good content management system. In this regard, he pointed out that WCO has a
guideline for this purpose of which name is “IT Guide for Executives” that provides information
on the strategic management concerning the use of Information and Communication
Technologies in customs.
Moreover, Mr. Thanay highlighted that customs client are entitled to expect a high degree of
certainty and predictability in their dealings with Customs. Customs laws, regulations,
procedures and administrative guidelines should be made public, be easily accessible and
applied in a uniform and consistent manner. He mentioned that the basis upon which
discretionary powers can be exercised should be clearly defined. Appeal and administrative
review mechanisms should be established to provide a mechanism for clients to challenge or
seek review of Customs decisions. Client service charters or performance standards should be
established which set out the level of service clients can expect from Customs.
Mr. Thanay also shared some information regarding the Transparency and Predictability
Guidelines of WCO. He stated that the guidelines recommend that defining formal procedures
and work processes for operation of enquiry points and developing service standards that
represent a central commitment to deliver policies and programmes to clients in a manner that
upholds the Customs administration’s values of integrity, respect and professionalism.