El January 26 An important date for the customs community is celebrated: International Customs Day. Customs News celebrates this by providing information to provide general knowledge about the only intergovernmental organization specialized in customs matters, the World Customs Organization.
1. Origen
In 1952, the World Customs Organization (WCO) was founded under the name of the Customs Cooperation Council, with the aim of improving the effectiveness and efficiency of customs administrations. This global center held its inaugural session on January 26, 1953, a circumstance that gave rise to the celebration of “International Customs Day.”
2. Place
This independent intergovernmental body, the WCO, established its headquarters in Brussels (Belgium).
3. Members
The WCO currently has 183 members represented by their customs administrations, covering more than 98% of world trade.
4. Mission
This specialist customs organisation develops international standards, fosters cooperation and builds capacity to facilitate legitimate trade, ensure fair revenue collection and protect society by providing leadership, guidance and support to customs administrations.
5. Customs regions
The OMA has 6 Customs regions: South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean; Eastern and Southern Africa; Western and Central Africa; Northern Africa; the Near and Middle East; Europe; and finally, the Far East, South and South-East Asia, Australia, Asia and the Pacific Islands.
6. Customs officers
According to the WCO Annual Report 2020-2021, there are 840 customs officers, both men and women, working around the world.
7. Women
The same report details that 16% of the Heads of Customs administrations are women.
8. One-stop shops
El 49% of customs administrations use the Single Window System.
9. Dispatch times
The report also highlights that the 45% of customs administrations conducted the Clearance Time Study to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of border clearance processes, with a view to improving performance and optimising trade facilitation.
10. Theme of the year 2022
As announced, the OMA is dedicated to expanding the customs digital transformation 2022 the year.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
