The World Customs Organization (WCO) held its first symposium on Wednesday (15.02.2023) to analyze how e-commerce is impacting the Customs valuation of imported goods.
The event was a space for meeting and reflection on electronic commerce, given that it is positioned as the element that has overwhelmed the usual operations of international trade, generating profound challenges for governments and great opportunities for operators in the global economy. The expectation is that this market will continue to expand supported by technology, the number of users, the approval of the Trade Facilitation Agreement, advances in logistics and package transport, the diversity of online payments, among others.
According to the symposium organizers, customs administrations and the private sector discussed practical solutions to the challenges posed by this phenomenon.
El Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, acknowledged at the opening that “e-commerce offers enormous opportunities for economic and social development by fostering innovation, introducing new business models, creating job opportunities and leading new consumer trends.”
Moreover, Suja Rishikesh Mavrodis, Director of the WTO Market Access Division, He discussed several initiatives related to e-commerce, including potential ways to improve data exchange through trade facilitation and valuation committees, in conjunction with the WCO.
Panels and presentations
During the symposium it was possible to hear two panelsThe first was made up of WCO experts, who gave keynote presentations on “The Impact of Electronic Commerce on Customs Valuation and Control”, “The Framework of Standards on Cross-Border Electronic Commerce” and “The Compliance and Enforcement Perspective”.
In the second panel, the administrations of member countries and the private sector They outlined the phenomenon under analysis by conveying their experiences. Thus, speakers from the European Union (EU) Commission, the US Border Protection Office and Indian Customs presented on “E-commerce and the de minimis framework in the US”, “E-commerce and customs valuation: India’s data-driven approach”, “VAT assessment on e-commerce package in the EU: customs valuation aspects”. They all highlighted their best practice to address the issues and ensure the flow of e-commerce while still implementing appropriate customs controls and revenue collection.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), DHL and Amazon shared the private sector’s view on “E-commerce valuation challenges from an express service provider’s perspective.” Among the issues raised, they drew attention to the problems of goods crossing borders before a sale is made, the diffuse nature of the trading environment and the need for common standards for customs administrations on data exchange and valuation.
In this way, the symposium “Electronic Commerce and Customs Valuation” closed its first edition. The program and the presentations that formed it are already available on the web https://www.wcoomd.org/en/events/upcoming-events/symposium-on-ecommerce.aspx
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