The World Customs Organization (WCO) and the General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC) launched the project "Smart Customs", which aims to accelerate the digitalization and modernization of Customs, according to a statement today (18.12.2023).
This initiative is the result of a cooperation agreement signed on December 5 by WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya and GACC Vice Minister Wang Lingjun.
The project is a step forward in the face of the growing need for technological advancement in customs operations. Given this urgency, the OMA included “Technology and Innovation” as one of the three areas of its Strategic Plan 2022-2025. In parallel, the Chinese customs incorporated the concept of “Smart customs, smart borders and smart connectivity” to better secure and facilitate international trade. Based on this good practice, Chinese Customs has committed to financially support the WCO project in order to benefit Members in a comprehensive manner.
The implementation of the project aims at target Identify the current status and needs of customs administrations; promote the application of technological and innovative solutions in customs administrations; reduce the digital divide among Members; and report on available technologies to address global challenges.
Another point of the project is to provide information on business processes, policy agreements, legal requirements, minimum technical specifications (for implementation/integration), costs and trends associated with relevant technologies.
It also aims to update the WCO|OMC Study Report on Disruptive Technologies (June 2022). This renewal will include the evolution of the technologies already mentioned in the report, the inclusion of new emerging technologies and new chapters on some specific technologies that will be identified during the announced Project.
The project also includes the launch of a community portal, which will serve as an online platform for sharing knowledge on innovative technologies and solutions applied by Customs.
"In particular, the WCO will conduct regional workshops on disruptive technologies as part of the Project, contributing to the updated Report on Disruptive Technologies," the statement said.
The launch of the project was part of a high-level event within the framework of the 89th Political Commission of the World Customs Organization.
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.
