The World Customs Organization (WCO), with the support of the International Association of Ports and Harbors (IAPH) presented this Tuesday (31.10.2023) its Guidelines on cooperation between customs and port authorities.
In a press release, the WCO noted that the guidelines describe methods for improve cooperation, establish a data governance policy and ensure mutual commercial understanding, with particular attention to the digitalization of data flows.
La first edition It describes business processes, information technology systems, including the actors involved and the use of innovative technologies. It also analyses the implementation of interoperability between automated systems of Customs and ports for the single presentation of logistics and operational data sets, emphasizing adherence to the data models reference of the OMA and the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
In his speech at the World Ports Conference 2023, which officially launched the guidelines, the Deputy Secretary General of the WCO, Ricardo Treviño Chapa, He commented: “The WCO has long advocated for the digitalisation of cross-border trade procedures, developing standards to facilitate the process. This includes a data model covering Customs procedures and those under the purview of international organisations. Our collaboration with the IMO to update the IMO Compendium on Facilitation and e-Business aims to improve interoperability between Customs and Port digital systems. It is now up to Customs administrations and port authorities to drive this digitalisation agenda. These Guidelines provide insights on how to improve the operations and efficiency of Customs processes in ports and ensure harmonisation with the WCO data model.”
Moreover, the IAPH Director General, Patrick Verhoeven, in the foreword to the Guidelines, said: “In our own project to identify gaps in global port infrastructure last year, our key finding on trade facilitation was the issue of trust and the challenge of collaboratively sharing data among stakeholders in the port community to optimize a vessel’s call and minimize waiting time at berth. By adopting a common agenda with a strong and sustainable governance structure for sharing “single truth” data, port and customs authorities can ensure supply chain security, thereby enhancing trade facilitation in their respective countries.”
Paying particular attention to Small Island States (SIDS) to review their trajectory in the field of cooperation in order to accelerate digitalization and sustainability, the new guidelines are joined by a variety of best practices covering advanced, emerging and developing countries; including: Australia, Bulgaria, China, Germany, Guatemala, Italy, Indonesia, Jamaica, Morocco and the United States.
To download the guidelines here
To access the latest edition of WCO News with additional case studies and an introductory overview of the WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, here
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.
