Happy International Customs Day to all customs officials serving in various capacities within our member administrations. As we celebrate this important day, we are expected to identify with the World Customs Organization’s theme for this year which is: “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”. Customs Administrations are expected to transform those “commitments into tangible actions that advance trade facilitation, ensure security and foster sustainable economic growth”. Such an expectation is well within our capacity to do given the multiplicity of roles played by Customs in today’s context. This includes three distinct aspects related to international trade:
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- The fiscal aspect -revenue collection, Import duties, other duties and charges and VAT
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- The economic aspect -implementation and oversight of government economic policies including International (trade related) treaty obligations, and
- The protection and security aspects – protecting society from transborder criminal activity and safeguarding national interest including citizens’ health.
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The reality in our region is that individually, many of our administrations are struggling with preforming these roles effectively. These challenges stem from the size and geographic nature of the countries, inadequacy of resources and our inability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances. Many administrations have not fully adopted modern concepts such as risk management and post clearance audits preferring to rely on the traditional way of operating, with upfront control and a high percentage of inspections. The WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement which came into effect in 2017 contains several measures for implementation by Customs which for some reason are not a treated as a strategic priority by many countries in the region. On the other hand, a few countries have made tremendous strides in advancing towards improving the service delivery and operating more effective and efficient systems. The question is why is it possible for some to make the required changes while others are reluctant or unable to do so?
It seems obvious that the solution to our challenges is to approach them through greater cooperation and collaboration. CCLEC performed a collaborative role during the earlier part of its existence but today this CCLEC model has been overshadowed by the emergence of new institutional arrangements and obligations. The CCLEC has since recognized the need to strengthen its legal status and has initiated a process that will eventually result in it becoming a Treaty based organisation. The idea of working closer together with an enhanced legal personality should serve as a catalyst within the regional Customs fraternity.
2025 must be a pivotal year for Customs in the region and we will redouble our efforts to get the Treaty ratified. We hold the keys to our success and must turn our commitment into tangible action as far as the new treaty is concerned. The challenge for us as a region is to get over the hurdle of ratification of the new treaty and the take the necessary action to fulfill our obligations of revenue collection, facilitation of trade and ensuring the security of our borders. Society requires us to perform our roles effectively and efficiently in order to ensure our welfare and wellbeing is not further compromised. So while we join the world in celebrating International Customs Day we must be mindful of the need to delivering on our Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity”.
