Workshop to Assist Developing Economies to Implement New Global Customs Standards

Customs technical experts from APEC Member Economies took part in a workshop intended to strengthen their capacity to implement new global customs standards.

The Workshop on The Implementation of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Data Model provided an opportunity to raise awareness and knowledge among APEC Members on the WCO Customs Data Model. With the assistance of a WCO Technical Expert, the workshop also covered concepts such as "Single-Window" processing of cross-border regulatory information and the use of the "Unique Consignment Reference" for linking trade transactions. In addition, the workshop provided APEC Members the opportunity to share best practices in the area of information management.

The Customs Data Model developed by the WCO enables the various information systems of customs, trade, and other regulatory authorities to work together in the most effective way, using standardized data sets and electronic messages for the transmission of trade-related information.

The Canada Border Services Agency co-sponsored the workshop with APEC and co-organized it with Australian and Japanese Customs. Workshop Coordinator, Mr. Eric Sunstrum from the Canada Border Services Agency said that the workshop would ultimately benefit people and businesses in economies by enabling participants to better implement the Data Model.

At the conclusion of the workshop Mr. Sunstrum said that "The representatives from the APEC Member Economies that attended this workshop understand that establishing a common platform for regulatory data exchange will promote safe and secure borders."

"The implementation of the WCO Data Model and processes will also benefit business by switching from paper to electronic transactions and using simplified and harmonized customs procedures."

The workshop focused on practical elements such as the identification and use of data in cross-border trade by Member Economies, business process and information modelling techniques and IT security.

Following this workshop, APEC Member Economies will prepare ongoing work programs aimed at implementing the WCO Customs Data Model.

The workshop was held on 7 to 11 March at the APEC Secretariat in Singapore

Additional details on the WCO Customs Data Model can be found via the WCO Website.