G/C/W/445
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Organization
G/C/W/445
13 December 2002
(02-6901)
Council for Trade in Goods / Original: English/
French
COMPENDIUM OF WCO CAPACITY BUILDING TOOLS
Communication from the WCO
The following communication, dated 2 October 2002, has been received from the World Customs Organization.
______
The World Customs Organization’s mission is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of Customs administrations in the areas of compliance with trade regulations, protection of society and revenue collection, thereby contributing to the development of international trade and to the economic and social well-being of nations.
In order to fulfil this mission the WCO pursues three main capacity building strategies:
First, through its conventions, other instruments and best practice approaches the WCO provides an internationally agreed series of models for effective Customs administration;
Second, the WCO provides a forum for international co-operation and the exchange of information and experience between Member administrations, other international organizations and the private sector.
Third, through its training and technical assistance program it provides a range of high quality capacity building opportunities in areas of relevance to Member administrations.
The attached Compendium of WCO Capacity Building Tools has been developed to identify and describe the wide range of capacity building products currently available through the WCO Secretariat. It includes a listing of all the particular tools or programs currently available and provides a brief description of their purpose and objectives, target audience and an appropriate contact official for further information.
The Compendium is available in both English and French and will be a valuable reference tool for individuals and organizations associated with any aspect of capacity building in Customs.
For further information contact the World Customs Organization Secretariat on
+32 2 2099211 or visit the WCO website at
G/C/W/445
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Compendium of WCO Capacity Building tools
WCO capacity building TOOLSProcedures SUB-Directorate
Technical AssistanceTopic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Seminar on Simplification and Modernization of Customs Procedures / Ths Seminar seeks to provide information and training to administrations on simplifying their procedures, modifying their legislation and assisting in their accession to the revised Kyoto Convention / - To inform administrations on how the Convention assists in implementing simple, efficient and effective procedures
-To assist in examining and revising national legislation and procedures based on the Convention. / Customs managers responsible for formulating and implementing national policy on Customs procedures, and officials responsible for drafting Customs legislation and officials in Customs training facilities / Ms. K. Subramanian
Missions on Procedures Conventions and Instruments / WCO has developed several Conventions and instruments which promote the principles for simplification of procedures with effective controls. The key instrument for the simplification of Customs procedures is the Revised Kyoto Convention. The other instruments which simplify procedures in specific areas of Customs work include the ATA Convention and the Istanbul Convention for temporary admission of goods, WCO Recommendations, Norms and Resolutions, Immediate Release Guidelines and Time Release Study. The technical assistance mission seeks to assist individual Members with their accession to and implementation of the various WCO instruments in general and the Revised Kyoto Convention in particular and help them incorporate these principles in the national laws. / - To provide information to administrations on the instruments developed for simplification and modernization of Customs procedures and assists them with accession to and implementation of these WCO instruments. This objective will be achieved through:
- To provide the administration with information on other Conventions and instruments available for simplifying and harmonizing Customs procedures, e.g. the Temporary Admission Conventions, Recommendations, Immediate Release Guidelines, Time Release Study, etc.;
- To provide guidance to the national administrations for the drafting of instruments of accession and any reservations that are required to be entered as provided by the Conventions and instruments. / Customs managers responsible for formulating and implementing national policy on Customs procedures, officials responsible for drafting of Customs legislation and Customs officials in the field responsible for the actual implementation of Customs procedures. The mission will also be of benefit to officials responsible for training Customs officials of the administration / Ms. K. Subramanian
Missions on the application of Information Technology / Information technology has become an integral part of Customs operations world-wide. The International Convention on the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures (The Revised Kyoto Convention) also requires Customs administrations to implement modern and simplified Customs procedures together with information technology in order to keep a sufficient level of control while providing trade with facilitation. Customs administrations also need to be aware of the latest developments in electronic commerce, how these affect international trade practices and how Customs can deal with and benefit from the latest electronic commerce techniques. This mission seeks to contribute to this goal. / - To inform and train officials of administrations on the use of information technology in simplifying Customs procedures
- To update the administration on the latest developments in electronic commerce, how they affect Customs processes and the solutions being developed by the WCO in consultation with Members and other international organizations.
The following aspects are covered by this mission
- Benefits of information technology;
- Overview of main application areas;
- Interfaces between automated systems;
- Electronic commerce;
- Information exchange;
- Communications;
- IT security;
- Computer systems audit;
- Legal issues;
- Common problems;
- Role of the WCO.
Missions on the application of Information Technology / Information technology has become an integral part of Customs operations world-wide. The International Convention on the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures (The Revised Kyoto Convention) also requires Customs administrations to implement modern and simplified Customs procedures together with information technology in order to keep a sufficient level of control while providing trade with facilitation. Customs administrations also need to be aware of the latest developments in electronic commerce, how these affect international trade practices and how Customs can deal with and benefit from the latest electronic commerce techniques. This mission seeks to contribute to this goal. / - To inform and train officials of administrations on the use of information technology in simplifying Customs procedures
- To update the administration on the latest developments in electronic commerce, how they affect Customs processes and the solutions being developed by the WCO in consultation with Members and other international organizations.
The following aspects are covered by this mission
- Benefits of information technology;
- Overview of main application areas;
- Interfaces between automated systems;
- Electronic commerce;
- Information exchange;
- Communications;
- IT security;
- Computer systems audit;
- Legal issues;
- Common problems;
- Role of the WCO.
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Bench marking Manual / This Manual is a practical guide to help Customs administrations carry out international Customs benchmarking exercises. It includes information and guidelines for all participants in benchmarking projects. It also contains results of benchmarking studies conducted by WCO members / To improve efficiency and effectiveness in national Customs administrations by comparing procedures or processes with the same or similar procedures or processes carried out by others, then identifying and implementing best practice / Customs Administrations / Mr.Ray Mc.Donagh,
Kyoto Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Guidelines / Guidelines on application of ICT in Customs Business processes.
These Guidelines will also be available on-line on a CD-Rom / To focus the attention of Customs Administrations on the impact of ICT on the business of Customs and to outline the potential advantages to Customs to enhance their program and service delivery / Customs Administrations / Mr. G. Diepens,
Mr. D. Jost,
Handbook on
Customs Technique / Compilation of all the Recommendations, Norms and Resolutions relating to Customs procedures and Information Technology and the Glossary of International Customs Terms / To provide guidance on the application of certain procedures by administrations / Customs Administrations / Mr. S. Royals,
Risk Management Guide
(under development) / Outlines the principles of Risk Management in Customs and the steps that are necessary to implement and operate a effective risk management system. / To improve effectiveness and efficiency of Customs Administration and help significantly in the ability to deploy resources / Customs Administrations / Ms. K. Subramanian,
Mr. W. Robinson,
Enforcement Sub-Directorate
Commercial FraudTopic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Commercial Fraud Manual for Senior Customs Officials / A revised version of the WCO Manual on Measures to Combat Commercial Fraud
(Currently being translated) / To provide Members with guidelines underlining the basic elements of combating commercial fraud / Senior Customs officials
Managers at the decision- making level
Customs Trainers / Mr. P. Clark
Commercial Fraud Investigation Manual / A revised version of the WCO Handbook for Commercial Fraud Investigators
(Currently being translated) / To provide a basic framework for effective Customs Investigation / Customs Investigators
Customs Trainers / Mr. P. Clark
Handbook Container Control / Produced in 1983 to be updated by end of 2002 / To guide Members in identifying and searching commercial cargo containers / Senior Customs Officers
Front-line officers
Customs Trainers / Mr. W. Robinson
Publication: ‘Customs and Tobacco’ / Analytical report of cigarette seizures notified to CEN, issued in 2002 / To assist Members’ intelligence sectors in combating the illicit cigarette trade / Customs intelligence officers / Mr. P. Clark
Commercial Fraud Enforcement Training Modules / A guide for Members’ training departments on designing national enforcement training courses / To provide Customs trainers with modules including objectives, training methods and aids. / Customs Trainers / Mr. V. Mikaladze
Mr. P. Clark
Commercial Fraud
Expert Mission / A mission by a WCO expert to a Member administration to analyze the enforcement structure / To produce a confidential analytical report containing recommendations on measures to enhance performance in combating commercial fraud / Customs policy and decision-makers / Mr. P. Clark
National and regional training courses on Commercial Fraud Enforcement Techniques / A training course designed to discuss the basic commercial fraud enforcement techniques through practical case studies / To strengthen Members’ enforcement capacity by discussing new enforcement techniques and best practices / -Senior Customs officials
-Customs inspectors
-Customs enforcement, post-clearance audit officials, intelligence, / Mr. P. Clark
Transit/
Transshipment Fraud national expert mission / WCO team visits a Member to analyze systems in place to combat transit and trans-shipment fraud / To produce a confidential analytical report containing recommendations on measures to enhance performance in combating transit and trans-shipment fraud / Customs policy and decision makers / Mr. P. Clark
National and regional workshops on Commercial Fraud Investigation Techniques / A workshop designed to teach basic investigation techniques / To improve the efficiency of Customs commercial fraud investigation units / Customs investigators and Customs trainers / Mr. P. Clark
Valuation Fraud-Post Clearance National Workshops / A workshop specifically designed to address valuation fraud and post-clearance audit / To identify measures to enhance Members’ performance in conducting post-clearance audits and combating valuation fraud. / Front line officers
Post Clearance Audit officers
Valuation officers / Mr. P. Clark
Mrs. D. Maïano
Valuation/Valuation Fraud national and region workshops / Joint workshop on technical valuation and enforcement issues / To assist Members to apply the WTO Valuation Agreement and to identify measures to combat valuation fraud / Front line officers
Post Clearance Audit officers
Valuation officers / Mr. P. Clark
Directory of Technical aids to Enforcement”) / Members Web site
A directory of technical equipment available to and used by Members / To assist Members who are considering purchasing technical equipment by technical equipment and manufacturing companies / Customs procurement officers / Mr. L. Lizzi
Environmental Crime
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Discussion Forum following the Word Environment Day / WCO Members Web site (period : July 2002) / To enable users to express their concerns and assist in awareness raising / Members / Mrs. D. Maïano
CITES training material / Manual for traditional training course.
(To be updated) / To assist Members in conducting awareness raising and advanced training courses on CITES issues / Customs trainers
Front line officers
Customs investigators / Mrs. D. Maïano
CITES booklet :
“Customs, wild fauna and flora”
. / Booklet containing basic awareness elements / To highlight the basic facts about the CITES Convention and the role of Customs / Customs and other relevant law enforcement agencies and institutions / Mrs. D. Maïano
CITES
‘Leo’ web site / WCO Web site designed to inform Members of the role of Customs in CITES issues / To provide awareness and information material / WCO web site users / Mrs. D. Maïano
Alerts on CITES, cultural goods, nuclear material and hazardous waste / Information on recent seizures, trends or modus operandi. Available through CEN system and RILOs / To assist Members in implementing risk assessment techniques / Front Line officers Customs investigators
Customs intelligence officers / Mrs. D. Maïano
Cultural goods -
Reference system / A CEN database on cultural goods, including details on international regulations and a list of recent registered thefts / To inform Members on cultural goods issues. / Front Line officers
Customs investigators / Mrs. D. Maïano
WCO Explanatory Notes on identification and detection of Nuclear Materials / Handbook (Under translation) / To assist Members’ training departments in designing and conducting their own training course in combating radioactive materials smuggling / Customs trainers
Front line officers / Mrs. D. Maïano
Risk Assessment
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Booklet ‘Risk Management’ / Executive Summary and Guide to risk management / To introduce the risk management concept in line with WCO compliance and facilitation principles / DGs and Senior Managers
Officers / Mr. W. Robinson
Risk Assessment training modules / Modules on Air cargo, Aircraft, passengers, vessels, sea cargo, land border controls – available on Members’ website / To assist Members in implementing risk assessment techniques / Customs trainers
Supervisors,
Front line officers / Mr. B. Brockmeyer
Risk Assessment national and regional workshops / A workshop to introduce Customs staff to risk assessment techniques / To assist Members in implementing or enhancing risk assessment techniques / Customs trainers
Managers
Front line officers / Mr. B. Brockmeyer
Mr. P Clark
Bilateral and Multilateral Administrative Assistance
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Nairobi Convention / International Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance for the Prevention, Investigation and Repression of Customs Offences.
Text reproduced on the Members web site with list of Contracting Parties. / Multilateral instrument to facilitate mutual international co-operation and information exchange / Customs administrations / Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi Salah
Model Bilateral Agreement / Model Bilateral Agreement on Mutual Administrative Assistance on Customs Matters, revised June 2002.
Text reproduced on the Members web site. / Bilateral accord to serve as a model for two Customs Administrations to construct a mutual co-operation accord between them. / Customs administrations / Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi Salah
Recommendations / WCO non-binding administrative instruments adopted by the Council on various enforcement topics from drugs to radioactive materials
Texts reproduced at the WCO Web sites / Provides an administrative basis for mutual assistance on a direct basis on enforcement matters / Customs administrations and officials / Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi Salah
Declaration and Resolutions / These administrative instruments have also been adopted by the Council to improve Customs Co-operation and Mutual Administrative Assistance in certain enforcement fields.
Text reproduced on the Members web site. / Encourages Members to co-operate by adopting required instruments to increase their effectiveness against Customs offences / Customs administrations / Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi Salah
Intelligence
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Global Intelligence Strategy / Executive Summary/Guideline (To be produced) / To introduce and promote the strategic use of intelligence in compliance field. / DGs and Senior Managers / Mr. W. Robinson
Customs Enforcement Network / Internet-based network incorporating databases, website and communication facility / To assist Members intelligence capability; to enhance international communication and co-operation / Customs intelligence officers
Front line officers / Mr. L. Lizzi
RILO and its regional and National linkages / A global network of regional intelligence offices / To assist Members intelligence capability; to enhance international communication and co-operation / Customs intelligence officers
Front line officers / Mr. L. Lizzi
National and Regional CEN-analytical and user guide national and regional courses / Practical training on use of CEN / To enhance and facilitate usage of CEN; to assist Members’ intelligence capability; to enhance international communication and co-operation / CEN National Contact Point officers and CEN Users. / Mr. L. Lizzi
Drugs
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
Drugs alerts / Warning information
Available through CEN system and RILOs / To assist Members combating illicit drug trafficking by providing an advance information on new methods, repeated and/or sophisticated attempt of drugs smuggling / Front Line officers Customs investigators
Customs intelligence officers / Mr. L. Lizzi
Mr. B. Brockmeyer
‘Customs and Drugs’ / Publication: Analytical report of drug seizures notified to CEN, issued in 2002 / To assist Members’ intelligence sectors in combating the illicit drug trade / Customs intelligence officers / Mr. P. Clark
Training materials on Chemical Precursors / Training and Awareness Raising Module, Brochure and Video cassette / To improve Customs enforcement measures related to the prevention and detection of the diversion of chemical precursors / Customs trainers
Customs senior officials
Front line officers / Mr. B. Brockmeyer
Business-Customs Partnership
Topic / Description / Objectives / Audience / Contact point
BAS / Executive Summary
Guide (To be developed) / DGs
Senior Managers
Trade / Mr. W. Robinson
REACT / Internet-based web site incorporating information on IPR issues and communication tool / To enhance Members’ performance in dealing with IPR infringements / Intelligence staff
Frontline staff / Mr. W. Robinson
IPR National and International; Workshop / Joint WCO and Business mission to Member administration / To advise on measures to enhance Members’ performance in dealing with IPR infringements. / Customs managers
Front line staff / Mr. W. Robinson
Memoranda of Understanding / WCO Web site database of WCO MoUs
(To be developed) / To advise Members of MOUs entered into by the WCO and provide guidance on best practice techniques / Customs administration, Private sector,
Inter-governmental organizations / Mr. W. Robinson
Operational; projects
(As of August 2002) / Drugs Data Sharing project (WCO, Interpol, UNDCP). / To share data on drugs seizures collected by WCO, Interpol and UNDCP, in order to create a combined international database and help in the global analysis of illicit drug trade. / Members’ Enforcement Departments, via the WCO Secretariat. / Mr. L. Lizzi
Operation Andes on precursors (WCO/Interpol joint pilot project for South America. / To reinforce the operational capabilities of the drug control structures (on precursors) and to promote co-operation between customs and police administrations in South America / Customs Enforcement Departments / Mr. B. Brockmeyer
African Seaports Project
Joint WCO/UNDCP project to create and train Customs/police anti-drug units in East and Southern Africa / To improve the anti-drug effort in selected African ports / Customs and police administrations in relevant countries / Mr. P. Clark
Valuation Sub-directorate