The World Customs Organisation (WCO), in partnership with the Republic of Turkey’s Ministry of Customs and Trade, will be hosting the 13th annual WCO PICARD (Partnerships in Customs Academic Research and Development) Conference in Malatya, Turkey, from 9-11 October.
The theme for the Conference is “A secure business environment for economic development” which embraces many concepts, amongst others data analysis, trade facilitation, cross-border e-commerce, and connectivity in customs.
Data Analysis can improve risk management techniques which support enhanced detection of illicit consignments, suspicious movement of people, financial flows, and the facilitation of legitimate trade; it can provide a comprehensive analysis of historical activity to predict trader or passenger behaviour; assist in the collection of quantitative research for purposes of building knowledge and enhance performance measurement to improve officers’ practices and integrity. Data analysis can provide a robust foundation for the core Customs objectives of revenue collection, border security, collection of trade statistics, and trade facilitation.
Trade Facilitation refers to the simplification, harmonisation, standardisation and modernisation of trade procedures. It can be achieved by applying modern techniques and methods which include, but are not limited to, risk management, Single Window, Post-Clearance Audit (PCA), and advance rulings. Sub-themes may include measuring the impact of trade facilitation (e.g. reduction of average clearance time and trade costs, boom in trade volumes, improvement in transparency, increased revenue, etc.) and obstacles to implementing trade facilitation measures. Analyses of articles pertaining to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA), which has entered into force, will be instrumental in order to ensure optimal implementation of the agreement.
Cross-border e-Commerce, which differs fundamentally from conventional trading models, is spurring economic development by providing more trading opportunities for small- and-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the increase in goods and trading entails certain challenges for Customs administrations in terms of regulations, procedures and controls. The implications of cross-border e-commerce need to be examined from a holistic perspective, which considers the importance of both trade facilitation and enforcement.
Connectivity in Customs refers to partnerships which Customs administrations endeavour to establish and maintain with other stakeholders. Categories of connectivity broadly include Customs-Customs, Customs-business, and Customs-other government agencies (e.g. tax, trade, policy, quarantine) partnerships. Connectivity in Customs is of crucial importance in facilitating globalisation and regional integration. Research on issues related to connectivity in Customs includes information exchange and sharing, joint enforcement and control, delivery of capacity building and public-private partnerships.
The WCO Research Unit is particularly interested in developing an interdisciplinary approach with different perspectives, approaches and methodologies regarding contemporary systems of regulation and control at borders, and papers co-authored by Customs officials and academics.
