SA gets access to WCO e-learning programme

Specialised customs training by the World Customs Organisation (WCO) is now a reality for South Africans wanting to get to grips with this complex topic. Through a partnership with Global Maritime Legal Solutions, the WCO’s extensive e-learning programme will be accessible to South Africans within the next month. The partnership, which will also involve the African Tax Institute, is aimed at improving the quality and quantity of training in customs administration worldwide. Says Norbert Cochin of the WCO: “The aim is to bring the WCO standards closer to the field by ensuring a common Customs language is spoken across the globe. To achieve that we must train at the same standard all over the world.” He said through training, using the WCO standard, a common point of departure was being created ensuring that whether in Shanghai or in Durban or en route to Dubai all would work on the same principle and understanding. The WCO has incorporated all of its 150 training modules into an e-learning programme, which is now available via Global Maritime Legal Solutions. Says the company’s Mark Goodger: “Customs is finally being acknowledged on a masters level at some universities in South Africa. With the WCO opening a training centre in South Africa through us, we can for the first time say we are tapping from the lion’s den.” According to Riaan de Lange of the African Tax Institute (ATI), there is no doubting the importance of the WCO e-learning system. “Customs is seen as very complicated and people find it difficult to comprehend.” He said the University of Pretoria for this reason had now included a module on Customs and Excise in the third year B.Comm (Taxation) degree. The ATI will also be involved in adapting some of the WCO models for the South African context. The WCO models cover a wide variety of topics including 60 hours on the harmonised system, framework of standards, customs valuation, security and risk assessment and transfer pricing. Based in Brussels, the WCO has training centres across the globe. The e-learning programme was introduced by the organisation in 2003 to improve the quality and quantity of training in customs administrations worldwide.