The 4th Customs Laboratory Programme took place on 10 October at the WCO’s headquarters, under the sponsorship of Japan (CCF/Japan). According to the WCO, six experienced Customs chemists from Afghanistan, Belarus, Jordan, Nepal, Nicaragua and Vietnam are taking part in the programme.
The programme is an initiative for supporting the establishment and modernisation of Customs laboratories. Following the one-week workshop at the WCO, during which the participants will study WCO HS tools intended for Customs chemists, including the WCO Customs Laboratory Guide, the participants will travel to Japan for practical training for seven weeks. The WCO regional customs laboratory in Japan will provide a course on chemical analysis methods that will focus on new technologies and techniques, as well as the use of sophisticated analytical equipment. The focus of this comprehensive programme is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs laboratories in the participants’ administrations.