On 23 November the World Customs Organization (WCO) introduced the 18th edition of its Integrity Newsletter.
According to the WCO, Customs administrations in the 21st Century play a key role in global trade. Their mission is to collect revenue in a fair and efficient manner and facilitate legitimate trade, while ensuring effective global security and control of the international supply chain. Integrity is a critical issue for all nations and Customs administrations, as the presence of corruption can severely limit their capacity to effectively accomplish their missions. The priority for all governments should be to ensure that Customs is corruption free. This requires strong political will and sustained commitment to fight corruption.
The global health crisis that has engulfed the entire world in 2020 has also reshaped global trade and the Customs environment. The prominent role played by Customs is more important than ever in addressing the crisis, given that Customs is at the forefront of the global supply chain. In times of crisis, it is vital to ensure supply chain continuity, and integrity is a key element in safeguarding the global economic recovery process.
This edition features new initiatives, measures, practices and integrity/anti-corruption programmes implemented to promote integrity and fight corruption in the Customs Administrations of the People’s Republic of China, Finland, Guatemala, Slovakia and Pakistan.
Readers also have an opportunity to learn about enhancing the effectiveness of internal controls in the Afghan Customs Department, Governance Control Authorisation in Ireland’s Revenue and Customs Authority, and Gender Equality and Diversity promoted by Jamaica Customs.
This edition contains interesting articles on professional standards for integrity in Maldives Customs, and monitoring and evaluation processes as part of the North Macedonia Customs Administration’s Integrity Strategy.
In addition, readers can learn about Corruption Risk Mapping as an important anti-corruption strategy for the Mauritius Revenue Authority, ethics in practice in Morocco Customs, and Panama Customs Action Plan for “Ethical Customs in the 21st Century”.
The Integrity Newsletter offers an ideal opportunity to publish details of measures taken and practices adopted by WCO Member administrations around the world in order to foster integrity and fight corruption in the Customs environment.
The Integrity Newsletter is accessible at:
Story by: Riaan de Lange