The World Customs Organization wants the industry to lobby governments to
improve their customs’ operations.
The Brussel-based organization, which represents about 150 members, recently
passed the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs
Procedures, a three-and-half year process.
The convention covers the way customs agencies should conduct themselves with
the industry and government in today’s trade environment.
The primary focus of most customs agencies, especially in developing
countries, is on revenue collection. Even U.S. Customs collects about $19 billion in
duties and taxes each year.
But duty levels are shrinking and customs agencies need to think about
how they can improve trade facilitation while still carrying out their
enforcement missions.
"If countries don’t support their customs services, they’re going to
become policemen," said Leonid Lozbenko, deputy secretary general of the World
Customs Organization, at a Joint Industry Group meeting in Washington Wednesday.
WCO: INDUSTRY LOBBY WILL HELP IMPROVE CUSTOMS’ OPERATIONS
WCO: INDUSTRY LOBBY WILL HELP IMPROVE CUSTOMS’ OPERATIONS
