WCO: INDUSTRY LOBBY WILL HELP IMPROVE CUSTOMS’ OPERATIONS

   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.