WORLD TRADE
ORGANIZATIONG/C/W/445
13 December 2002
(02-6901)
Council for Trade in Goods Original:  English/
French
COMPENDIUM OF WCO CAPACITY BUILDING TOOLS
Communication from the WCO
The following communication, dated 2 October 2002, has been received from the World
Customs Organization.
_______________
The World Customs Organization’s mission is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of
Customs administrations in the areas of compliance with trade regulations, protection of society and
revenue collection, thereby contributing to the development of international trade and to the economic
and social well-being of nations.
In order to fulfil this mission the WCO pursues three main capacity building strategies:First, through its conventions, other instruments and best practice approaches the WCO
provides an internationally agreed series of models for effective Customs administration;
Second, the WCO provides a forum for intern ational co-operation and the exchange of
information and experience between Member administrations, other international organizations and
the private sector.
Third, through its training and technical assistance program it provides a range of high quality
capacity building opportunities in areas of relevance to Member administrations.
The attached Compendium of WCO Capacity Building Tools has been developed to identify
and describe the wide range of capacity building products currently available through the WCOSecretariat.  It includes a listing of all the particular tools or programs currently available and provides
a brief description of their purpose and objectives, target audience and an appropriate contact official
for further information.
The Compendium is available in both English and French and will be a valuable reference
tool for individuals and organizations associated with any aspect of capacity building in Customs.
For further information contact the World Customs Organization Secretariat on
+32 2 2099211 or visit the WCO website at www.wcoomd.org.G/C/W/445
Page 3World C ustoms Organization
Compendium of WCO Capacity Building toolsG/C/W/445
Page 4WCO CAPACITY BUILDING TOOLS
PROCEDURES SUB-DIRECTORATE
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Seminar on
Simplification and
Modernization of
Customs
ProceduresThs Seminar seeks to provide
information and training to
administrations on simplifying
their procedures, modifying their
legislation and assisting in their
accession to the revised Kyoto
Convention- To inform administrations on
how the Convention assists in
implementing simple, efficient
and effective procedures
 -To assist in examining and
revising national legislation andprocedures based on the
Convention.Customs managers responsible
for formulating and implementing
national policy on Customs
procedures, and officials
responsible for drafting Customs
legislation and officials in
Customs training facilitiesMs. K.
Subramanian
Missions on
Procedures
Conventions and
Instruments WCO has developed severalConventions and instruments
which promote the principles for
simplification of procedures witheffective controls.  The key
instrument for the simplification
of Customs procedures is the
Revised Kyoto Convention.  The
other instruments which simplifyprocedures in specific areas of
Customs work include the ATA
Convention and the Istanbul
Convention for temporary
admission of goods, WCORecommendations, Norms and
Resolutions, Immediate Release- To provide information to
administrations on the
instruments developed for
simplification and modernizationof Customs procedures and
assists them with accession to
and implementation of these
WCO instruments. This
objective will be achievedthrough:
- To provide the administration
with information on other
Conventions and instruments
available for simplifying andharmonizing Customs
procedures, e.g. the TemporaryCustoms managers responsible
for formulating and implementing
national policy on Customs
procedures, officials responsiblefor drafting of Customs
legislation and Customs officials
in the field responsible for the
actual implementation of
Customs procedures.  Themission will also be of benefit to
officials responsible for training
Customs officials of theadministrationMs. K.
SubramanianG/C/W/445
Page 5Guidelines and Time Release
Study.  The technical assistance
mission seeks to assist individual
Members with their accession toand implementation of the various
WCO instruments in general and
the Revised Kyoto Convention in
particular and help them
incorporate these principles in thenational laws.
 Admission Conventions,Recommendations, Immediate
Release Guidelines, Time
Release Study, etc.;- To provide guidance to the
national administrations for the
drafting of instruments of
accession and any reservations
that are required to be entered asprovided by the Conventions and
instruments.
Missions on the
application of
Information
TechnologyInformation technology hasbecome an integral part of
Customs operations world-wide.
The International Convention on
the simplification andharmonization of Customs
procedures (The Revised Kyoto
Convention) also requires
Customs administrations to
implement modern and simplified
Customs procedures together with
information technology in orderto keep a sufficient level of
control while providing trade with
facilitation.  Customs
administrations also need to be
aware of the latest developmentsin electronic commerce, how
these affect international trade
practices and how Customs can
deal with and benefit from the
latest electronic commercetechniques.  This mission seeks to
contribute to this goal.- To inform and train officials of
administrations on the use of
information technology in
simplifying Customs procedures
- To update the administration
on the latest developments in
electronic commerce, how they
affect Customs processes and the
solutions being developed by the
WCO in consultation with
Members and other internationalorganizations.
The following aspects are
covered by this mission
• Benefits of information
technology;
• Overview of main
application areas;
• Interfaces between
automated systems;
• Electronic commerce;
• Information exchange;
• Communications;
• IT security;
• Computer systems audit;- IT and EDI managers with
procedures background who are
or will be in charge of IT projects
in their Customs administrationMr. D. JostG/C/W/445
Page 6• Legal issues;
• Common problems;
• Role of the WCO.
Missions on the
application of
Information
TechnologyInformation technology has
become an integral part of
Customs operations world-wide.
The International Convention on
the simplification andharmonization of Customs
procedures (The Revised Kyoto
Convention) also requires
Customs administrations to
implement modern and simplifiedCustoms procedures together with
information technology in order
to keep a sufficient level of
control while providing trade with
facilitation.  Customsadministrations also need to be
aware of the latest developments
in electronic commerce, how
these affect international trade
practices and how Customs candeal with and benefit from the
latest electronic commerce
techniques.  This mission seeks to
contribute to this goal.- To inform and train officials of
administrations on the use of
information technology in
simplifying Customs procedures
- To update the administrationon the latest developments in
electronic commerce, how they
affect Customs processes and the
solutions being developed by the
WCO in consultation withMembers and other international
organizations.
The following aspects are
covered by this mission
• Benefits of information
technology;
• Overview of main
application areas;
• Interfaces between
automated systems;
• Electronic commerce;
• Information exchange;
• Communications;
• IT security;
• Computer systems audit;
• Legal issues;
• Common problems;
• Role of the WCO.- IT and EDI managers with
procedures background who are
or will be in charge of IT projects
in their Customs administrationMr. D. JostG/C/W/445
Page 7Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Bench marking
ManualThis Manual is a practical guide
to help Customs administrations
carry out international Customs
benchmarking exercises.  It
includes information and
guidelines for all participants inbenchmarking projects.  It also
contains results of benchmarking
studies conducted by WCO
membersTo improve efficiency and
effectiveness in national
Customs administrations by
comparing procedures or
processes with the same or
similar procedures or processescarried out by others, then
identifying and implementing
best practiceCustoms Administrations Mr.Ray
Mc.Donagh,
Kyoto Information
and
Communication
Technology (ICT)
GuidelinesGuidelines on application of ICTin Customs Business processes.
These Guidelines will also be
available on-line on a CD-RomTo focus the attention of
Customs Administrations on the
impact of ICT on the business of
Customs and to outline the
potential advantages to Customs
to enhance their program andservice deliveryCustoms Administrations Mr. G. Diepens,
Mr. D. Jost,
Handbook on
Customs TechniqueCompilation of all the
Recommendations, Norms and
Resolutions relating to Customs
procedures and Information
Technology and the Glossary ofInternational Customs TermsTo provide guidance on the
application of certain procedures
by administrationsCustoms Administrations Mr. S. Royals,
Risk Management
Guide
(under
development )Outlines the principles of Risk
Management in Customs and the
steps that are necessary to
implement and operate a effective
risk management system.To improve effectiveness and
efficiency of Customs
Administration and help
significantly in the ability to
deploy resourcesCustoms Administrations Ms. K.
Subramanian,
Mr. W.
Robinson,G/C/W/445
Page 8 ENFORCEMENT SUB-DIRECTORATE
COMMERCIAL FRAUD
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Commercial Fraud
Manual for Senior
Customs OfficialsA revised version of the WCO
Manual on Measures to Combat
Commercial Fraud
(Currently being translated)To provide Members with
guidelines underlining the basic
elements of combatingcommercial fraudSenior Customs officials
Managers at the decision- making
level
Customs TrainersMr. P. Clark
Commercial Fraud
Investigation
ManualA revised version of the WCO
Handbook for Commercial Fraud
Investigators
(Currently being translated)To provide a basic framework
for effective Customs
InvestigationCustoms Investigators
Customs TrainersMr. P. Clark
Handbook
Container ControlProduced in 1983 to be updated
by end of 2002To guide Members in identifying
and searching commercial cargocontainersSenior Customs  Officers
Front-line officers
Customs TrainersMr. W.
Robinson
Publication:
‘Customs and
Tobacco’Analytical report of cigaretteseizures notified to CEN,  issuedin 2002To assist Members’ intelligence
sectors in combating the illicitcigarette tradeCustoms intelligence officers Mr. P. Clark
Commercial Fraud
Enforcement
Training ModulesA guide for Members’ training
departments on designing
national enforcement training
coursesTo provide Customs trainers
with modules including
objectives, training methods and
aids.Customs Trainers Mr. V.
Mikaladze
Mr. P. Clark
Commercial Fraud
Expert MissionA mission by a WCO expert to a
Member administration to
analyze the enforcement structureTo produce a confidential
analytical report containing
recommendations on measuresto enhance performance incombating commercial fraudCustoms policy and decision-
makersMr. P. ClarkG/C/W/445
Page 9National and
regional training
courses on
Commercial Fraud
Enforcement
TechniquesA training course designed to
discuss the basic commercial
fraud enforcement techniques
through practical case studiesTo strengthen Members’
enforcement capacity by
discussing new enforcement
techniques and best practices-Senior Customs officials
-Customs inspectors
-Customs enforcement, post-
clearance audit officials,intelligence,Mr. P. Clark
Transit/
Transshipment
Fraud national
expert missionWCO team visits a Member to
analyze systems in place to
combat transit and trans-shipment
fraudTo produce a confidential
analytical report containing
recommendations on measures
to enhance performance in
combating transit and trans-
shipment fraudCustoms policy and decision
makersMr. P. Clark
National and
regional workshops
on Commercial
Fraud Investigation
TechniquesA workshop designed to teach
basic investigation techniquesTo improve the efficiency of
Customs commercial fraud
investigation unitsCustoms investigators and
Customs trainersMr. P. Clark
Valuation Fraud-
Post Clearance
National
WorkshopsA workshop specifically designed
to address valuation fraud andpost-clearance auditTo identify measures to enhance
Members’ performance in
conducting post-clearance audits
and combating valuation fraud.Front line officers
Post Clearance Audit officers
Valuation officersMr. P. Clark
Mrs. D. Maïano
Valuation/Valuatio
n Fraud national
and region
workshopsJoint workshop on technical
valuation and enforcement issuesTo assist Members to apply the
WTO Valuation Agreement and
to identify measures to combatvaluation fraudFront line officers
Post Clearance Audit officersValuation officersMr. P. Clark
Directory of
Technical aids to
Enforcement”)Members Web site
A directory of technical
equipment available to and used
by MembersTo assist Members who are
considering purchasing technicalequipment by technical
equipment and manufacturing
companiesCustoms procurement officers Mr. L. LizziG/C/W/445
Page 10 ENVIRONMENTAL CRIME
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Discussion Forum
following the Word
Environment DayWCO Members Web site (period
: July 2002)To enable users to express their
concerns and assist in awareness
raisingMembers Mrs. D. Maïano
CITES training
materialManual for traditional training
course.
(To be updated)To assist Members in conducting
awareness raising and advanced
training courses on CITES issuesCustoms trainers
Front line officersCustoms investigatorsMrs. D. Maïano
CITES booklet :
“Customs, wild
fauna and flora”
.Booklet containing basic
awareness elementsTo highlight the basic facts
about  the CITES Convention
and  the  role of CustomsCustoms and other relevant law
enforcement agencies and
institutionsMrs. D. Maïano
CITES
‘Leo’ web siteWCO Web site designed to
inform Members of the role of
Customs in CITES issuesTo provide awareness and
information materialWCO web site users Mrs. D. Maïano
Alerts on CITES,
cultural goods,
nuclear material
and hazardous
wasteInformation on recent seizures,
trends or modus operandi.
Available through CEN system
and RILOsTo assist Members in
implementing risk assessment
techniquesFront Line officers Customs
investigators
Customs intelligence officersMrs. D. Maïano
Cultural goods -
Reference systemA CEN database on cultural
goods, including details on
international regulations and a list
of recent registered theftsTo inform Members on cultural
goods issues.Front Line officers
Customs investigatorsMrs. D. Maïano
WCO Explanatory
Notes on
identification and
detection of
Nuclear MaterialsHandbook (Under translation) To assist  Members’ training
departments in designing and
conducting their own training
course in combating radioactive
materials smugglingCustoms trainers
Front line officersMrs. D. MaïanoG/C/W/445
Page 11RISK ASSESSMENT
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Booklet ‘Risk
Management’Executive Summary and Guide to
risk managementTo introduce the risk
management concept in line with
WCO compliance and
facilitation principlesDGs and Senior Managers
OfficersMr. W.
Robinson
Risk Assessment
training modulesModules on Air cargo, Aircraft,
passengers, vessels, sea cargo,
land border controls – availableon Members’ websiteTo assist Members in
implementing risk assessment
techniquesCustoms trainers
Supervisors,Front line officersMr. B.
Brockmeyer
Risk Assessment
national and
regional workshopsA workshop to introduce Customsstaff to risk assessmenttechniquesTo assist Members in
implementing or enhancing risk
assessment techniquesCustoms trainers
Managers
Front line officersMr. B.
Brockmeyer
Mr. P Clark
BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANCE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Nairobi ConventionInternational Convention on
Mutual Administrative Assistance
for the Prevention, Investigation
and Repression of CustomsOffences.
Text reproduced on the Members
web site with list of Contracting
Parties.Multilateral instrument to
facilitate mutual international
co-operation and information
exchangeCustoms administrations Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi
Salah
Model Bilateral
AgreementModel Bilateral Agreement onMutual Administrative Assistance
on Customs Matters, revised June
2002.
Text reproduced on the Members
web site.Bilateral accord to serve as a
model for two Customs
Administrations to construct a
mutual co-operation accord
between them.Customs administrations Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi
SalahG/C/W/445
Page 12RecommendationsWCO non-binding administrative
instruments adopted by the
Council on various enforcement
topics from drugs to radioactive
materialsTexts reproduced at the WCO
Web sitesProvides an administrative basis
for mutual assistance on a direct
basis on enforcement mattersCustoms administrations and
officialsMr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi
Salah
Declaration and
ResolutionsThese administrative instrumentshave also been adopted by the
Council to improve Customs Co-
operation and MutualAdministrative Assistance in
certain enforcement fields.
Text reproduced on the Members
web site.Encourages Members to co-
operate by adopting required
instruments to increase their
effectiveness against Customs
offencesCustoms administrations Mr. H. Baage
Mr. El Hadi
Salah
INTELLIGENCE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Global Intelligence
StrategyExecutive Summary/Guideline(To be produced)To introduce and promote the
strategic use of intelligence in
compliance field.DGs and Senior Managers Mr. W.
Robinson
Customs
Enforcement
NetworkInternet-based networkincorporating databases, website
and  communication facilityTo assist Members intelligence
capability; to enhance
international communicationand co-operationCustoms intelligence officers
Front line officersMr. L. Lizzi
RILO and its
regional and
National linkagesA global network of regional
intelligence officesTo assist Members intelligence
capability; to enhance
international communication
and co-operationCustoms intelligence officers
Front line officersMr. L. Lizzi
National and
Regional CEN-
analytical and user
guide national and
regional coursesPractical training on use of CENTo enhance and facilitate usage
of CEN; to assist Members’
intelligence capability; to
enhance internationalcommunication and co-
operationCEN National Contact Point
officers and CEN Users.Mr. L. LizziG/C/W/445
Page 13DRUGS
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Drugs alertsWarning information
Available through CEN system
and RILOsTo assist Members combating
illicit drug trafficking by
providing an advanceinformation on new methods,
repeated and/or sophisticated
attempt of drugs smugglingFront Line officers Customs
investigators
Customs intelligence officersMr. L. Lizzi
Mr. B.
Brockmeyer
‘Customs and
Drugs’Publication: Analytical report of
drug seizures notified to CEN,
issued in 2002To assist Members’ intelligence
sectors in combating the illicit
drug tradeCustoms intelligence officers Mr. P. Clark
Training materials
on Chemical
PrecursorsTraining and Awareness Raising
Module, Brochure and VideocassetteTo improve Customs
enforcement measures related to
the prevention and detection ofthe diversion of chemical
precursorsCustoms trainers
Customs senior officials
Front line officersMr. B.
Brockmeyer
BUSINESS-CUSTOMS PARTNERSHIP
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
BASExecutive Summary
Guide (To be developed)DGs
Senior ManagersTradeMr. W.
Robinson
REACTInternet-based web site
incorporating information on IPR
issues and communication toolTo enhance Members’
performance in dealing with IPR
infringementsIntelligence staff
Frontline staffMr. W.
Robinson
IPR National and
International;
WorkshopJoint WCO and Business mission
to Member administrationTo advise on measures to
enhance Members’ performancein dealing with IPR
infringements.Customs managers
Front line staffMr. W.
RobinsonG/C/W/445
Page 14Memoranda of
UnderstandingWCO Web site database of WCO
MoUs
(To be developed)To advise Members of MOUs
entered into by the WCO and
provide guidance on best
practice techniquesCustoms administration, Private
sector,
Inter-governmental organizationsMr. W.
Robinson
Operational;
projects
(As of August 2002)Drugs Data Sharing project
(WCO, Interpol, UNDCP).To share data on drugs seizures
collected by WCO, Interpol and
UNDCP, in order to create a
combined international databaseand help in the global analysis of
illicit drug trade.Members’ Enforcement
Departments, via the WCO
Secretariat.Mr. L. Lizzi
Operation Andes on precursors
(WCO/Interpol joint pilot project
for South America.To reinforce the operational
capabilities of the drug control
structures (on precursors) and to
promote co-operation between
customs and policeadministrations in South
AmericaCustoms Enforcement
DepartmentsMr. B.
Brockmeyer
African Seaports Project
Joint WCO/UNDCP project to
create and train Customs/police
anti-drug units in East and
Southern AfricaTo improve the anti-drug effort
in selected African portsCustoms and police
administrations in relevantcountriesMr. P. ClarkG/C/W/445
Page 15V ALUATION SUB-DIRECTORATE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Customs Valuation
CompendiumTexts of the WTO Valuation
Agreement and the Technical
Committee on Customs ValuationSets out the texts of the WTO
Valuation Agreement and details
the instruments of the TechnicalCommittee to provide greateruniformity of applicationMembers of the WTO and WCO
implementing and applying the
WTO Valuation AgreementMr. A. El
Kassimy.
Customs Valuation
Control HandbookOutlines the Customs control
procedures that might be used in
administering the WTO ValuationAgreement.To provide guidance and
commentary in setting up and
managing valuation controlproceduresMembers of the WTO and WCO
implementing and applying the
WTO Valuation AgreementMr. A. El
Kassimy.
Guidelines for
drafting National
Valuation
LegislationWCO Web site. A check list to
assist in the preparation of
national statutes and regulationsfor the implementation of the
WTO Valuation Agreement
.To be a useful working
document when drafting national
legislation on the WTOValuation AgreementMembers of the WTO and WCO
implementing and applying theWTO Valuation AgreementMr. A. El
Kassimy.
Basic valuation
Training moduleTraining module for  theapplication of the basic principles
governing the WTO Valuation
AgreementTo assist Members training new
officers in the theory and
practical application of the WTO
Valuation Agreement.Members of the WTO and WCO
implementing and applying the
WTO Valuation AgreementMr. A. El
Kassimy.
Valuation
Discussion FORUMWCO Web site. An informal
discuss forum where Members
may pose questions and makecomment on Valuation matters.A forum for Members to seek
the views of other Members onissues of topical or strategic
importance.Members of the  WCO
implementing and applying theWTO Valuation AgreementMr. A. El
Kassimy.G/C/W/445
Page 16 RULES OF ORIGIN SUB-DIRECTORATE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Origin Discussion
ForumWCO Members’ Web site :
An open informal forum on the
WCO Members’ Web site for
exchanging views, opinions and
information between Members,
and in some cases with theSecretariat, on Rules of Origin
related topics-  To seek advice on a specific
problem Members have
encountered
-  To seek other Members’ opinions
on specific origin determination
-  To provide opinions and viewsregarding Rules of Origin
-  To discuss items on the agenda
of the Technical Committee on
Rules of Origin (TCRO) to narrow
down the point for discussion or forclarification purposes
-  To assist other Members- Officials responsible for
planning and preparing for the
future implementation of the
HROO
- Officials responsible for day-
to-day origin determinationworkMr. H. Imagawa
Practical guide to
the implementation
of the WTO
Agreement on
Rules of OriginWorking document (OC0066E1) :
Initially prepared for the 19th
Session of the TCRO and revisedfor its 20
th Session (to be updated
periodically)- To provide WTO and WCO
Members with a possible basis for
technical assistance programme on
the HROO- To be used as a useful “navigator”
in this field where no standard or
harmonized procedures for
domestic legislation or
organizational restructuring exist- Officials responsible for
planning and preparing for the
future implementation of the
HROO- Officials developing
technical assistance
programme on the HROOMr. H. Imagawa
Mr. P.P de
Vaucher
WCO Secretariat
study on systems of
certification and
verification as well
as documentation
for Customs
clearance with
respect to non-
preferential rules of
originResearch document (OC0067E1):
The Secretariat undertook acomparative study based on the
83 replies to the questionnaire
(study to be continued)To provide for proof of origin and
compare the existing types of proofand the corresponding control
procedures. This study provides
Members with a basis for planning
or reforming the certification and
verification systems.- Officials responsible for
planning and preparing for thefuture implementation of the
HROO
- Officials responsible for day-
to-day origin determination
workMr. H. Imagawa
Mr. P.P de
VaucherG/C/W/445
Page 17HS SUB-DIRECTORATE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
“Harmonizer”
CD-ROMInteractive computer based
training on the HS in English andFrench, on CD-ROM
(Spanish version under
development)To teach and review the basics
of classification according to theHarmonized SystemOfficials of WCO members
dealing with HS classification,classification trainees and other
users of the Harmonized SystemMr. T. Nagase,
HS Commodity
DatabaseDatabase comprising the
description of about 200,000
commodities and their related
Harmonized System code
numbers, available in English and
French on CD-ROM (which also
includes the HS ExplanatoryNotes) and on-line on the WCO
Web siteTo help the user of the
Harmonized System to find the
relevant code number in respect
of a particular articleOfficials of WCO members
responsible for the
implementation and maintenance
of the HS and the Customs tariff,
and other users of the HSMr. T. Nagase,
HS Explanatory
NotesProvide a commentary on the
scope of the HS Sections,
Chapters, headings and
subheadings, listing the mainproducts included and excluded,
together with technical
descriptions of the goods
concerned, and giving practical
guidance for the identification ofcommodities, available in
English, French and Russian in
printed format, and in English and
French on CD-ROM (which also
includes the HS Commodity
Database) and on-line on the
WCO Web siteTo support the user of the
Harmonized SystemOfficials of WCO members
responsible for the
implementation and maintenance
of the HS and the Customs tariff,and other users of the HSMr. T. Nagase,G/C/W/445
Page 18Compendium of
Classification
OpinionsContains the descriptions of
specific commodities, together
with their appropriate HS code
number; all being classified bythe HS Committee, available in
English and French in printed
format, on CD-ROM
(incorporated in the HS
Commodity Database) and on-line on the WCO Web siteTo support the user of the
Harmonized SystemOfficials of WCO members
responsible for the
implementation and maintenance
of the HS and the Customs tariff,and other users of the HSMr. T. Nagase,
HS Classification
HandbookGuide to develop an appropriate
classification infrastructure andmodern operating procedures,
with a view to securing uniform
application and interpretation of
the HSTo provide practical guidance to
WCO members and HSContracting PartiesSenior and mid-level
management responsible for theimplementation and maintenance
of the Customs tariffMr. T. Nagase,
HS Harmonized
System
amendmentsBooklet explaining and
commenting the amendments tothe HS as they came into effect as
from 1-1-2002To provide information on the
legal amendments to facilitatethe uniform application and
interpretation of the HSOfficials of WCO members
responsible for theimplementation and maintenance
of the Customs tariff, and other
users of the HSMr. T. Nagase,
Good Classification
Work ModelCouncil Recommendation (1998) - To develop a good tariff
classification practice model
- To assist developing country
administrations for :
- ensuring correct and uniformclassification
- reducing delays in
classification
- promoting compliance with
law- providing transparency in
classification workSenior and mid-level
management responsible for the
implementation and maintenance
of the Customs tariffMr. T. Nagase,G/C/W/445
Page 19Binding Pre-entry
Classification
InformationCouncil Recommendation (1996) - classification of goods prior to
actual import
- a model with suitable
flexibility depending on needs ofadministrationsSenior and mid-level
management responsible for the
implementation and maintenance
of the Customs tariffMr. T. Nagase,
HS Discussion
ForumWCO Web site
An informal discussion forum
where Members may posequestions and can comment on
Harmonized System related
matters.- To seek advice on a specific
problem Members have
encountered-To seek other Members’
opinions on specific HS related
matters
-To provide opinions and views
regarding the application of theHS
-To discuss items on the agenda
of the HS related Committees to
narrow down the point for
discussion or for clarificationpurposes
- To assist other MembersOfficials of WCO members
responsible for the
implementation and maintenanceof the HS, and other users of the
HSMr. T. Nagase,
CUSTOMS LABORATORIES
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Laboratory Guide A practical handbook for the
establishment or improvement of
a Customs laboratory in
developing countries, including
references to quantitative criteriain the Harmonized System and
recommended analytical methodsTo help developing countries
when planning the establishment
or the improvement of a
Customs laboratoryCustoms administrations of
developing countries considering
the establishment of a Customs
laboratory or the improvement of
the existing Customs laboratoryMr. T. Nagase,
Laboratory
Discussion ForumWCO Web site.
An informal discussion forum
where Members may pose
questions and may comment onCustoms laboratory mattersA place to seek the view of other
forum members in Customs
laboratory related mattersWCO members and members of
the Scientific Sub-CommitteeMr. T. Nagase,G/C/W/445
Page 20 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT SERVICE SUB-DIRECTORATE
TRAINING AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
Distance education
learning Project
(DELP)Development and progressive
implementation of a range of
distance education programs to
provide Customs-related training
to Customs officialsTo make training materials
available to a wider audience
reducing costs and increasing
effectiveness.Members Administrations Mr. Declunder
Members Database
on Training and
Technical
Assistance
ActivitiesInternet based database on the
missions organised by the WCOTo select training beneficiaries in a
fair and transparent manner.
To secure optimum co-ordinationbetween donors and beneficiaries.
To carry out statistical analyses of
TaTA activities. assist membersMembers Administrations Mr. Declunder
Train the trainers
courseCourse of training in instructional
techniques comprising theoretical
and practical elements. to train.To help Customs officials
responsible for training at national
level to develop the skills to enable
them to give courses usingtechniques and methods widely
employed in vocational training.Trainers of Members
AdministrationsMr. Declunder
WCO Fellowship
ProgramProgram to study the WCO’s
instruments, conventions andrecommendations.To provide an intensive training
course for selected mid-levelmanagers from developing
Customs administrationsCustoms officials from
Members Administrations.Mr. Declunder
Mr. Sheikh
GRIPS A scholarship to grant Mastersprogrammes in Customs related
matters.  To provides Customs officials from
developing countries with an
opportunity to pursue Post-
Graduate level studies and trainingin the fields related to Customs at
selected academic institutionsCustoms officials from
developing countries.Mr. Sheikh
Ad Hoc Study and
attachments toursShort to medium term
attachments to WCOTo raise awareness of WCO and its
instrumentsCustoms officials and studentsMr. DeclunderG/C/W/445
Page 21GOOD GOVERNANCE AND CUSTOMS MODERNISATION
Topic Description Objectives Audience Contact point
WCO Integrity
information
brochurePromotional material To provide awareness and
information materialMembers Administrations Mrs. Fontenova,
National Integrity
WorkshopWorkshop practical in focus to
assist Members administrations to
implement the provisions of the
Arusha DeclarationTo assist Members in developing
an Action Plan to equip them
with a range of tools to nurture
and maintain integrityManagers at decision-making
levelMrs. Fontenova
Regional Integrity
WorkshopIntegrity workshop at regional
level.To provide a forum for
exchanging experience and
identifying strategies that could
be shared between countries ofthe same region.Managers at decision-making
levelMrs. Fontenova
International
Conference on
Integrity in
CustomsA high level forum to highlight
the issue of Integrity and to
develop practical solution.To develop high level political
commitment and information
sharing and cooperative regional
strategies;
To identify practical strategiesCustoms policy and decision-
making level
Donors organizationsMrs. Fontenova
Regional Integrity
best practice
seminarCompendium of best practices.
Promotion of integrity strategieswith regional Member
administrationsTo provide a forum for
exchanging experience andidentifying strategies that could
be shared with other regions.Customs policy and decision-
making levelMrs. Fontenova
WCO Model Code
of Ethics and
ConductA model to sets out in very
practical and clear terms the
standards of behavior expected of
all Customs officials
.To provide Members with means
of promoting professional
integrity in Customs.Members Administrations Mrs. Fontenova
Mr. McLindenG/C/W/445
Page 22WCO Integrity
Resource CenterDesigned to provide members
with access to a wide range of
integrity-related information and
resource material in the filed ofIntegrity.To provide awareness and
information material about
WCO related activities, external
partnersMembers Administrations Mrs. Fontenova
Mr. Choo
Integrity Self
assessment guideA Guide based closely on the
provisions of the Arusha
Declaration and designed to assistMember Administrations to
develop and implement their own
Integrity Action Plans relevant to
their needs, resources, cultural
circumstances and uniqueoperating environments.- To identify the key elements of
an effective integrity strategy;
- To provide a practical guide to
assist Customs managers to
assess the usefulness of their
current strategies and --- To
identify areas of improvement.Members Administrations Mrs. Fontenova
Mr. McLinden
Capacity Building
Blueprint and Self
Assessment processA Customs Blueprint to provide
an overview of all the elements of
an effective and efficient Customs
administration and to tackle
capacity building in a
comprehensive and focussed wayTo bring together into one clear
and concise document all key
elements of modern Customs
administration, and to highlight
the importance and inter-
relationship of the WCO’s,conventions and other
instruments.Members Administrations Mr. McLinden,
Customs Reform
and Modernization
programGuidance and assistance to
Members to undertake
fundamental reform of their
administrations.To help Members increase their
operational efficiency and
effectiveness in response to
accelerating globalization and an
increasingly complex
international tradingenvironment.Members Administrations Mr. McLinden,
Web-site WCO web site designed to inform
Members on good governance
and Customs modernizationmattersTo provide awareness and
information materialMembers Administrations HRDS
Discussion forum WCO web site. Informal forum
for Members to question and
comment good government and
Customs modernization mattersTo exchange opinions and
information and to seek advice
on good governance and
customs modernization matters.Members Administrations HRDS
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