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Customs use of inspection companies

Customs use of inspection companies. Background & Way Forward. Evolution of inspection services. 1960s : PSI developed (mainly for exchange control)

lydia-robles
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Customs use of inspection companies

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  1. Customs use of inspection companies Background & Way Forward

  2. Evolution of inspection services • 1960s : PSI developed (mainly for exchange control) • 1980s: Used for strengthening Customs controls; particularly in developing countries, including verification of Customs values and classification • 1995 : WTO Agreement on PSI … sets out standards, e.g. obligation to follow principles of WTO Valuation Agreement • 2000s : Transition to destination inspection activities; broader scope, incl. scanners, single window activities.

  3. Trend

  4. Current position • Several countries considering termination • Niamey Declaration • Agreement by DGs in West & Central Africa Region • WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation • Article 10.5 Pre-shipment Inspection : • 5.1. Members shall not require the use of pre-shipment inspections in relation to tariff classification and customs valuation. • 5.2. Without prejudice to the rights of Members to use other types of pre-shipment inspection not covered by paragraph 5.1, Members are encouraged not to introduce or apply new requirements regarding their use

  5. WCO workshop : 6/7 March 2014 • Representatives from the WCO, the African Development Bank, African Union Commission, International Monetary Fund, West African Economic and Monetary Union, World Bank, and WTO (as observer) • … to discuss the topic of preshipment inspection (PSI) and destination inspection (DI) companies. • At the meeting it was recommended that:

  6. 1) Governments: • Provide political will, support and resources to Customs administrations to assume responsibility for the core Customs functions of determining Customs duties and taxes payable, risk management and examination of goods • Where exceptional circumstances dictate the entry into, or extension of, contracts, fully involve Customs administrations in contract design, negotiations and decision-making; • Ensure that such contracts are short-term, transparent, cost-effective, procured in an open, competitive and transparent manner commensurate with the applicable laws of the country and that fees are commensurate with services provided; and …

  7. 1) Governments: Further ensure that such contracts provide at least for : • the measurement of agreed results and objectives; • governance arrangements and responsibilities; • appropriate compliance with obligations, in line with international and regional commitments; and • the transfer of appropriate skills, knowledge and technology to Customs as a key objective. 

  8. 2) Customs administrations: • Engage national policymakers and take ownership of the Customs functions covered by preshipment and destination inspection contracts; • Demonstrate leadership and commit to reform and modernization to assume responsibility for functions covered by these contracts by developing comprehensive strategies and implementation plans; • Commit to good governance and to combat corruption by effectively implementing integrity promotion programmes; • Coordinate support provided by development partners and donor organizations transparently and efficiently; and • Enhance communication and partnerships with stakeholders, including neighbouring Customs administrations, to better articulate Customs efforts on modernization and trade facilitation

  9. 3) International and regional organizations as well as development partners: • Provide advice consistent with the recommended principles to Governments with regard to inspection companies, including the exceptional cases or situations where there may be a need in the short to medium term for contracts; • Engage with each other in a more structured manner to coordinate and harmonize as far as possible their policies and instruments on Customs reform and modernization and capacity building programmes; and • Coordinate their efforts and initiatives to advise and support Customs Administrations to successfully manage their reform and modernization programmes and in particular the core Customs functions.

  10. What can WCO provide? • Revenue Package programme provides access to all tools and instruments • New materials in 2012 focus on practical aspects • Phase II in development. By June 2015 : • New diagnostic tools for valuation, origin and PCA • Guidance for countries terminating contracts • Good practices for : • Informal trade challenges • Identifying/tackling revenue risks & gap • Origin irregularities • Further capacity building/technical assistance

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