International Supply Chain Security
World Customs Journal
SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY:
THE CUSTOMS COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE
Kunio Mikuriya
Abstract
The international customs community has developed measures to secure and facilitate global trade which have been transformed into international standards for global implementation. These standards are designed to improve customs operations through enhanced risk management that is built upon Customs-to-Customs cooperation and
Customs-to-Business partnerships. The standards are supported by existing WCO instruments, including the Revised Kyoto Convention on the Simplification and
Harmonization of Customs Procedures, and fulfil the requirements of enhanced security and facilitation for legitimate trade in the 21st Century global trading system. The majority of WCO Members are currently implementing these standards through the development of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programs, ensuring that they have the capacity to do so by requesting appropriate capacity building assistance.
Introduction
As is often pointed out, the role of Customs has evolved over time from its original revenue collection function to one that encompasses a range of missions at national borders. The basic function for customs officers remains essentially the same however, as they control the cross-border movement of goods and examine accompanying documents. Through this border control function, Customs plays a role in protecting society from the inflow and outflow of prohibited or controlled goods that pose a threat to the health and safety of nationals, such as drug trafficking. Meanwhile, there is growing recognition that Customs plays an important role in promoting economic prosperity by facilitating international trade. Therefore, it is imperative for Customs to maintain effective and efficient control without hindering the smooth flow of legitimate trade.
To improve border control whilst discharging a variety of responsibilities, the international customs
SUPPLY CHAIN SECURITY:
THE CUSTOMS COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE
Kunio Mikuriya
Abstract
The international customs community has developed measures to secure and facilitate global trade which have been transformed into international standards for global implementation. These standards are designed to improve customs operations through enhanced risk management that is built upon Customs-to-Customs cooperation and
Customs-to-Business partnerships. The standards are supported by existing WCO instruments, including the Revised Kyoto Convention on the Simplification and
Harmonization of Customs Procedures, and fulfil the requirements of enhanced security and facilitation for legitimate trade in the 21st Century global trading system. The majority of WCO Members are currently implementing these standards through the development of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programs, ensuring that they have the capacity to do so by requesting appropriate capacity building assistance.
Introduction
As is often pointed out, the role of Customs has evolved over time from its original revenue collection function to one that encompasses a range of missions at national borders. The basic function for customs officers remains essentially the same however, as they control the cross-border movement of goods and examine accompanying documents. Through this border control function, Customs plays a role in protecting society from the inflow and outflow of prohibited or controlled goods that pose a threat to the health and safety of nationals, such as drug trafficking. Meanwhile, there is growing recognition that Customs plays an important role in promoting economic prosperity by facilitating international trade. Therefore, it is imperative for Customs to maintain effective and efficient control without hindering the smooth flow of legitimate trade.
To improve border control whilst discharging a variety of responsibilities, the international customs