Day / January 26, 2012

by Mike Poverello

International Customs Day 2012

“Borders Divide, Customs Connects” is the theme for this years international Customs Day celebrations, highlighting the central and integral role of Customs administration in the global trade supply chain. As the World Customs Organization prepares to celebrate its 60th anniversary this year, it is only fitting that  this opportunity is used to acknowledge the heritage that the founders of the Customs Co-operation Council bestowed on us, namely the importance of cooperation, particularly the value of inter-connectedness among Customs and its partners. For the official WCO International Customs Day 2012 poster click here!

For the international Customs community, connectivity connotes a vision of arrangements worldwide that support the smooth and lawful flow of goods, services, people, technologies, capital, culture, and ideas. It galvanizes the establishment of partnerships, the preparation of research, the sharing of knowledge, and the delivery of capacity building. Connectivity thus paves the way for community protection, modernization, and economic development. Connectivity encapsulates strengthened coordination, cooperation, and communication between Customs administrations, with other government agencies and institutions, and with the private sector, at national, regional and international levels.

Because borders are synonymous with division, the main challenge for Customs administrations is to identify and pursue the best methods to increase connectivity, which refers to people-to-people, institutional, and information linkages, that underpin and facilitate the achievement of objectives.

In fact, Connectivity is a natural progression from previous International Customs Day themes: Knowledge in 2011, particularly the sharing of knowledge to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of Customs authorities; Customs-Business Partnerships in 2010, with a focus on supporting and improving the connective, working relationships between Customs and the private sector; and Environment Protection in 2009, underscoring the need for coordinated border management to save our natural heritage.

It is, of course, important to emphasize that connectivity encompasses three main pillars:

  • people connectivity, which includes a partnership with the business sector, and knowledge and professionalism;
  • institutional connectivity, which includes Customs-to-Customs connectivity and Customs-to-other government agency connectivity; and
  • information connectivity, which acts as an enabler and includes Globally Networked Customs, the electronic Single Window, and technology and knowledge solutions.

Here at home in South Africa, SARS Commissioner Oupa Magashula confirmed SARS’ proud history as a “connected” organisation fulfilling its Customs mandate –

  • We connect with our partners in business, those who drive the international supply chain, to provide them with a world-class service offering that will enhance their competitiveness in the global marketplace.
  • We connect across Government administrations and agencies that collectively form the regulatory and physical frontline of this country, working towards enhanced facilitation and security for the country, its economy and society.
  • We connect with our counterparts in Customs administration around the world on matters ranging from the sharing of best practice to active cooperation on improved Customs administration to the combating of Customs fraud and illicit trade.
  • We connect within our region, on the continent and beyond to work towards greater integration and cooperation, ensuring that the benefits of global trade enhance the economic and social well-being not only of South Africa, but of our neighbours and the continent as well.

Sources: WCO and SARS.

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by Mike Poverello

US launches National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security

U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano unveiled  the Obama administration’s National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland yesterday (25 January). The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to facilitating legitimate trade and travel, while preventing terrorists from exploiting supply chains, protecting transportation systems from attacks and disruptions, and increasing the resilience of global supply chains.

The National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security outlines clear goals to promote the efficient and secure movement of goods and foster a resilient supply chain system. It also provides guidance for the U.S. government and crucial domestic, international, public and private stakeholders who share a common interest in the security and resiliency of the global supply chain. (Why call it a “National” strategy when it impacts the international community?)

DHS works with leaders from global shipping companies and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) on developing preventative measures, including terrorism awareness training for employees and vetting personnel with access to cargo. Fulfilling a requirement of the 9/11 Act, 100 percent of high risk cargo on international flights bound for the United States is screened.

In addition, through the Container Security Initiative currently operational in over 50 foreign seaports in Europe, North, Central and South America, Africa, the Middle East, and throughout Asia, U.S. Customs and Border Protection helps our partner countries identify and screen U.S.-bound maritime containers before they reach the U.S..

Following the release of the National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security, DHS and the Department of State will lead a six month engagement period with the international community and industry stakeholders to solicit feedback and specific recommendations on how to implement the Strategy in a cost-effective and collaborative manner. You can find the Strategy by clicking here! Also, for a summary of the strategy in presentation format, click here! We wait with bated breath to find out whats going to be new here, besides more onerous reporting requirements!

Source: US Press Secretary and The White House Blog.

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