WCO PICARD Conference 2008

Key players

World Customs Organization

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is the only intergovernmental organization uniquely focused on Customs matters and is regarded as the voice of the international Customs community. Dedicated to enhancing the effectiveness and efficiency of its 171 Members across the globe, the WCO is particularly noted for its work in areas covering the development of global standards, the simplification and harmonization of Customs procedures, the security of the trade supply chain, the facilitation of world trade, the combating of Customs offences, anti-counterfeiting and piracy initiatives, and sustainable global Customs capacity building programmes. The WCO also maintains the international Harmonized System goods nomenclature, and administers the technical aspects of the WTO Agreements on Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin.

The International Network of Customs Universities

The International Network of Customs Universities (INCU) was established to provide the World Customs Organization and other organizations with a single point of contact with universities and research institutes active in the field of customs research, education and training. The INCU also provides a global resource for governments and the private sector, and an educational source for students wishing to further their knowledge in the field of customs management and administration, and international trade and logistics management.

More information about the INCU can be found at http://www.incu.org/.

The INCU produces the World Customs Journal (WCJ), which is its flagship publication. The first edition of the WCJ was successfully launched at the WCO PICARD Conference in March 2007, initially as an e-journal, but with the option of also releasing it as a paper journal at a later date. The Journal includes contributions from both academics and other interested parties.

The PICARD Advisory Group

• Prof. Aivars Krastiņš, Riga Technical University, Latvia
• Prof. Dr. Hans-Michael WOLFFGANG, Universität Münster, Germany
• Ms. Claire Morris, Commercial Partnership Director, Leeds Metropolitan University, United Kingdom
• Prof. David WIDDOWSON, University of Canberra, Centre for Customs and Excise Studies, Australia
• Mr. Jan Jansson, International Counsellor, Riga Technical University, Latvia
• Prof. Frederic CARLUER, University of Le Havre, France
• Mr. Juha HINTSA, Director; Cross-border Research Association, Lausanne, Switzerland

The provisional members of the PICARD Advisory Group have been appointed by the Director of the Capacity Building Directorate Mr. Lars Karlsson on the basis of their active participation and contribution to the development of the PICARD Programme. Guidelines for the operation, composition and mandate of the Advisory Group will be established in the consultation with the INCU.