International Customs Day 2019

SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel and Transport

ICD 2018

   

The WCO is dedicating 2019 to the swift and smooth cross-border movement of goods, people and means of transport, with the slogan “SMART borders for seamless Trade, Travel and Transport.”

WCO Members will have the opportunity to showcase their efforts and activities in this domain.

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Celebration of ICD 2019 around the world

  • ALGERIA : Projection towards a digital future, with the signature of two technical assistance contracts for the implementation of the new Customs information system, giving effect to the ICD 2019 “SMART borders” theme in Algeria; the starting point for building a future together.

    ALGERIA : Projection towards a digital future, with the signature of two technical assistance contracts for the implementation of the new Customs information system, giving effect to the ICD 2019 “SMART borders” theme in Algeria; the starting point for building a future together.

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  • AUSTRIA : During the ICD 2019 ceremony, the State Secretary of Finance awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to 10 Customs officers from around the country who have served the administration in exceptional ways through their dedication and motivation; Austria’s Customs Attaché in Brussels later delivered a speech on current Customs issues at the European and international levels.

    AUSTRIA : During the ICD 2019 ceremony, the State Secretary of Finance awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to 10 Customs officers from around the country who have served the administration in exceptional ways through their dedication and motivation; Austria’s Customs Attaché in Brussels later delivered a speech on current Customs issues at the European and international levels.

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  • BAHRAIN : To mark ICD 2019, H.E. the Minister of Interior, together with H.E. the President of Customs, inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Customs’ main achievements and projects in line with its Strategic Plan 2017-2020, during which a number of stakeholders, authorities and distinguished Customs officers were honoured.

    BAHRAIN : To mark ICD 2019, H.E. the Minister of Interior, together with H.E. the President of Customs, inaugurated an exhibition showcasing Customs’ main achievements and projects in line with its Strategic Plan 2017-2020, during which a number of stakeholders, authorities and distinguished Customs officers were honoured.

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  • BANGLADESH : In celebrating ICD 2019, Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) organized a festive, colourful rally that was inaugurated by the Chairman of the NBR, with many officials and staff of Customs participating in the event.

    BANGLADESH : In celebrating ICD 2019, Bangladesh’s National Board of Revenue (NBR) organized a festive, colourful rally that was inaugurated by the Chairman of the NBR, with many officials and staff of Customs participating in the event.

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  • BELGIUM : The famous “Manneken-Pis” statue in Brussels was clothed in the official uniform of Belgium Customs to mark ICD 2019, a spectacle that draws locals and tourists alike, while Customs officers and Customs attachés were awarded a special medal for their merits and contributions to the Customs community.

    BELGIUM : The famous “Manneken-Pis” statue in Brussels was clothed in the official uniform of Belgium Customs to mark ICD 2019, a spectacle that draws locals and tourists alike, while Customs officers and Customs attachés were awarded a special medal for their merits and contributions to the Customs community.

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  • BELIZE : Belize Customs and Excise Department organized a host of activities along the “SMART borders” theme to celebrate ICD 2019.

    BELIZE : Belize Customs and Excise Department organized a host of activities along the “SMART borders” theme to celebrate ICD 2019.

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  • BERMUDA : Bermuda Customs celebrated ICD 2019 by unveiling two mascots in the presence of the Collector and the Assistant Collectors: C.A.P.I. (a male mascot) and R.E.V.I. (a female mascot).

    BERMUDA : Bermuda Customs celebrated ICD 2019 by unveiling two mascots in the presence of the Collector and the Assistant Collectors: C.A.P.I. (a male mascot) and R.E.V.I. (a female mascot).

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  • BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA : The Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to officers for their commitment to the “SMART borders” theme on the occasion of ICD 2019, and expressed its gratitude to ITA officers for the achievements they had made through their performance and dedication to the various areas of work within the Customs domain.

    BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA : The Indirect Taxation Authority (ITA) awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to officers for their commitment to the “SMART borders” theme on the occasion of ICD 2019, and expressed its gratitude to ITA officers for the achievements they had made through their performance and dedication to the various areas of work within the Customs domain.

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  • BULGARIA : The ICD 2019 celebrations were presided over by H.E. the Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Interior, and the Director of the National Revenue Agency.

    BULGARIA : The ICD 2019 celebrations were presided over by H.E. the Prime Minister, as well as the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Interior, and the Director of the National Revenue Agency.

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  • CHILE : ICD 2019 was celebrated by Chile Customs with innovative festivities organized along the “SMART borders” theme.

    CHILE : ICD 2019 was celebrated by Chile Customs with innovative festivities organized along the “SMART borders” theme.

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  • CHINA : In Beijing, the Vice-Minister of China Customs addressed officials as well as Customs attachés and representatives based in China from 26 countries and regions as part of the ICD 2019 celebrations, during which he shared the progress made by Customs in 2018 and put forward the visions for building “SMART” borders and “SMART” Customs by the international community.

    CHINA : In Beijing, the Vice-Minister of China Customs addressed officials as well as Customs attachés and representatives based in China from 26 countries and regions as part of the ICD 2019 celebrations, during which he shared the progress made by Customs in 2018 and put forward the visions for building “SMART” borders and “SMART” Customs by the international community.

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  • COLOMBIA : Colombia Customs celebrated ICD 2019 at which occasion Customs officers were awarded WCO Certificates of Merit for their contributions to the “SMART borders” theme.

    COLOMBIA : Colombia Customs celebrated ICD 2019 at which occasion Customs officers were awarded WCO Certificates of Merit for their contributions to the “SMART borders” theme.

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  • DENMARK : As part of its ICD 2019 celebrations, the Danish Customs Agency honoured two Customs officials by awarding them WCO Certificates of Merit.

    DENMARK : As part of its ICD 2019 celebrations, the Danish Customs Agency honoured two Customs officials by awarding them WCO Certificates of Merit.

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  • DOMINICAN REPUBLIC : On the occasion of ICD 2019, the Director General of the General Directorate of Customs awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to Customs officials and representatives of the public and private sector in recognition of their contributions to the “SMART borders” theme; the event took place at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Santo Domingo.

    DOMINICAN REPUBLIC : On the occasion of ICD 2019, the Director General of the General Directorate of Customs awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to Customs officials and representatives of the public and private sector in recognition of their contributions to the “SMART borders” theme; the event took place at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Santo Domingo.

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  • EGYPT : A high-level event at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Alexandria marked the ICD 2019 celebrations organized by the Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Customs Training Institute, where the Commissioner of Customs awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to Customs officials as well as to three members of the trade community, recognizing them as very important stakeholders.

    EGYPT : A high-level event at the WCO Regional Training Centre in Alexandria marked the ICD 2019 celebrations organized by the Egyptian Customs Authority and the National Customs Training Institute, where the Commissioner of Customs awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to Customs officials as well as to three members of the trade community, recognizing them as very important stakeholders.

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  • FINLAND : In celebrating ICD 2019, WCO Certificates of Merit were awarded to Finnish Customs’ cooperation partners as well as to Customs officers for their outstanding performance, including those officers who had contributed to the development of the Customs duty calculator.

    FINLAND : In celebrating ICD 2019, WCO Certificates of Merit were awarded to Finnish Customs’ cooperation partners as well as to Customs officers for their outstanding performance, including those officers who had contributed to the development of the Customs duty calculator.

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  • FRANCE : The ceremony to celebrate ICD 2019 was marked by the award of WCO Certificates of Merit to 12 Customs officers, and an operator who actively promoted

    FRANCE : The ceremony to celebrate ICD 2019 was marked by the award of WCO Certificates of Merit to 12 Customs officers, and an operator who actively promoted "smart borders,” especially through the use and promotion of particularly innovative technologies and procedures; the ceremony was presided over by the Head of the International Relations Delegation of French Customs.

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  • GUATEMALA : Guatemala Customs marked ICD 2019 with various activities such as official addresses and an awards ceremony.

    GUATEMALA : Guatemala Customs marked ICD 2019 with various activities such as official addresses and an awards ceremony.

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  • GUINEA : The festivities for the celebration of ICD 2019 were presided over by the Minister of Investments and Public and Private Partnership, accompanied by the Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Finance and her Senior Advisor, and the Director General of Customs and his Deputy.

    GUINEA : The festivities for the celebration of ICD 2019 were presided over by the Minister of Investments and Public and Private Partnership, accompanied by the Chief of Cabinet of the Minister of Finance and her Senior Advisor, and the Director General of Customs and his Deputy.

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  • HONG KONG, CHINA : The Secretary for Justice and the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, together with senior officials from the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao Customs administrations, propose a toast at the ICD 2019 reception.

    HONG KONG, CHINA : The Secretary for Justice and the Commissioner of Hong Kong Customs, together with senior officials from the Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao Customs administrations, propose a toast at the ICD 2019 reception.

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  • INDIA : The ICD 2019 celebrations by India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) with the theme “Swift and Smooth Cross-Border Movement of Goods, People and Means of Transport’’ alongside the WCO “SMART borders” slogan were presided over by the Hon. Finance Minister as the chief guest and the Hon. Minister of State for Finance as the guest of honour, which saw 20 WCO Certificates of Merit being awarded to CBIC officers as well as representatives of the trade community for their commitment to the theme in the presence of the Revenue Secretary, the Chairman of the CBIC and senior Customs officers.

    INDIA : The ICD 2019 celebrations by India’s Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) with the theme “Swift and Smooth Cross-Border Movement of Goods, People and Means of Transport’’ alongside the WCO “SMART borders” slogan were presided over by the Hon. Finance Minister as the chief guest and the Hon. Minister of State for Finance as the guest of honour, which saw 20 WCO Certificates of Merit being awarded to CBIC officers as well as representatives of the trade community for their commitment to the theme in the presence of the Revenue Secretary, the Chairman of the CBIC and senior Customs officers.

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  • IRELAND : ICD 2019 was celebrated at Dublin Castle with the presentation of WCO Certificates of Merit to revenue tax and Customs officials for their outstanding commitment to the “SMART borders” concept, on which occasion Ray McDonagh also received recognition both for his invaluable contributions to Ireland’s Tax and Customs, and for his wide-ranging remit within the WCO as the former Head of Administration and Personnel.

    IRELAND : ICD 2019 was celebrated at Dublin Castle with the presentation of WCO Certificates of Merit to revenue tax and Customs officials for their outstanding commitment to the “SMART borders” concept, on which occasion Ray McDonagh also received recognition both for his invaluable contributions to Ireland’s Tax and Customs, and for his wide-ranging remit within the WCO as the former Head of Administration and Personnel.

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  • ITALY :  In the spirit of the tagline chosen for this year, the Director General underlined Customs’ contribution to facilitating the movement of goods and persons across borders by using new technologies to trace goods and means of transport, and effective risk analysis to perform targeted controls at Italy’s borders.

    ITALY : In the spirit of the tagline chosen for this year, the Director General underlined Customs’ contribution to facilitating the movement of goods and persons across borders by using new technologies to trace goods and means of transport, and effective risk analysis to perform targeted controls at Italy’s borders.

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  •  JAMAICA : The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) celebrated ICD 2019 with a week of events, commencing with church services across the island, a Stakeholders' Appreciation Day, a WCO Certificates of Merit award ceremony, and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day, which was the flagship event attended by the JCA CEO/Commissioner and the Minister of State who had the opportunity to experience the virtual reality room, showcasing Customs procedures on a virtual platform.

    JAMAICA : The Jamaica Customs Agency (JCA) celebrated ICD 2019 with a week of events, commencing with church services across the island, a Stakeholders' Appreciation Day, a WCO Certificates of Merit award ceremony, and an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Day, which was the flagship event attended by the JCA CEO/Commissioner and the Minister of State who had the opportunity to experience the virtual reality room, showcasing Customs procedures on a virtual platform.

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  • LEBANON : ”Horizons and Challenges” captures the essence of the Lebanese Customs administration’s ICD 2019 celebrations.

    LEBANON : ”Horizons and Challenges” captures the essence of the Lebanese Customs administration’s ICD 2019 celebrations.

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  • LITHUANIA : To celebrate ICD 2019, Lithuanian Customs awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to outstanding Customs officials who actively contributed to the creation of a “smart” Customs.

    LITHUANIA : To celebrate ICD 2019, Lithuanian Customs awarded WCO Certificates of Merit to outstanding Customs officials who actively contributed to the creation of a “smart” Customs.

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  • MAURITIUS : Celebrating ICD has become a major event for the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA); this year the Hon. Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection presided over the celebration as the chief guest and also launched the following Customs projects: Coordinated Border Management, Electronic Seals, the Mobile Scan Van, and the Security Token for Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers.

    MAURITIUS : Celebrating ICD has become a major event for the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA); this year the Hon. Minister of Industry, Commerce and Consumer Protection presided over the celebration as the chief guest and also launched the following Customs projects: Coordinated Border Management, Electronic Seals, the Mobile Scan Van, and the Security Token for Freight Forwarders and Customs Brokers.

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  • MONTENEGRO :  As part of its ICD 2019 celebrations, Montenegro Customs, in cooperation with the European Integration Office, organized a public debate on the ''Customs Union'' and highlighted its importance for citizens and the economy, while the Director General also congratulated his officers on this special day and expressed his satisfaction at the timeliness of the WCO’s “SMART borders” slogan.

    MONTENEGRO : As part of its ICD 2019 celebrations, Montenegro Customs, in cooperation with the European Integration Office, organized a public debate on the ''Customs Union'' and highlighted its importance for citizens and the economy, while the Director General also congratulated his officers on this special day and expressed his satisfaction at the timeliness of the WCO’s “SMART borders” slogan.

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  • THE NETHERLANDS : To mark ICD 2019, Certificates of Merit were awarded to 10 Dutch Customs Officers for their contributions to the “SMART borders” theme.

    THE NETHERLANDS : To mark ICD 2019, Certificates of Merit were awarded to 10 Dutch Customs Officers for their contributions to the “SMART borders” theme.

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  • NIGER : For the first time, a joint ICD celebration was held in Malanville in Benin between adjacent border posts in Niger and Benin; the 2019 event was chaired by the two Directors General of Customs, who officially launched the interconnectivity between the IT systems of the two administrations, which will make the transit system between the two countries more reliable, providing a good example of inter-Customs collaboration for SMART borders.

    NIGER : For the first time, a joint ICD celebration was held in Malanville in Benin between adjacent border posts in Niger and Benin; the 2019 event was chaired by the two Directors General of Customs, who officially launched the interconnectivity between the IT systems of the two administrations, which will make the transit system between the two countries more reliable, providing a good example of inter-Customs collaboration for SMART borders.

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  • NORTH MACEDONIA : WCO Certificates of Merit were awarded to Customs officers in North Macedonia for their engagement in the development of software applications, automated selection for control and risk analysis, improved quality of statistical records related to operations, and the preparation/realization of projects for further improvement of Customs’ “SMART” work, the implementation of the AEO Programme, and the introduction of EU Customs e-learning modules.

    NORTH MACEDONIA : WCO Certificates of Merit were awarded to Customs officers in North Macedonia for their engagement in the development of software applications, automated selection for control and risk analysis, improved quality of statistical records related to operations, and the preparation/realization of projects for further improvement of Customs’ “SMART” work, the implementation of the AEO Programme, and the introduction of EU Customs e-learning modules.

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  • PORTUGAL : ICD 2019 celebrations by the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority.

    PORTUGAL : ICD 2019 celebrations by the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority.

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  • QATAR : The Qatar General Authority of Customs celebrated ICD 2019 by awarding WCO Certificates of Merit to Customs officials for their contributions to the “SMART” Customs concept.

    QATAR : The Qatar General Authority of Customs celebrated ICD 2019 by awarding WCO Certificates of Merit to Customs officials for their contributions to the “SMART” Customs concept.

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  • SAMOA : The festivities organized for ICD 2019 focused on the “SMART borders” theme, starting with a special assembly for Customs staff at Matautu to officially open the commemoration, which was followed by a keynote address delivered by the Comptroller and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry for Revenue; meetings with key Customs stakeholders such as shipping agents and Chamber of Commerce representatives were also held as part of the celebrations.

    SAMOA : The festivities organized for ICD 2019 focused on the “SMART borders” theme, starting with a special assembly for Customs staff at Matautu to officially open the commemoration, which was followed by a keynote address delivered by the Comptroller and Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry for Revenue; meetings with key Customs stakeholders such as shipping agents and Chamber of Commerce representatives were also held as part of the celebrations.

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  • SENEGAL : With more than 300 participants taking part in the ICD 2019 celebrations in Dakar, the “SMART borders” theme brought together the private sector, the police, the gendarmerie and the Senegalese Customs around a panel; speeches focused on

    SENEGAL : With more than 300 participants taking part in the ICD 2019 celebrations in Dakar, the “SMART borders” theme brought together the private sector, the police, the gendarmerie and the Senegalese Customs around a panel; speeches focused on "the state of play and prospects for SMART borders, the case of Senegal."

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  • SERBIA : ICD 2019 was celebrated by recognizing the outstanding achievements of the Serbian Customs Service, at which occasion the Director General welcomed the Minister of finance who, while addressing a gathering of the Customs Service’s elite, expressed appreciation and admiration for the achieved results.

    SERBIA : ICD 2019 was celebrated by recognizing the outstanding achievements of the Serbian Customs Service, at which occasion the Director General welcomed the Minister of finance who, while addressing a gathering of the Customs Service’s elite, expressed appreciation and admiration for the achieved results.

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  • SOUTH AFRICA : Together with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and other government agencies, the South African Revenue Service celebrated ICD 2019 at the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

    SOUTH AFRICA : Together with the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority and other government agencies, the South African Revenue Service celebrated ICD 2019 at the Beitbridge Border Post between South Africa and Zimbabwe.

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  • SPAIN : The ICD 2019 celebrations were jointly chaired by the Director General of Customs and the Director General of the Tax Agency, during which they recognized the outstanding achievements of some Spanish Customs officers, and also awarded a WCO Certificate of Merit to the Spanish Maritime Rescue and Safety Society for its ongoing collaboration with Customs; two books on the History of Customs, written by a retired Customs officer, were presented as part of the celebrations.

    SPAIN : The ICD 2019 celebrations were jointly chaired by the Director General of Customs and the Director General of the Tax Agency, during which they recognized the outstanding achievements of some Spanish Customs officers, and also awarded a WCO Certificate of Merit to the Spanish Maritime Rescue and Safety Society for its ongoing collaboration with Customs; two books on the History of Customs, written by a retired Customs officer, were presented as part of the celebrations.

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  • SRI LANKA : ICD 2019 was a “red letter day” for Sri Lanka Customs since the report of the second Time Release Study conducted by Customs in 2018 was published; 29 officers were also awarded WCO Certificates of Merit, commending their dedicated service.

    SRI LANKA : ICD 2019 was a “red letter day” for Sri Lanka Customs since the report of the second Time Release Study conducted by Customs in 2018 was published; 29 officers were also awarded WCO Certificates of Merit, commending their dedicated service.

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  • SUDAN : The Sudan Customs Authority (SCA) celebrated ICD 2019 under the WCO “SMART borders” theme, with an audience that included Customs officers as well as private and public sector representatives, during which the Head of the SCA briefed participants on the significance of this international event.

    SUDAN : The Sudan Customs Authority (SCA) celebrated ICD 2019 under the WCO “SMART borders” theme, with an audience that included Customs officers as well as private and public sector representatives, during which the Head of the SCA briefed participants on the significance of this international event.

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  • THAILAND : ICD 2019 was celebrated with various activities, such as a reception, to which all Customs attachés based in Bangkok were invited, and during which the Director-General of Customs awarded Customs officials with WCO Certificates of Merit for their commitment to the “SMART borders” theme; exhibitions on Thai Customs’ work relating to its AEO Programme, the Time Release Study, Digital Customs, the new e-Bill Payment System, e-Tracking and Pre-Arrival Processing were also held during the event.

    THAILAND : ICD 2019 was celebrated with various activities, such as a reception, to which all Customs attachés based in Bangkok were invited, and during which the Director-General of Customs awarded Customs officials with WCO Certificates of Merit for their commitment to the “SMART borders” theme; exhibitions on Thai Customs’ work relating to its AEO Programme, the Time Release Study, Digital Customs, the new e-Bill Payment System, e-Tracking and Pre-Arrival Processing were also held during the event.

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  • TURKEY : The Minister of Trade with Customs personnel who received WCO Certificates of Merit in honour of ICD 2019, at the premises of the Ministry of Trade in Turkey.

    TURKEY : The Minister of Trade with Customs personnel who received WCO Certificates of Merit in honour of ICD 2019, at the premises of the Ministry of Trade in Turkey.

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  • UNITED KINGDOM : “7 Attachés - One Customs Family” captures the positive expression of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom as they celebrated ICD 2019.

    UNITED KINGDOM : “7 Attachés - One Customs Family” captures the positive expression of Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs in the United Kingdom as they celebrated ICD 2019.

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  • UKRAINE : During the ICD 2019 celebrations by the State Fiscal Service (SFS) of Ukraine, 17 officials and three representatives from other government agencies were awarded WCO Certificates of Merit, at which occasion the Acting Chairman of the SFS conveyed the importance of the WCO “SMART borders” initiative while pledging closer cooperation with the WCO to advance the further modernization and development of Ukraine’s Customs legislation.

    UKRAINE : During the ICD 2019 celebrations by the State Fiscal Service (SFS) of Ukraine, 17 officials and three representatives from other government agencies were awarded WCO Certificates of Merit, at which occasion the Acting Chairman of the SFS conveyed the importance of the WCO “SMART borders” initiative while pledging closer cooperation with the WCO to advance the further modernization and development of Ukraine’s Customs legislation.

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  • YEMEN : Speeches and other activities were on the agenda of the Yemen Customs Authority on the occasion of ICD 2019.

    YEMEN : Speeches and other activities were on the agenda of the Yemen Customs Authority on the occasion of ICD 2019.

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Message of the Secretary General