Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention

30 July 2009

28 July 2009

Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention

On 28 July 2009, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia deposited its instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (revised Kyoto Convention) with the World Customs Organization.

WCO Secretary General, Kunio Mikuriya, said, “ With the accession of the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, I am delighted that finally the number of Contracting Parties to the revised Kyoto Convention now exceeds the number who were party to the original Kyoto Convention of 1973”. He added, “ This revised Convention is growing in status day-by-day and I would earnestly encourage all WCO Members to accede to this important Customs instrument as soon as possible”.

The revised Convention is regarded as a blueprint for effective and modern Customs procedures. It is recognized as a major trade facilitation instrument; some of its key elements include the application of simplified Customs procedures in a predictable and transparent environment, the maximum use of information technology, the utilization of risk management, a strong partnership with the trade and other stakeholders, and a readily accessible system of appeals.

Having entered into force on 3 February 2006, the Convention now has 64 Contracting Parties.