With a view to supporting the Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department in its reform and modernization programme and to implement the requirements of the World Trade Organization’s (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA), the WCO conducted a Risk Management Diagnostic Mission from 26 to 30 November 2018 in St. Johns, Antigua and Barbuda. The mission was made possible through the support of the HMRC UK fund.

The mission kicked-off with an introduction by the Comptroller of Customs and his management team of the current status of risk management in Antigua and Barbuda Customs and their expectations from the reform programme. Besides discussions on the WCO Risk Management Framework and other related tools and instruments, the mission also held discussions with senior managers and specialists of various units responsible for risk management, post-clearance audit, IT, human resources and research and development. Field visits were also made to the port, container terminal,  airport and cruise terminal.

The Antigua and Barbuda Customs and Excise Department were very pleased to receive the WCO's expertise in the area of risk management, and is looking forward to the recommendations of the diagnostic mission report. The Department also expressed its appreciation for the ongoing support provided by the WCO in other areas of Customs.