The WCO-SACU Connect Project funded by Sweden supports the SACU region in implementing customs system interconnectivity to facilitate real-time customs to customs information exchange. The system is based on regionally agreed standards and international best practices, namely, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Globally Network Customs (GNC) Approach, the WCO Data Model, SACU Utility Blocks and the SACU Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) framework.
Under the framework of the WCO-SACU Connect Project, a two-day session was convened from 21 to 22 May 2018 in Pretoria, and gathered IT Experts from Swaziland Revenue Authority (SRA), IT Experts from the South African Revenue Service (SARS), and external consultants supporting Swaziland in developing their interfacing capabilities. The session aimed at establishing connectivity and data exchange between the two administrations, and built on lessons learned from pilots and tests undertaken these past months. Following this important achievement, SARS and SRA are now ready to share their experience in establishing customs systems interconnectivity and data exchange, so that it can be replicated regionally and globally.
Exchange of information is critical to the fight against commercial fraud and to creating a level playing field for companies in the region. It also supports a wider vision where deeper regional integration is seen as a tool to promote development in the region.
For further information on this activity or on the programme, please contact the Capacity Building Directorate at capacity.building@wcoomd.org.