Following a series of virtual and in-country support provided through the WCO A-CIP Programme, the prototype of the new automated duty waiver procedure was presented during the week November of 18 to 22 to WCO experts, staff from various areas of the Malawi Revenue Authority (MRA), and key Customs stakeholders in Blantyre and Lilongwe.  The discussions focused on analysing the design of the new procedure and ensuring that it meets the needs of Customs officers, the internal control unit, and stakeholders.

This activity is a clear example of how the key factors of the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration (RAD) are closely interconnected and clearly illustrates how a holistic approach to the RAD enables Customs to fulfil their commitment to efficiency, security, and prosperity. The initiative aims to achieve Malawi’s specific priority under the A-CIP Programme to strengthen Customs procedures and practices for duty waivers, in line with the key Regulatory Framework factor of the RAD. In addition, the automation of the procedure also impacts other key factors such as transparency, automation, reform and modernization, auditing and investigation, and relationship with the private sector.

With the feedback received from the workshop participants, it is time to advance the system’s development and prepare for the pilot, planned for mid-2025.  The implementation of this procedure will be a significant milestone for the country, with a direct and very positive impact on a matter that at the same time has high economic relevance and the risk for potential abuse: duty exemptions.

The WCO A-CIP Programme provides technical assistance and capacity-building support to WCO Member administrations implementing integrity-related initiatives in line with the WCO Revised Arusha Declaration.   For more information, please contact  capacity.building@wcoomd.org