The 2024/2025 WCO Regional Customs Laboratory Professionals Programme, made possible with the funding of India (Indian Customs Administration), Japan (CCF/Japan) and Korea (CCF/Korea), has held its first week of training, from 14th to 18th October 2024 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels. Eleven experienced Customs chemists and classification officers from Albania, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Maldives, Mongolia, Nepal, Thailand, Tunisia, Uganda and Zimbabwe came to Brussels and one officer from Sudan joined online to take part in this long-standing Programme.
The Programme provides a week of training at the WCO Headquarters followed by six weeks of practical training in a Regional Customs Laboratory. This provides an opportunity for Customs chemists to expand and update their knowledge and skills in the chemical analysis of samples, as well as gaining greater knowledge in the relevant WCO tools, best practices and underpinning knowledge of classification requirements, with a view to supporting the establishment and modernization of Member’s Customs laboratories.
At the opening ceremony, Ms. Lamia FRIGUI, on behalf of Ms. Gael GROOBY, Acting Director of the Tariff and Trade Affairs, emphasized the importance of sharing professional experiences in the field of chemical analysis and the work of Customs Laboratory. She highlighted the WCO's work regarding regional networking and cooperation on Customs laboratories in sharing good practices for improving the accuracy and effectiveness of Customs laboratory analysis work. She urged the participants to make the most of this opportunity, as their active participation would significantly enhance their understanding of the critical role customs laboratories play in global trade facilitation. She concluded by wishing all participants a fruitful and successful completion of the Programme
During the one-week Workshop at the WCO, the participants examined the role and needs of Customs Laboratories, studied the HS and tariff classification related to Customs Laboratory matters, delved into the WCO Customs Laboratory Guide and other tools, and shared experiences and insights. Following the Workshop at the WCO, the participants will be divided into three teams to take part in the hands-on component of the programme with six weeks of training at the WCO Regional Customs Laboratory in either India, Japan or the Republic of Korea. This will allow them to gain practical experience in chemical analysis, focusing on new technologies and techniques, as well as the use of sophisticated analytical equipment.