Information and communication technologies (IC technologies) enable Customs to increase the quality of their control activities while, at the same time, enhancing their level of trade facilitation.

The WCO has developed Guidelines to help Administrations implement the Standards and Recommended Practices contained in the Revised Kyoto Convention. The intent of the ICT Guidelines of the Revised Kyoto Convention is to focus the attention of Customs administrations on the impact of IC technologies on the business of Customs, and to outline the potential advantages to Customs that will result from the use of IC technologies to enhance their program and service delivery.

IC technologies are only a tool to support administrations’ program delivery. The Kyoto ICT Guidelines suggest that Customs should review their current procedures and processes prior to adopting any IC technology tools.

These Guidelines have been prepared to assist Customs in the decision-making process when they are trying to determine how to improve the services they provide their clients and trading partners through the use of IC technologies. These Guidelines identify the principal areas of Customs program delivery where the application of IC technologies may be viable. They also identify and suggest possible trading partner interfaces, and attempt to outline a number of issues that Customs administrations will encounter should they choose to develop IC technologies systems. Some of those issues that these Guidelines attempt to address include legal issues and requirements, security, client consultation and a brief explanation of various communication protocols.