In January 2015 a WCO Capacity Building support mission was undertaken to Timor-Leste. The mission was the latest in a series of inputs as part of the Project for "Customs Capacity Building for WCO Members 2012-15" which is funded by the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD). The aim of the project is to deliver technical assistance to seven countries in specific areas of Customs operations. As one of the countries participating in the project the assistance provided to Timor-Leste Customs Service (TLCS) has been designed to strengthen their revenue collection capacity through implementation of improved working practices and procedures in the areas of Customs Valuation and Tariff Classification.
During the mission the WCO consultants assisted colleagues from TLCS to identify a group of officers who are to be provided with further training to equip them with the skills and technical knowledge necessary to deliver basic and intermediate level training in Tariff Classification and Valuation matters. On successful completion of the training those selected will be supported by WCO experts to deliver a series of technical training events to officers from TLCS.
During a workshop facilitated by WCO experts new Standard Operating Procedures were developed. In addition, a review was completed and a report prepared summarizing recommendations for improvements to Tariff, Valuation and Entry Processing procedures. Assistance was also provided to TLCS with the design of a training program for Customs Brokers.
For more information on the project for Customs Capacity Building for WCO Members 2012-15 please contact the Project Manager, Mr. Philip Wood Philip.Wood@wcoomd.org