Within the framework of the Capacity Building Programme, the WCO and the General Authority of Customs of Qatar jointly conducted a regional workshop on Rules of Origin in Doha from 22 to 26 February 2015. The workshop was attended by Customs officers from the MENA Region.

The objective of the workshop was to enhance the capacity of the Customs officers to effectively and efficiently manage all issues related to rules of origin and to train prospective trainers within the MENA Region. Topics discussed during this workshop included the key concepts for proper origin determination, and a number of related operational issues, such as the establishment of an efficient organization, provision of effective training and private sector outreach.

The WCO delivered presentations on the relevant WCO tools and instruments, such as the WCO Guidelines on Origin Certification and Preferential Origin Verification, which have been designed to assist WCO Members in bringing the relevant provisions in Free Trade Agreements into smooth operation in the field. Furthermore, the WCO outlined the technical knowledge necessary to ensure proper and streamlined origin determination in the Region.

Discussions during the regional workshop also emphasized the importance of verifying the actual originating status of goods, rather than merely checking the authenticity of the certificate of origin as well as a need to enhance the cooperation between Customs Administrations in the Region.