The World Customs Organization (WCO), under the framework of the WCO-Bahamas Training Programme, organized a second national workshop on Customs valuation for Bahamas Customs and Excise Department (BCED).  The workshop was conducted at BCED headquarters in Nassau from 11 to 15 March 2019.

The Bahamas is currently working towards becoming a full World Trade Organization (WTO) member and, as a condition, it is necessary to adopt and implement the provisions of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement. The first workshop, delivered in October 2018, provided basic training on valuation to officers and identified potential national valuation trainers within BCED (Core Trainers).  This second workshop was focused on developing the technical and presentational skills of the Core Trainers and their ability to impart their knowledge widely within the BCED.

Initially over 2 days, with the support of the WCO, the Core Trainers demonstrated good commitment and interest and developed a 3-day agenda, allocated sessions and prepared the presentational material to be delivered later during the follow-up workshop. Subsequently during the final 3-days, which was attended by over 20 BCED officials from a variety of disciplines across the BCED, the Core Trainers, in collaboration with the WCO, delivered sessions on a wide range of customs valuation-related subjects.  Topics included the background and history of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement, the principles of transaction value, other valuation methods, commissions, discounts, assists, warranties and advance rulings.  

As a result of this second national workshop, several BCED Core Trainers have increased their overall knowledge and competence and have been established as national valuation trainers with the aim of delivering valuation training internally within BCED on an on-going basis. In addition, 23 BCED other officers have increased their knowledge of Customs valuation principles in accordance with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement and their practical application.

For more information about this activity, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org