From 26 to 29 July 2021, as part of its ongoing support to Members, the WCO Secretariat conducted a virtual fact-finding Workshop on Risk Management for Malagasy Customs. In the framework of the implementation of the Administration’s 2021-2023 Strategic Plan, this Workshop was aimed at identifying the key functions to be addressed in Risk Management. This event was made possible thanks to funding from Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

Malagasy Customs’ Director of Risk Management, together with the Heads of Enforcement, Seaport operations, Airport operations and the Human Resource department, welcomed this activity, which provided them with an opportunity to identify weaknesses in terms of bridging any gaps in the system. All participants were unanimous in agreeing that Risk Management is key to their modernization, reform and WTO TFA implementation efforts.

Over a period of several months prior to the Workshop, the WCO and Malagasy Customs exchanged information on keys issues regarding the status and implementation of Risk Management features, using an advance information exchange questionnaire. The WCO experts also had the opportunity to hold discussions with officers from different units in order to identify areas for improvement.

During the Workshop, the WCO experts shared global standards and best practices for enhancing the application of Risk Management techniques in the daily duties of Customs officers. 

The recommendations from the WCO’s report on this fact-finding Workshop should serve to enhance the efficiency of Customs controls, thus facilitating legitimate trade in line with the principles enshrined in the WTO TFA. They will further support the participants by enabling them to participate fully in the successful implementation of intelligence-driven Risk Management within Malagasy Customs.

The Workshop report will also provide suggestions for possible capacity building initiatives to meet future challenges encountered by Malagasy Customs with the implementation of the latest technologies and tools for better managing risk at all levels of the organization.