The World Customs Organization organized a Risk Management Workshop in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Indirect Taxation Authority, in the HQ Banja Luka from 27 to 30 June 2022. The workshop was attended by 24 of ITA staff and was financially supported by CCF Korea. Participants were from 4 Regional Centres and ITA HQ and covered all levels, from field Customs Officers to higher management level.
The four days workshop was conducted by a representative from the WCO Risk Management Programme in the Compliance and Enforcement sub-directorate, and a WCO accredited expert from the Polish National Revenue Administration.
This Workshop was a very good opportunity for BiH Customs to strengthen its existing RM processes, and to adopt new approaches as a solid foundation for future operations in risk assessment, profiling and targeting, including information exchange and intelligence. Participants were able to learn about the relationship between risk-based selectivity and effective resource allocation, facilitation and controls. In addition, both the theoretical and practical sessions afforded participants the opportunity to exchange views and share experiences among themselves and with the WCO facilitators. Using the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium, they deepened their knowledge of risk identification and development of profiles.
The WCO experts highlighted the importance of adopting a holistic approach to risk management. During the workshop, participants discussed how to identify and address risks as well as how to develop an effective profile by using the methodology explained in the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium. Topics being covered during the workshop were, among others, Risk management at the organizational level; risk management at the operational level (i.e. risk assessment, profiling and targeting, including information and intelligence). Practical exercises hugely contributed to further understanding of the various topics, which included syndicate group work, practical exercises, and related videos.
It is certain that the ITA BiH will benefit from this workshop in future. The Indirect Taxation Authority expressed its appreciation to the WCO for its continued support with not just RM, but all other areas of Customs.