In collaboration with Bahrain Customs, the World Customs Organization’s (WCO) BACUDA Team recently hosted a three-day Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workshop in Amwaj Islands, Bahrain, marking a significant step towards modernizing customs operations through AI technology and Data Analytics. Held from November 14th to 16th, 2023, the workshop brought together experts and participants to delve into the transformative power of AI in Customs processes.

The workshop aimed to introduce participants to advanced methods of analyzing data and applying AI in Customs Administration, including risk management. It focused on raising awareness about the benefits of AI and Data Analytics, identifying and managing high-quality data sources, and fostering practical skills for AI-based decision-making in Customs operations.

Over the three-day workshop, participants were immersed in various topics, blending theoretical insights on data analytics with practical sessions focused on applying AI in customs operations. This framework served to explain the utilization of BACUDA's open-source AI solutions, such as AI-HS and DATE. Experts from member countries, such as the Korean Customs Service, shared their knowledge and practical applications, emphasizing the importance of AI and big data-based Customs systems. The new system that Bahrain Customs has been developing, which revolves around Single Window and Risk Management based on AI, was also introduced.

This WCO BACUDA Team workshop represents a significant leap in integrating AI and Data Analytics into Customs operations. It provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the technologies and offered practical insights into their application. As Bahrain Customs continues to innovate and adopt these technologies, the insights gained from this workshop will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping more efficient, effective, and modern Customs processes.

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