From 3 to 6 October 2023, the World Customs Organization conducted a train-the-trainer workshop on the Harmonized system for the WCO East and Southern Africa (ESA) Region within the framework of the EU-WCO Programme for Harmonized System in Africa (HS-Africa Programme), funded by the European Union. The workshop was hosted by Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), Vice-Chair of the WCO ESA region at the Integrated Customs Clearance Centre in Plaigne Magnien, Mauritius.

The train the trainer workshop aimed to develop a pool of competent trainers in the area of HS tariff classification who could further disseminate knowledge about the HS in their respective countries and region. The training brought together 32 representatives from 22 ESA countries, who are experienced experts on tariff classification in their Customs administrations. The workshop was conducted by WCO experts in the HS and in the area of training and skills development with the involvement of a recognized HS expert from MRA.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Sudhamo Lal, Director General of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) and WCO ESA Vice Chairperson highlighted the importance of the HS in trade facilitation and management of customs processes while emphasizing the critical role played by the HS in streamlining Customs procedures, ensuring accurate tariff determination and facilitating the collection of correct trade statistics. He expressed his appreciation to the WCO, the EU and the HS-Africa Programme for the assistance provided to the region.

In her opening remarks, Ms. Macarena Ruiz-San-Jose, Programme Manager, Directorate General for International Partnerships, at the European Commission, commended the HS Africa Programme on the great achievements made towards the implementation of HS 2022 as well as other notable results in supporting African Customs administrations and region in HS related matters. She highlighted that the EU is strongly committed to support African partners at continental, regional and national level through such initiatives as the HS Africa Programme. She extended her appreciation to the World Customs Organization on the remarkable partnership in the implementation of the EU- WCO Programme for HS in Africa.

Ms. Demitta Gyang, Senior Advisor – Customs, at the AfCFTA Secretariat, underlined the importance of accurate application of the Harmonized System as a key factor for successful trade facilitation and continental integration. She acclaimed the partnership between the EU, the WCO and the AfCFTA secretariat under the HS Africa Programme, and the impact it has in advancing the AfCFTA implementation agenda.

The train the trainer workshop was an occasion to deepen the experts understanding of the HS as well as develop and strengthen their training skills to deliver HS related training in their respective countries and region. The workshop fostered a vibrant learning environment, offering the participants a unique opportunity to deliver short group and individual presentations in various HS related topics while taking into account the skills and tips learnt from the WCO experts.

In conclusion of the workshop, the WCO experts provided general feedback to the participants with a focus on key areas that needed improvement as well as commending the notable areas where participants deployed the acquired skills in developing training materials and delivering a training.

For more details, please contact hs@wcoomd.org.