Activities and Programmes

• Technical Assistance and training

  Based on the WCO Customs Laboratory Guide, the Secretariat provides technical assistance for the implementation or modernization of Customs Laboratories as well as specific training for its staff. Assistance generally takes the form of expert assessment missions (WCO and external experts), training courses, workshops or seminars, organized and delivered at national or regional level. Prior to the implementation of any assistance activity, the WCO Secretariat invites the future beneficiaries to express precisely the nature of the assistance requested (hs@wcoodm.org) and the objective sought (including a description of the status quo/plans for the Customs Laboratory, its possible use, volume of trade of target commodities and the training required).
  
  
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• HS Classification of new INN Lists (WHO INN Programme)

  An International Nonproprietary Name (INN) (or generic name) identifies a pharmaceutical substance or active pharmaceutical ingredient by a unique name that is globally recognized and is public property. The system of recommended INNs has been in operation since 1953 by the World Health Organization (WHO). Every year, the WHO publishes two lists of recommended new INN lists. Since 1988, the Harmonized System Committee with the assistance of the Scientific Sub-Committee, has classified nearly 4000 INNs in the Harmonized System (HS). After the publication of each INN List by the WHO, the WCO contacts all the Contracting Parties requesting their opinion for the HS classification of the INNs included in the List
  
  
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