The way Customs operates has been greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is imperative that Customs administrations review Risk Management (RM) strategies and techniques in their day-to-day activities in order to adopt an effective approach to the planning and implementation of Customs controls, especially to cater for the expedited delivery of essential goods.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) conducted a virtual Risk Management (RM) Workshop for Eswatini Customs (SRA) from 20 to 23 April 2021, to enhance the application of its rules and procedures with particular emphasis on Risk Assessment, Profiling and Targeting,as well as sharpening the Selectivity module with the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Over the four days, the Workshop brought together 24 Customs officials from the RM and Intelligence Divisions, Customs border offices, and Enforcement. It was facilitated by WCO-accredited experts in Risk Management from Uganda and India, and was made possible by the support of Her Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC) fund.
The Workshop’s main purpose was to build the capacity of the participating Customs officials, with the aim of ensuring the implementation of a Risk-Based approach to the management of compliancewith Customs laws and regulations on the import and export of goods, the movement of travellers and border protection, including national security. The Workshop was also intended to accelerate the trade facilitation agenda in order to promote economic growth and investment in the country.
The Workshop provided the right opportunity for Eswatini Customs to strengthen its existing RM processes and adopt new approaches for future operations involving risk assessment, profiling and targeting, including information exchange and intelligence.
The Workshop participants showed a keen interest in the theoretical and practical sessions, and took full advantage of the possibility to exchange views and share experiences among themselves and with the WCO facilitators. The ensuing presentations and discussions on the WCO Customs Risk Management Compendium deepened their knowledge in terms of further strengthening their use of selectivity criteria.
The Workshop greatly contributed to a broader understanding of the various topics, and the virtual platform offered an opportunity for the participants and WCO facilitators to discuss, and take cognizance of, developments in the area of Risk Management.
The SRA expressed its deep appreciation to the WCO for the Workshop, and for the continued support offered on RM and in other Customs areas.