At the invitation of the Peruvian National Superintendence of Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT), the WCO with the support from Customs Co-operation Fund – Eurocustoms conducted a ‘National Workshop on the SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS) and Coordinated Border Management (CBM)’ from 25 to 29 January 2016 in Lima, Peru. 45 middle and senior ranking officials from different divisions of SUNAT and several partner government agencies - Foreign Trade, Economy and Finance, Agriculture and Food, Immigration as well as representatives from the private sector participated in the workshop.
At the opening ceremony, Mr. Miguel Shulca, SUNAT Deputy Superintendent of Strategy, encouraged Customs and other government agencies to work together with the private sector to enhance the economic competitiveness of the country and to strengthen supply chain security. He thanked the WCO for organizing this workshop which would be helpful in enhancing collective understanding and technical capability among all government agencies and business partners.
Based on the current national situation in Peru, the WCO explained all Standards of the three Pillars of the SAFE FoS along with technical specifications, best practices and supporting WCO tools. Detailed information were also presented and discussed related to concepts, value proposition, business case, harmonization and standardization of data and processes, communication and engagement strategy with all stakeholders relating to CBM together with related WCO tools and instruments and best practices.
Since submitting their letter of intent to implement the SAFE FoS in 2009, Peru has already been implementing several SAFE Standards in a phased manner. In 2013, they also launched an AEO programme for exporters, warehouses and Customs brokers. Their future plans include the consolidation of the AEO programmes (e.g. including importers and other economic operators), signing of Mutual Recognition Agreements/Arrangements (MRAs) as well as enhancing CBM at national, regional and international level.
Participants actively engaged in discussions and recognized the significance of Pillar 3 of the SAFE FoS/CBM and a National Committee on Trade Facilitation (NCTF) also for an efficient implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation (TFA) and the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC), which are at different stages of ratification/accession in Peru.
Participants gained an enhanced understanding of each Pillar of the SAFE FoS and Coordinated Border Management, as well as of the respective implementation processes in their national and cross-border environments. Facilitated by WCO experts, participants carried out a current environment scan, future-related strategic planning and developed an indicative work plan as a potential way forward to deepen and broaden the implementation of the SAFE FoS and CBM in Peru.