Recognizing the importance of the entry into force of the new version of the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature, the WCO successfully led a five-day seminar on implementing the amendments in the 2017 version of the Harmonized System (HS 2017) and on the harmonized Technical Guidelines on Advance Rulings for Classification, Origin and Valuation.  This seminar was held at the Amman Regional Training Centre (RTC) in Jordan, from 11 to 15 December 2016.

Eighteen participants, representing six MENA region Customs administrations, took part in this event.  The seminar was organized with the support of the United Kingdom under the HMRC-WCO-UNCTAD Capacity Building Programme.

The experts provided an overview of the Harmonized System as a multi-purpose tool, a brief background to the previous versions of the HS, and a detailed presentation on the 2017 amendments.  The participants were also given an introduction to the harmonized Technical Guidelines on Advance Rulings for Classification, Origin and Valuation.  Over the course of this five-day event, a number of participants presented case studies and shared their administration’s experience on the issues addressed, which also enhanced understanding of the topics covered.

The WCO welcomes its continued co-operation with the MENA region.