Under the auspices of the West African Customs Administrations Modernization (WACAM) Project, the World Customs Organization (WCO) recently undertook a diagnostic mission that identified priority areas for support to Burkina Faso Customs, underpinning national efforts to implement the Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA). The mission took place from 24 to 28 July 2017 in Ouagadougou.
This mission gave the WCO the opportunity to accompany the Burkina Faso Customs Administration’s Reform and Modernization Committee in its interactions with the public- and private-sector stakeholders concerned (the Burkina Faso Union of Import and Export Traders, the plant and animal health service, the inspection company operating in Burkina Faso, organizations of transport operators and HGV drivers, etc.) as well as Customs officers within the Directorate General and the major Customs offices (Ouagadougou–Route; Ouagadoudou–Aéroports).
While respecting the principles of strategic alignment with the Customs Strategic Plan, the discussion and working sessions were an opportunity to prioritize and develop work plans to implement two provisions of the TFA:
- Conducting a study of Customs release (Article 7.6 of the TFA);
- Setting up a mechanism for advance rulings (Article 3 of the TFA).
The WCO, which will support Burkina Faso Customs in these two areas in the coming months, welcomes the enthusiasm shown by Customs and its stakeholders to succeed in these modernization initiatives.
Mr. Adama Sawadogo, Director General of Burkina Faso Customs, said: “Our desire to forge ahead is our great strength. We are ready to meet the challenges that arise and will work to achieve the objectives set jointly with our stakeholders and with the support of the WCO.”
For more information about this activity or the WACAM Project funded by Sweden, please contact the Sweden Programme Director, Mr. Richard Chopra (richard.chopra@wcoomd.org).