In the Framework of the WCO- East African Community (EAC) CREATe project, funded by Sweden, the WCO provides technical assistance to the EAC Member States with the implementation of a regional Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) Programme. The goal of the project is to increase regionalization in the EAC region through facilitated trade for compliant traders.

As part of the project, the WCO conducted a regional workshop from 6th – 10th  March 2017 in Kampala, Uganda in order to support the region to review and update its Post Clearance Audit (PCA) Manual. PCA is a significant aspect for the successful implementation and administration of the regional AEO programme. During the workshop, 15 AEO and PCA experts from the five EAC member states, Burundi, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, and Tanzania participated in the workshop. The participants, with the support of a WCO PCA expert, have reviewed and updated the EAC PCA Regional Manual with audit programmes that are relevant for conducting audits in other operators within the supply chain and customs clearance processes. The manual was updated in order assure the alignment with WCO Guidelines and best practices. Here, eight operators were identified for the inclusion in the PCA Manual including Clearing Agents, Freight Forwarders, Transporters, Manufacturers, and Warehouse and storage operators.  The experts alluded that the updates on the Manual not only assist in the delivery and management of AEO, but also increase customs compliance in the region as the operators play a crucial role in overall compliance improvement. The updates on the Manual will assist auditors and customs administrations to fully execute the PCA mandate as legislated in the EAC Customs Management ACT. The efforts during the workshop are fully aligned with the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement (WTO TFA) provision on Post Clearance Audit (Article 7.5).

For more information on the EAC – CREATe Project, contact the Regional Project Manager, Mr. Martin Ojok (Martin.Ojok@wcoomd.org).