On 2 October 2020, the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar in Brussels has deposited with the World Customs Organization (WCO) the country’s instrument of accession to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention - RKC), making Myanmar the 123th Contracting Party to this Convention.

Having entered into force on 3 February 2006, the Revised Kyoto Convention is regarded as a blueprint for effective and modern Customs procedures. It is the international standard for making Customs regulatory procedures as efficient and effective as possible. The Convention contains several important principles, including transparency and predictability of Customs actions; standardization and simplification of the goods declaration and supporting documents; simplified procedures for authorized persons; maximum use of information technology; appropriate Customs control to ensure compliance with regulations; use of risk management and audit-based controls; coordinated interventions with other border agencies; and partnership with the trade.

The RKC is instrumental for global trade facilitation efforts, especially the implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and to meet the challenges of Customs in the 21st Century. Within the current context marked by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is worth mentioning that the Revised Kyoto Convention contains, in its Specific Annex J5, relevant standards and recommended practice aiming to facilitate the movement of relief consignments and equipment imported for humanitarian purposes.

The WCO Secretary General, Kunio Mikuriya, who welcomed Myanmar’s accession, said that it demonstrated Myanmar’s commitment to implementing Customs procedures adapted to the international trade environment. He strongly encouraged other WCO Members to accede to the RKC as soon as possible.

The Revised Kyoto Convention will enter into force for the Republic of the Union of Myanmar on 2 January 2021.