The first version of the Customs and Ports Authorities Cooperation Guidelines outlines best practices between Customs and Port Authorities from advanced, emerging and developing countries over the last decades. Specific attention has been paid to Small Island Developing States (SIDS) to review their journey in the field of cooperation to accelerate digitalization and sustainability.
Existing instruments such as the SAFE Framework of Standards (SAFE FOS) have been leveraged to design and implement the regulation of Customs and port digital systems, and both port and Customs authorities have amended Port Acts and Customs Acts to comply with data harmonization requirements to facilitate trade.
These guidelines underscore the importance of understanding business processes and systems to drive interoperability and foster resilience through emerging technologies.