Based on the WCO Customs Laboratory Guide, the Secretariat provides technical assistance for the implementation or modernization of Customs Laboratories as well as specific training for its staff. Assistance generally takes the form of expert assessment missions (WCO and external experts), training courses, workshops or seminars, organized and delivered at national or regional level. Prior to the implementation of any assistance activity, the WCO Secretariat invites the future beneficiaries to express precisely the nature of the assistance requested (hs@wcoodm.org) and the objective sought (including a description of the status quo/plans for the Customs Laboratory, its possible use, volume of trade of target commodities and the training required).