A National Workshop on the Harmonized System (HS), organized jointly by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the National Customs of El Salvador with the support of SIECA (SECRETARIA DE INTEGRACION ECONOMICA CENTROAMERICANA; PRAIAA Program), was held in San Salvador, El Salvador, from 26 to 29 January 2016. 50 Customs Officers of different areas of El Salvador Customs participated in the four days workshop.

The opening of the workshop was officiated by the General Director of Customs, Mr. Carlos Cativo, who emphasized the willingness of El Salvador Customs in becoming Contracting Party to the Harmonized System Convention.  At the opening ceremony, Mr. José Carlos Garcia, technical coordinator of SIECA, remarked on the importance of the correct tariff classification of goods and he encouraged the participants to take advantage of this high level workshop. He pointed out the importance of the Harmonized System (HS) for Trade Facilitation.

The WCO facilitator invited El Salvador, as WCO Member, to accede to the HS Convention.

During the Workshop a wide range of HS-related matters were addressed and the participants were thoroughly informed about classification infrastructure and the fundamental principles of the General Rules and practicalities of HS classification to ensure correct and uniform application of the Nomenclature. The latest classification decisions of the Harmonized System Committee were discussed by participants. Special attention was paid to the advantages and benefits for Members adhering to the Harmonized System Convention and to the impact of the HS 2017 edition in the Central America Tariff System (SAC).

In his closing address, Mr. Walter Melendez, Chief of Operations of El Salvador Customs, thanked the WCO for its assistance in the modernization of his Customs Administration and again emphasized the importance of becoming Contracting Party to the HS Convention.