The 2023/2024 WCO Regional Customs Laboratory Professionals Programme, made possible with the funding of Japan (CCF/Japan), Korea (CCF/Korea) and India (Indian Customs Administration), has held its first week of training, from 16th to 20th October 2023 at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels. Twelve experienced Customs chemists and classification officers from Algeria, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ghana, Malaysia, Nepal, Nigeria, Peru, Tanzania, Tunisia and Vanuatu came to Brussels to take part in this long-standing Programme.
The Programme provides a week of training at the WCO Headquarters followed by six weeks of practical training in a Regional Customs Laboratory. This provides an opportunity for Customs chemists to expand and update their knowledge and skills in the chemical analysis of samples, as well as gaining greater knowledge in the relevant WCO tools, best practices and underpinning knowledge of classification requirements, with a view to supporting the establishment and modernization of Member’s Customs laboratories.
At the opening ceremony, Ms. Lamia FRIGUI, on behalf of Ms. Gael GROOBY, Acting Director of the Tariff and Trade Affairs, emphasized the importance of sharing professional experiences in the field of chemical analysis and the work of Customs Laboratory. In addition to their traditional role of analyzing goods for the determination of tariff classification, Customs laboratories are playing an ever increasing role in the protection of environment and society. She expected the participants to acquire and update their knowledge and skills in the chemical analysis of samples for HS classification purposes and to share the knowledge and skills obtained during the Programme with their Administration. She concluded by wishing all participants a successful Programme.
During the Programme, the participants made a courtesy visit to the WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, where he expressed his warm welcome and his expectation that they would enhance their knowledge and expertise and develop professional networks and information sharing. He wished them every success in this important Programme.
During the one-week Workshop at the WCO, the participants examined the role and needs of Customs Laboratories, studied the HS and tariff classification related to Customs Laboratory matters, delved into the WCO Customs Laboratory Guide and other tools, and shared experiences and insights. Following the Workshop at the WCO, the participants will be divided into three teams to take part in the hands-on component of the programme with six weeks of training at the WCO Regional Customs Laboratory in either Japan, the Republic of Korea or India. This will allow them to gain practical experience in chemical analysis, focusing on new technologies and techniques, as well as the use of sophisticated analytical equipment.