World Customs Organization

The current global financial crisis will continue to impact the customs and trade environment during 2009. The effects of the crisis have already been felt in escalating trade finance costs and falling freight volumes. Nevertheless, there was consensus, reaffirmed during the meeting of the Group of 20 leaders in November, that all governments must resist the temptation to raise trade restrictions in response to declining growth and job losses; the experience of the 1930s proved that protectionist trade policy only made matters worse. It is therefore vital for the international customs community to act together to secure and facilitate global trade, which will contribute to strengthening the world economy through expanding trade. Bearing this need in mind, many customs authorities will continue to reform and modernize their procedures and administration, requiring political and financial support. It is crucial that the WTO trade facilitation negotiations be concluded urgently because this will provide political support for improving border procedures and infrastructure, and will ensure donor support in this field. In this context, promoting intelligence-driven risk management by customs to facilitate trade and meet national security objectives will continue to be one priority area for the customs community. Moreover, the role of customs will continue to expand in addressing emerging issues, including the illicit trade in counterfeit goods that threatens the health and safety of citizens, protection of the environment, and regional integration. To manage this change and discharge its growing responsibilities, the customs community adopted a policy document, “Customs in the 21st Century,” to chart the way forward for it to act as a global network in close coordination with other border agencies and in partnership with business. This will mean the adoption of best-practice working methods and technology, and moves toward a knowledge-based and customer-oriented service culture for customs.