The WCO dedicated 2016 to promoting the digitalization of Customs processes under the slogan “Digital Customs: Progressive Engagement.” Digital Customs means using digital systems to collect and safeguard Customs duties, to control the flow of goods, people, conveyances and money, and to secure cross-border trade from non-compliance, crime and terrorism.
Digital Customs also aims to replace paper-based Customs procedures with electronic operations, thus creating a more efficient and modern Customs environment in tune with global developments. It also hopes that Customs adopts enabling technologies, such as the use of big data, telematics and the cloud, to help increase operational performance, and to facilitate the reinvention of the way we do business.
Many of the ESA Members have launched innovative digital programmes, illustrating their commitment to Digital Customs and Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) and their potential to increase efficiencies and improve resource allocation. In this regard, members were requested to give the status of their implementation of innovative Digital Customs solutions, as a brief but informative overview of these initiatives. Please contact the ROCB for more information.