Regional workshop on the modernization of customs procedures

The IMF Fiscal Affairs Departement organized this workshop with the support of the Government of Japan.

Topics covered:

• The necessary strengthening of post-clearance audit 
• Verification of preferential origin of goods : strategy and practical control measures to be put in place. 
• The many potential uses of data at customs and the need of a specialized customs function in this area. 
• The potential of blockchain technology at customs. 

Anne-Marie Geourjon, Head of programme at FERDI, expert for the IMF and associate researcher at CERDI- Université Clermont Auvergne, spoke on:

• The many potential uses of data at customs and the need for a specialized function. She recalled the importance of data analysis for customs (as it is an effective means of revealing information and limiting moral risk), how the data analysis can be developped, and the main areas identified for data exploitation at customs.
• Rules of origin applicable to ECOWAS countries and the evolution of intra-Community trade.