The World Customs Organization (WCO) had an online regional workshop on Free Zones (FZ) for the East and Southern Africa (ESA) and West and Central Africa (WCA) regions from 15-17 June, 2022 with the Regional Offices for Capacity Building. 82 participants from 23 member administrations joined the dialogue to explore the ways for the sustainable development of free zones with enhanced Customs involvement.
This was the fourth regional workshop in a series of regional events aimed at discussing the harmonized and efficient implementation of the WCO Practical Guidance on Free Zones (FZ Guidance) that was endorsed by 2020 December Council.
“Free Zones should not be ‘free’ from necessary Customs procedures and controls. Customs should be one of the main authorities and should coordinate with all public and private authorities.” said the WCO Director of Compliance and Facilitation, in his opening remarks.
The workshop covered the key elements identified by the WCO Free Zone Guidance for adequate Customs procedures in Free Zones (FZs). These include enhancing co-operation, utilising the concept of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) in FZs, Customs involvement in FZs, use of data and technologies, effective Customs control through Risk Management in FZs, IPR protection, and origin determination of goods produced in FZs.
Experts from Customs administrations, Free Zone authorities, the private sector and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) delivered presentations during the three-day workshop. Three pre-accredited WCO Experts also joined the workshop to moderate and provide presentations.
The issue of capacity building and implementation of WCO instruments and tools has been widely discussed. Good practices of administrations and initiatives developed by the private sector were presented. Some Members shared the fraud cases that were identified and their impact on activities in FZs and related international and national legal frameworks. Determination of origin in FZs in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) context was also discussed.
“Now is the time when Customs needs to take ownership for Customs involvement in Free Zones,” stated the WCO Deputy Director in charge of Procedures and Facilitation, in his closing remarks delivered by the Secretariat. His message closed by expressing his desire that this workshop would trigger further discussions within all administrations on what Customs could do to obtain a safe, secure and competitive business environment in FZs. The Head of Regional Offices for Capacity Building WCA, stressed that it was essential that Customs and stakeholders continued to work together to develop practical, fair and innovative solutions that contributed to economic competitiveness while ensuring safety and security.