Modern customs administration plays a pivotal role in the facilitation facilitating of global trade within and among various geographic regions by providing members of a trade community “with transparent, predictable, and speedy clearance of goods.”  Customs authorities balance the need for trade facilitation and control by utilizing the right mix of tools at their disposal. These which are often mutually interdependent and must be responsive to changing conditions and needs of the participants. Full implementation of World Trade Organization (WTO) rules involves the evolution of core customs capabilities such as a robust risk management, valuation,  effective exemptions, reliable tracking systems for transit goods, and simplified rules of origin.

 

Efforts to reduce customs clearance times are worthwhile and have a positive impact on increasing volumes of trade and export prices. According to a recent study by Nathan Associates, a 50% reduction in clearance times within the Sub-Saharan Africa region would increase the volumes of trade in light and heavy manufactured goods by 21%-24%; increase prices of exported goods up to 2.4%; and intra-regional trade by 20%.