WTO

Question 2

What is the World Customs Organization (WCO)?

Answer 2

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an independent intergovernmental organization dedicated to international customs matters, focusing on revenue, supply chain security, trade facilitation, and customs enforcement.

Question 3

Where is the headquarters of the WCO located?

Answer 3

The headquarters of the WCO is located in Brussels, Belgium.

Question 4

What is the official name of the WCO?

Answer 4

The official name of the WCO is the Customs Co-operation Council.

Question 5

How many Customs administrations are members of the WCO?

Answer 5

The WCO has worldwide membership of 182 Customs administrations.

Question 6

What is the primary objective of the WCO?

Answer 6

The primary objective of the WCO is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of member customs administrations to assist in national development goals.

Question 7

What are the main functions of the WCO?

Answer 7

The main functions of the WCO include studying customs cooperation questions, examining technical and economic aspects of customs systems, preparing draft Conventions, and making recommendations for uniform interpretation of conventions.

Question 8

When was the WCO established?

Answer 8

The WCO was established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council.

Question 9

What does the WCO maintain?

Answer 9

The WCO maintains the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS).

Question 11

What is the purpose of the WCO regarding Customs Tariffs?

Answer 11

To perform functions assigned in Conventions related to the valuation of goods for customs purposes.

Question 12

What role does the WCO play in dispute settlement?

Answer 12

It makes recommendations in a conciliatory capacity for the settlement of disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the Conventions.

Question 13

How does the WCO ensure information circulation?

Answer 13

It ensures the circulation of information regarding customs regulations and procedures.

Question 14

What kind of advice does the WCO provide to Governments?

Answer 14

On its own initiative or on request, it furnishes interested Governments with information or advice on customs matters.

Question 15

How does the WCO cooperate with other organizations?

Answer 15

It cooperates with other intergovernmental organizations regarding matters within its competence.

Question 16

How does the WCO fulfill its mandate?

Answer 16

By establishing, maintaining, supporting, and promoting international instruments for the harmonization and uniform application of customs systems.

Question 17

What is one way the WCO reinforces its Members’ efforts?

Answer 17

By maximizing the level and effectiveness of Members’ cooperation to combat customs offenses.

Question 18

How does the WCO assist its Members in modern challenges?

Answer 18

It helps them adapt to changing circumstances, promoting communication and cooperation among Members and with other organizations.

Question 19

What does the WCO do for human resource development?

Answer 19

It fosters human resource development and improves management and working methods of customs administration.

Question 20

What is unique about the WCO?

Answer 20

It is the only international organization dealing exclusively with customs matters.

Question 21

How does the WCO operate in terms of representation?

Answer 21

Each member has one representative and is entitled to one vote.

Question 22

What are the different working bodies in the WCO?

Answer 22

The Council, Finance Committee, and Policy Commission.

Question 23

What is the role of the Council in the WCO?

Answer 23

It is the highest body composed of Directors-General of Customs from all members, aiming for harmony in Customs systems.

Question 24

How often does the Council meet?

Answer 24

The Council meets once a year.

Question 26

What is the role of the Policy Commission?

Answer 26

The Policy Commission acts as a dynamic steering group to the Council.

Question 27

What does the Finance Committee do?

Answer 27

The Finance Committee acts under the overall direction of the WCO Council with administrative support provided by the WCO Secretariat.

Question 28

What is the function of the Harmonized System Committee?

Answer 28

The Harmonized System Committee administers the International Convention on the Harmonized System to ensure that the HS keeps abreast of technical progress and international trade developments.

Question 29

What does the Harmonized System Review Sub-Committee do?

Answer 29

The Harmonized System Review Sub-Committee acts under the overall direction of the Harmonized System Committee to review amendments of the HS, considering user needs and changes in technology or trade patterns.

Question 30

What is the role of the Scientific Sub-Committee?

Answer 30

The Scientific Sub-Committee assists the Harmonized System Committee and the Review Sub-Committee in their technical work, particularly on draft HS legal texts and classification of chemical products.

Question 31

What does the Harmonized System Working Party do?

Answer 31

The Harmonized System Working Party drafts texts of possible amendments to the HS Nomenclature, Explanatory Notes, and Compendium of Classification Opinions before final adoption.

Question 32

What is the focus of the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin?

Answer 32

The Technical Committee on Rules of Origin examines technical problems in the administration of rules of origin and provides advisory opinions on solutions.

Question 33

What is the responsibility of the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation?

Answer 33

The Technical Committee on Customs Valuation is responsible for matters pertaining to customs valuation and prepares commentaries, explanatory notes, and case studies.