The role of the World Customs Organization in the implementation of the World Trade Organization Agreement on trade facilitation

Abstract

In this article, the role of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in the implementation of the Trade Facilitation Agreement (the Agreement, TFA) is examined as an important element in the current multilateral regulation of the international trading system. Based on an article-by-article analysis of the Agreement and the WCO Kyoto Convention, as well as an assessment of the potential and actual impact of the WCO instruments on its implementation, the author finds that there are no methods, nor a system of indicators, to assess the effectiveness and efficiency of such work, or the measures taken. The key to achieving a qualitative shift in the implementation of the Agreement is a detailed diagnosis of the state of affairs in developing and least developed countries and the specification and digitalization of data on the priority areas, the amounts and timing of all types of assistance, and the support provided to them. In conclusion, the importance of adequate self-assessment by countries of their readiness to implement the Agreement, the relevance of developing the necessary capacity to implement the Agreement, and bilateral and multilateral cooperation with donors is justified. Proposals for improving the work of the WCO and the WTO to ensure timely implementation of the Agreement are formulated.