One of the more important instruments for development of modern Customs
processes is the International Convention on the simplification and
harmonization of Customs procedures, commonly known as the Kyoto Convention.It consists of 31 Annexes, each of which contains basic principles for
Customs processes such as clearance for home use, exportation, transit, postal
traffic and passenger facilitation.
The World Customs Organization is presently revising the Kyoto Convention to
update the Annexes and delete provisions which may be obsolete. IATA
facilitation is active in the WCO working group. New provisions and guidelines
will be incorporated that will help Customs administrations adapt to modern
business practices. Chief among the revisions are inclusion of information
technology, electronic commerce and risk assessment methodology as integral to
re-engineering Customs processes and simplifying procedures. This revision is a
key activity of the WCO and when completed, the Kyoto Convention will be the
model for modern Customs legislation and processes.
The WCO established a time table for completion of the work and proposed that
the revised Convention be presented to the Council in June 1999.
Click here for the updated Kyoto Convention text
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