On the 17th – 19^th of April 2012 the Caricom Secretariat Technical Action Service Unit (TASU) in pursuance of its mandate to provide technical assistance to Caricom member states in the implementation of regional decisions with regards to CSME, held a training seminar on the Training of Customs and CSME Officials in the Common External Tariff (CET) and other trade related matters.

The objectives of this undertaking was to present a common understanding among stake holders and member state officials on key trade elements with regards to CSME. The meeting was attended by Customs and Excise officers, brokerage companies, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Commence officials and other trade related personnel. The facilitators at the meeting were as follows:

Caricom Secretariat:

Norris Breedy- Safe Guard Mechanism (Procedures for Suspension of the CET on specific goods); Introduction to Rules of Origin

Bernard Black- Procedures for Certification of Community Origin; Procedures for Certification of Community Origin

Fulgence St. Prix- (CROSC) official – Caribbean Regional Organization for Standards and Quality

 

(CCLEC Representatives)

Albert Sandy- Assistant Comptroller St. Lucia Customs- Risk Management

Michelle Bryan- Customs Manager, Jamaica Customs Division – Port Kingston – Customs Valuation

Navindra Prashad-Guyana Revenue Authority / Customs Department- Post Clearance Audit

 

The input of key facilitators and representatives facilitated the presentation of issues on risk management in line with ISO standards with a view to present the need for the modernization of Customs administrators to find the desired balance between trade facilitation and border security. Other presentations covered the Caricom Rules of origin and procedures for the certification of goods, consistent with the CSME protocol. While others covered Customs Valuation and Post clearance audit; it is felt that frequent highlighting of such topics to Customs and Trade personnel is essential to enable proficient application of such standards by both parties, this orders well in encouraging voluntary compliance.