14-16 May 2019, Xiamen, China

At the invitation of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), in cooperation with the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), Mr. Hong-Young Jo of the ROCB A/P attended 5^th Meeting of the UNNExT Task Force on Cross-border Electronic Data Exchange held on 14 - 16 May 2019 in Xiamen, China. Approximately 20 representatives from Customs administrations and government agencies participated in the Meeting. The Meeting focused on identifying possible electronic data exchange models, including reviewing data requirements, harmonizing data and implementation of electronic certificate of origin for facilitating legitimate shipments in cross-border trade environment

Mr. Jo made a presentation on the WCO’s new initiatives and pertinent WCO instruments and tools on cross-border paperless trade and digital Customs, as well as the ROCB A/P’s activities in assisting Members for facilitating the implementation of the electronic data exchange. Particularly, he encouraged the use of international standards for advance electronic data, data analytics, and other cutting-edge technologies to develop a safe, secure and sustainable cross-border data exchange platform.

This event provided the participants with a good opportunity to share their good practices on harmonization of data elements, requirements and feasible models, and application of electronic certificate of origin for cross-border electronic data exchange. Key progresses made since the 4^th meeting and future directions in developing data dictionaries for targeted documents on certificate origin, cargo manifest, and customs declaration were discussed. The participants recognized their administrations’ current data exchange status on cross-border trade and envisaged possible solutions for application of electronic data exchange models by participating discussions, and exercises. During the workshop, the participants had a study visit to the Xiamen Customs’ cross-border e-commerce center and Xiamen area of China (Fujian) pilot Free Trade Zone (FTZ) for understanding practical case on electronic data exchange.

For more information, please write to us at rocb@rocbap.org.