16 - 18 May 2022, Phnom Penh, Cambodia

The WCO National Workshop on combating counterfeiting and piracy for the General Department of Customs and Excise (GDCE) of Cambodia was held from 16 to 18 May 2022 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, under the sponsorship of the Japan Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF/Japan). The Workshop was organized by the WCO in cooperation with the ROCB A/P as well as with the generous support of the GDCE of Cambodia. Together with the resource persons on IPR from the WCO Secretariat, Ms. Yuko Mamiya, Program Manager of the ROCB A/P, also attended the workshop as a resource person. 39 on-site participants from the GDCE of Cambodia benefited from the detailed and practical presentations and discussions on law and regulations, risk management, techniques of document examination and physical inspection.

In the opening ceremony, the WCO expert and the representatives of Japan Customs as well as the GDCE of Cambodia delivered the opening remarks. During the Workshop, the WCO expert introduced WCO tools which help Members effectively fight against counterfeit and pirated goods at the border as well as the outcome of Operation STOP II which aims to combat counterfeit/illicit medicines, vaccines and medical devices related to COVID-19. Ms. Yuko Mamiya introduced the outline of TRIPs agreement and IPR border enforcement systems in various countries. Moreover, Ms. Mamiya explained WCO tool which assists WCO Members in recognizing counterfeit and pirated goods as well as case studies of trademark infringement incidences. The representatives of right holders were also invited to the workshop and shared important information such as a way to distinguish genuine products from counterfeit ones.

During the Workshop, the participants conducted a gap analysis between their current IPR border enforcement system and international standards by using WCO self-assessment tool. They also actively discussed the challenges that the GDCE of Cambodia is facing as well as the possible measures to address these challenges. The active participation and contribution of the participants resulted in a successful workshop and this workshop supported enriching participants’ knowledge as well as enhancing cooperation between Customs Administration and Right holders. The participants expressed their appreciation to CCF/Japan, the WCO and the ROCB A/P.

For more information, please contact at rocb@rocbap.org