Armenia Seeks World Customs Organization Support for Risk Management and Post-Clearance Audit Diagnostic Mission

Background

Armenia’s State Revenue Committee has sought support from the World Customs Organization (WCO) to implement an effective “Blue Channel” for post-clearance audit (PCA) in line with WCO PCA Guidelines. The committee aims to enhance risk management capacities for trade facilitation purposes based on the requirements of the World Trade Organization’s Trade Facilitation Agreement.

Support from Eurocustoms Fund

The mission was made possible through the backing of the Eurocustoms Fund, which provided financial support to conduct a joint risk management and PCA diagnostic mission in Armenia.

Diagnostic Mission Objectives

The objectives of the RM/PCA diagnostic mission were:

• To introduce the WCO’s risk management framework and PCA concept
• To assess the existing risk management and audit systems in place at the Armenian Customs Service, State Revenue Committee
• To provide recommendations for improving risk management and PCA capabilities

Mission Activities

Conducted from May 29 to June 1, 2018 in Yerevan, Armenia, the diagnostic mission included:

• Introduction to the WCO’s risk management framework and PCA concept
• Presentations on existing risk management and audit systems at the Armenian Customs Service, State Revenue Committee
• Discussions with senior officials and specialists from various directorates and services within the Armenian Customs Service, including:
  • Risk management
  • Post-clearance audit
  • Customs training center
  • Legal affairs
• Visit to Araratyan Customs House in Yerevan

Next Steps

Armenia’s State Revenue Committee is eagerly awaiting recommendations stemming from the diagnostic mission. The committee also expressed gratitude for ongoing support provided by the WCO in other aspects of Customs work.