The World Customs Organization (WCO) recently issued a press release announcing that their focus for 2015 will be on Coordinated Border Management (CBM), a mutual approach by customs agencies to enhance trade and travel flows, while increasing compliance.

According to the release, “WCO Members will have the opportunity to promote the enhanced coordination practices and mechanisms that they have implemented within their administrations and with other Customs administrations and government agencies, as well as with economic operators involved in cross-border trade.”

CBM is expected to result in:
·    More effective service delivery
·    Less duplication
·    Cost-savings through economies of scale
·    Enhanced risk management with fewer but better targeted interventions
·    Cheaper transport costs
·    Less waiting times
·    Lower infrastructure improvement costs
·    Wider sharing of information and intelligence
·    Strengthened connectivity between all border stakeholders

The CBM concept will be launched on International Customs Day, January 26, 2015.

The press release can be accessed online at:
http://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2014/november/world-customs-organization-dedicates-2015-to-coordinated-border-management.aspx