The internet is something most of us now expect to just be there but effort is required to keep this open and accessible.
The International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) are a strategic partner of the World Customs Organization and helped to celebrate World Customs Day on 26th January. Taking the time to highlight the benefits of international cooperation.
Their statement pointed out how much businesses worldwide rely on efficient, well governed customs systems for import and export.
A sound reason to continue to harmonise regulation and as an example of this, they chose ATA carnets. Mentioning how they had become trusted worldwide and how digitalisation would keep them to the fore in the future.
Newer initiatives were underlined, such as Genesis, a digital tool for certification of origin. Also their update to globally recognised trade terms, intended to provide a common language for a basis of trade and trust.
Spreading The Word
To take forward their wish to bring countries together, the ICC are creating a series of regional summits. Inviting national chambers and businesses, to deal with challenges and share in opportunities.
Lead areas will be the empowerment of women, improved access to global markets, digitalisation and tying business sustainability to our environment’s future. Objectives most would share and of benefit to global markets
The first regional summit will be 8th to 10th May, in Bogota. Another is already planned for Istanbul later in the year, with more to follow.
Sustaining Digital Viability
A World Trade Organization (WTO) moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions is set to expire in February 2024 and the ICC will be pushing for renewal.
Whilst lack of duty may at first appear unfair, what would happen if governments began to introduce unilateral tariffs on software, digital payments, cloud services, streaming services, or key ways of communicating internationally.
The global digital economy would be disrupted and the cost of digital services rise. Apart from larger businesses depending on them, so do small traders and consumers.
If you want to send a photo of your child to their aunt oversees, would you want customs admin and a fee. Whether the modern world, or the internet have developed perfectly is of course up for discussion but tariffs wouldn’t help.
No organisation can be perfect but the ICC have done a pretty good job for many years, taking business forward and improving international cooperation.
They bring economic issues to a wide audience, sticking to their focus on sustainability and integrity wherever possible. A way to help build open, trusted relationships for business and to make the world a little more secure.
The ATA carnets we provide are just a small cog in that wheel but we are pleased they are helping to make a positive contribution.