Coronavirus: Customs Response

The World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the current outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus) constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). The pandemic is affecting all border agencies, and the movement of relief goods (supplies, medicines and equipment etc.) across borders will increase dramatically in the coming days.

People across the globe need prepared institutions to face this global challenge. In this regard, it is essential to discuss the available Customs instruments to deal with contingencies. So, in this article, I am going to highlight instruments at the World Customs Organization (WCO), the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations (UN) to use as a reference for Customs contingency/emergency plans.

Reading the article, this is what you′ll take away:

• Why Customs and border agencies need contingencies/emergencies plans.
• WCO, WHO and UN reference instruments.

Why

Risks of global health events such as the coronavirus or other events, such as natural disasters, terrorism, sabotage, loss or destruction of physical assets, failure of IT systems and others are a reality.

In the current pandemic crisis, a significant issue is the immediate release of relief goods (supplies, medicines and equipment, etc.). Customs administrations need to work in close collaboration with their public health and safety agencies to ensure the smooth movement of relief goods while applying appropriate risk management.

Another issue is the Customs staff risk, referring to the need for personnel at borders, ports and airports. There is a need for trained and knowledgeable personnel to avoid disruptions, and Customs need to have a clear understanding of how to proceed in extreme situations.

That said, having a plan for faster goods clearance, in the event of disruptive situations, is of utmost importance. The strategy needs to outline steps to be taken to maintain and quicker operations, provide services, ensure the safety of staff, and preserve public trust.

In the case of relief consignments or ill passengers’ Customs examples of good practices is the provision for simplified procedures, longer working hours, waiving of charges and penalties, and waiving of import or export prohibitions.

From the moment of the arrival of relief goods, or the identification of ill travellers, Customs authorities must participate in case handling to provide an appropriate response.

Instruments as reference for a contingencies/emergencies plans

The main instruments that Customs can rely on when addressing contingencies/emergencies are:

a) the Resolution issued by the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) in June 2011 on the role of Customs in natural disaster relief;

b) the World Health Organization (WHO) Handbook for the Management of Public Health Events in Air Transport; and

c) the United Nations (UN) Model Agreement on Customs Facilitation.

a) Resolution on the role of Customs in natural disaster relief 

The CCC Resolution includes both travellers and goods.

For travellers, the Resolution intends to facilitate the entry, exit and transit of disaster relief personnel and their possessions needed to provide rapid assistance to the victims. So, in the case of the coronavirus, we are talking about facilitating the entry of doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals along with equipment.

For goods, the Resolution intends to speed up the clearance and release of relief consignments at borders to ensure that aid reaches victims in need on time. In our current scenario, we are talking about the clearance of coronavirus test kits, laboratory equipment, medical supplies such as surgical masks, gloves and respirators, and other healthcare goods. All these goods are critical.

Though the CCC Resolution is designed for natural disasters, it′s principles are perfectly applicable to a health crisis.

b) WHO Handbook for the Management of Public Health Events in Air Transport

 The WHO handbook guides appropriate response on several health events.

The document targets all agencies responsible for event management at airports, including Customs. It addresses both risks for travellers and cargo, serving as a reference to guide national responses.

Though the WHO Handbook is for air transport, it′s guidance is appropriate to other means of transportation such as by sea or land.

c) United Nations Model Agreement concerning measures to expedite the import, export and transit of relief consignments and possessions of relief personnel in the event of disasters and emergencies (UN Model Agreement on Customs Facilitation)

The United Nations Model Agreement on Customs Facilitation was drawn up jointly by the WCO and United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). All Customs administrations are encouraged to sign this document with the UN, and it is set out in Chapter 5 “Relief consignments” of Specific Annex J “Special procedures” to the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC).

The Model addresses definitions, organizations involved, facilitation measures and application of facilitation measures, ad-hoc adjustments and non-waiver of immunity to facilitate humanitarian assistance.

Conclusion

All these considerations and instruments are relevant to assist countries in preparing their Customs and border agencies for a professional and appropriate response in times of crises. Borders are about cooperation and humanity needs to work together, sharing expertise’s to save lives.