SUVA, FIJI — The Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Secretariat successfully delivered a national-level training on the Harmonised System (HS) and Customs Valuation in Niue as part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening technical Customs capacity across the Pacific region from 11 to 15 May 2026.
Delivered by Master Trainers from Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS) and Tonga’s Ministry of Revenue and Customs (MRC), the training focused on strengthening practical skills in tariff classification, application of the General Interpretative Rules (GIRs) and Customs Valuation in line with international standards and best practices.
The capacity building reflects OCO’s continued commitment to delivering targeted in-country support that responds directly to the operational priorities and technical needs of member administrations. Through peer-to-peer engagement, participants took part in practical exercises and discussions grounded in real operational scenarios. Niue Customs also demonstrated an inclusive approach by extending participation to representatives from the Niue Trade Office and the private sector.
The capacity-building modality supports the long-term sustainability of Customs development in the region by strengthening a pool of Pacific-based Master Trainers whose expertise can be effectively shared across OCO member administrations.
As part of the initiative, OCO also procured and presented a full set of Harmonised System reference books to Niue Customs to support ongoing classification work and strengthen access to technical resources which can be a challenge for small member administrations.
OCO Head of Secretariat, Ms. Laisiana Tugaga, noted that strengthening national capacity requires both technical training and access to the right operational tools and resources.
“The Secretariat remains committed to supporting members through practical and sustainable initiatives that strengthen technical capability at the national level. The provision of the HS reference books alongside the training will further support officers in carrying out accurate and consistent classification work,” she said.
The Secretariat acknowledges the continued cooperation and engagement of Niue Customs and reaffirms its commitment to supporting members in strengthening revenue collection, compliance and trade facilitation across the region.
ENDS
