Author: Stephanie

Suva, Fiji, October 19, 2020– Revenue security is a priority for Heads of Customs administrations in the Oceania region when they virtually meet tomorrow (Tuesday, October 20) for their annual conference. “We all know the chaos COVID-19 has caused and the impacts on various economies, for customs organisations in the Pacific region it is critical…

Greetings and Bula vinaka! Please access the link below to the Islands Business feature (Sept-Oct issue) by the OCO Secretariat in celebration of Fiji’s 50th Year of Independence; https://islandsbusiness.com/pacific-market/partner-advertorials/item/2983-happy-50th-independence-day-viti.html  Vinaka  

Suva, Fiji, October 5, 2020– Oceania Customs Organisation is conducting a refresher training on PACER Plus Rules of Origin for nine Pacific Island customs administrations to prepare them for when the agreement comes into force. Seven countries have ratified PACER Plus, which will come into effect 60 days after the eighth country has committed to…

By Richard Brennan, OCO Head of Secretariat The economic crisis caused by COVID-19 will continue longer than the health crisis. The continuation of trade is important for all economies- nations still need to have imports and exports moving across borders during this pandemic. Customs agencies, therefore, play a key role in ensuring that national health…

Preparatory works have begun for the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Master Training Program (MTP), which is expected to begin mid next year. The program will initially be rolled out to regional World Customs Organisation members. A virtual meeting was held this month with the World Customs Organisation Regional Office of Capacity Building, the Oceania Customs…

Suva, Fiji, August 31, 2020– Customs officers are often seen as gatekeepers and not as important economic contributors even though they help in facilitating trade in an economy, newly appointed OCO Enforcement Advisor, Mohammed Ajaz says. “The public fails to recognise the importance of a customs officers’ contribution to the well-being of the society and…

Suva, Fiji, August 25, 2020– OCO recently worked with five signatory countries – Kiribati, Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Tuvalu- to draft Guidelines on Customs Procedures and Rules of Origin, intended to improve customs officials and traders’ understanding of the Pacific Agreement on Closer Economic Relations (PACER-Plus) and overall improve trading between the countries. “The…

The Oceania Customs Organisation represents the interest of 23 member countries in the Pacific region. Its mission is to facilitate and where appropriate help customs administrations align with customs international standards and best practice leading to greater economic prosperity and increased border security within the Oceania region. The OCO is pleased to announce the appointment…