TAFUNA, AMERICAN SAMOA — Customs Officers from the Department of Treasury, Customs & Excise Tax Division of American Samoa have gathered in Pago Pago from 17–21 August 2026 for a national training focused on strengthening Post-Clearance Audit (PCA) capability. The five-day training, facilitated by the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) Secretariat with technical support from the Fiji Revenue and Customs Service (FRCS), aims to strengthen revenue assurance, improve trader compliance and support the development of a Customs-led PCA programme.
The workshop demonstrates OCO’s strategic approach to peer-to-peer learning by facilitating the exchange of practical knowledge, expertise and lessons learned between experienced officers from one member administration and their counterparts across the region. This approach strengthens regional cooperation, builds trust and aligns capacity building activities with real-world Customs practice.
Strengthening the capacity of its Small Member Administrations (SMAs), including American Samoa, remains a key strategic priority for the OCO. OCO Secretariat provides tailored support through technical assistance, regional collaboration, and peer-to-peer learning opportunities, helping SMAs address their unique challenges and progress their Customs reform and modernisation initiatives.
“I formally requested this training from OCO because strengthening our PCA capacity will protect government revenue, facilitate legitimate trade and safeguard our borders,” said Chief Customs Officer Iuliano Falaniko. “The knowledge gained through this workshop will be essential as we develop and implement our PCA function.”
A key outcome of the workshop will be the development of a draft PCA Implementation Roadmap, identifying priority actions and future capacity-building needs to guide the phased establishment of a PCA programme within American Samoa Customs.
“Strengthening PCA capacity is a priority for OCO members,” said the Head of the OCO Secretariat, Ms. Laisiana Tugaga. “This initiative highlights the importance we place on post-clearance audit as a key tool for trade facilitation and compliance. . The engagement of Pacific Trainers is a sustainable approach to our capacity building development, leveraging regional expertise to deliver practical workshops for small member administrations. We are grateful to our members that contribute expert trainers, whose contribution are invaluable in strengthening Customs capacity across the region .”
The workshop underscores OCO’s commitment to strengthening Customs compliance capacity and supporting the strategic priorities of its member administrations across the Blue Pacific.
