Imagine a customs system where officers no longer rely solely on paper documents and manual checks, but instead utilize powerful data analytics tools to precisely identify high-risk shipments while accelerating legitimate trade flows. This is the vision Peru's customs authority is working to achieve, with crucial support from the World Customs Organization (WCO).
On October 27-28, 2020, the WCO's Global Trade Facilitation Program (GTFP), in partnership with the Korea Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF Korea), conducted a virtual workshop on data analytics for Peru's National Customs and Tax Administration (SUNAT). This event marked a significant step in Peru's digital transformation journey toward enhanced trade facilitation.
Building Analytical Capabilities
During the workshop, WCO experts comprehensively presented data analytics concepts and the organization's capacity-building framework in this field. The training covered multiple aspects of data utilization, including:
- Methods for collecting data from diverse sources such as customs declarations, commercial databases, public records, and open-source platforms
- Critical techniques for data classification and validation
- Practical applications for improving risk assessment and profiling processes
The WCO team emphasized how data analytics can simultaneously facilitate legitimate trade while strengthening cargo oversight. By analyzing historical declaration patterns, customs authorities can more effectively identify potential violations—such as frequent misdeclarations or undervaluation—enabling targeted inspections and more precise enforcement.
Future Collaboration Roadmap
SUNAT officials praised the workshop as providing valuable guidance for implementing data analytics in Peruvian customs operations. Participants discussed several areas for future cooperation to enhance analytical capabilities both nationally and regionally:
- Capacity development: Continued WCO training and technical support to establish a professional data analysis team
- Technology implementation: Assistance in developing and deploying analytical tools like risk assessment models and anomaly detection systems
- Information exchange: Facilitating data sharing with other customs administrations to combat transnational crime
- Policy guidance: Recommendations for developing effective data management and utilization policies
Expanding Applications of Customs Analytics
Beyond risk management, data analytics offers numerous applications for modern customs operations:
- Assessing trade compliance and identifying regulatory violations
- Improving tariff valuation through market price analysis to prevent revenue leakage
- Protecting intellectual property by detecting counterfeit goods
- Generating accurate trade statistics to inform government decision-making
The WCO's GTFP initiative, which supports implementation of the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement in developing countries, considers data analytics a crucial component for improving customs efficiency, reducing trade costs, and facilitating economic growth.
Peru's proactive adoption of data analytics and deepening collaboration with the WCO signals significant progress in trade facilitation. As analytical technologies advance, Peruvian customs will be better equipped to meet emerging challenges while contributing to national economic development. This partnership also serves as a valuable model for other developing nations seeking to enhance customs operations through international cooperation and technological innovation.
The WCO remains committed to advancing data analytics applications across global customs administrations. Through strengthened international cooperation, knowledge sharing, and technical assistance, the organization continues to help customs authorities worldwide leverage data to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and promote trade—ultimately benefiting the global economy.
Peru's customs modernization represents more than technological upgrading—it signifies a fundamental shift from traditional procedures toward intelligent customs operations. This transformation promises to create a more open, transparent, and efficient trade environment that can attract foreign investment, stimulate growth, and enhance Peru's competitiveness in global markets.