Imagine a nation's trade lifeline—its customs system, as vital as human blood vessels—facing escalating security risks and mounting trade pressures. How can authorities accurately identify potential threats, efficiently allocate resources, and ensure unimpeded trade flows? The World Customs Organization's (WCO) groundbreaking Risk Management Diagnostic Tool was specifically designed to meet this challenge. More than just an assessment framework, it serves as a powerful engine for customs modernization.
Meeting the Demand: Jordan Customs' Risk Management Enhancement Project
From December 4-8, 2016, at the invitation of Jordan Customs and through generous funding from Japan's Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF Japan), a WCO expert team conducted a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation of Jordan's risk management capabilities, structure, and functions. The mission's primary objective was to help Jordan Customs identify significant gaps and challenges in risk management amid increasingly stringent security environments and growing trade volumes, while providing targeted improvement recommendations.
Comprehensive Diagnosis: In-Depth Analysis of Jordan's Customs Risk Management
This assessment went beyond theoretical analysis, involving extensive engagement with personnel across all levels of Jordan Customs. The mission agenda included:
- High-Level Meetings: Discussions with Jordan Customs Director General Major General Wadah Hamoud and Deputy Director General for Administrative and Financial Affairs Brigadier General Jihad Sawaked to understand strategic risk management planning and expectations.
- Cross-Department Collaboration: Active participation from risk management departments, intelligence bureaus, senior management, and key operational staff sharing expertise and experience.
- Field Inspections: WCO teams visited Amman Customs Headquarters, the Umari border crossing with Saudi Arabia, and Queen Alia International Airport's customs clearance station to observe frontline operations and risk control measures.
- Interagency Coordination: Engagement with other cross-border regulatory agencies involved in Jordan's Single Window Project and private sector representatives to gather feedback on customs risk management.
Through these thorough exchanges and on-site inspections, the WCO team gained comprehensive understanding of Jordan Customs' strengths and weaknesses in risk management, laying solid groundwork for subsequent improvement recommendations.
Key Findings: WCO Expert Team's Core Discoveries
During debriefings with Jordan Customs' deputy director general and key stakeholders, WCO experts shared primary findings and proposed improvements across four critical areas:
1. Risk Management Policy
- Enhancing policy frameworks to align with international best practices
- Establishing unified risk assessment standards and processes
- Developing targeted response strategies for different risk types
2. Strategic Planning
- Integrating risk management strategy with overall customs objectives
- Setting quantifiable risk management targets
- Optimizing resource allocation based on risk assessments
3. Intelligence
- Expanding intelligence collection channels
- Enhancing analytical capabilities
- Establishing effective information sharing mechanisms
4. Compliance
- Identifying and evaluating compliance risks
- Building comprehensive compliance management systems
- Strengthening enforcement against violations
Implementation Roadmap: Jordan Customs' Modernization Path
The diagnostic results will serve as foundation for Jordan Customs' action plan, with a national project manager appointed for implementation oversight. WCO will continue monitoring and supporting Jordan's organizational risk management modernization efforts.
Universal Value: WCO Risk Management Tool's Global Applicability
The newly developed Organizational Risk Management Diagnostic Tool tested during this mission offers valuable reference for other customs administrations' modernization initiatives. Designed to help customs agencies comprehensively evaluate risk management capabilities, identify weaknesses, and develop targeted improvements, the tool proves equally valuable for developed and developing nations alike.
Core Advantages of WCO's Diagnostic Tool
- Comprehensive: Covers policy, strategy, intelligence and compliance
- Practical: Provides detailed evaluation guidelines
- Customizable: Adaptable to specific national requirements
- Internationally Recognized: Based on global best practices
Future Outlook: Risk Management Driving Customs Modernization
As global trade grows increasingly complex and risks multiply, effective risk management becomes ever more critical for customs administrations. WCO's diagnostic tool provides powerful support for enhancing risk management capabilities and addressing diverse challenges. With WCO assistance, growing numbers of customs agencies can achieve modernization, making greater contributions to secure, efficient global trade.