National workshop builds customs capacity in Palau with Global expertise

KOROR, Palau (June 2025) — Customs officers from the Republic of Palau are undergoing specialized training this week aimed at strengthening their technical capacity in tariff classification, trade facilitation, and border enforcement. The training, titled the National Workshop on the Harmonized System, is being conducted by the World Customs Organization (WCO) with support from the Customs Cooperation Fund of Japan.

The Bureau of Customs and Border Protection under the Ministry of Finance said the training is vital to improving Palau’s ability to manage international trade efficiently while enhancing national security and revenue collection.

Ten participating Customs officers represent frontline enforcement and inspection units who are tasked daily with verifying imports and exports, classifying goods, and ensuring compliance with national and international customs laws.

The WCO specialists leading the workshop are internationally recognized WCO specialists, including Ms. Yara Novis, Nomenclature Specialist at the WCO; Ms. Hiroko Iwasaki, WCO HS Expert for the Asia/Pacific Region; and Mr. Noa Buredua, WCO HS Pre-Accredited Expert for the Asia/Pacific Region.

The Harmonized System (HS) is a globally recognized standard for classifying goods in international trade, adopted by more than 200 countries and economies. Accurate HS classification is critical for the application of tariffs, fair customs procedures, and the generation of reliable trade statistics.

This workshop equips Palauan officers with the tools they need to implement the HS more effectively in their daily operations.

The Bureau extended its gratitude to the World Customs Organization and the Government of Japan for making the training possible. “We are thankful for the support of our international partners. Their continued investment in our Customs officers ensures that Palau remains compliant with global standards and better protected against illicit trade,” the Bureau said in a statement.

Officials say the training will not only enhance technical knowledge but also contribute to faster cargo clearance, better classification accuracy, and stronger compliance among importers.

Key Benefits of the Workshop:

• Improved Border Security: Officers will better detect misclassified or concealed items.
• Increased Revenue Collection: Accurate classification helps ensure proper duties and taxes are applied.
• Trade Facilitation: Faster and more consistent cargo processing reduces delays and encourages economic activity.
• Global Integration: Aligning with WCO standards supports Palau’s participation in international trade agreements and frameworks.

The Ministry of Finance is looking to continue its collaboration with global customs bodies to further develop its officers’ technical capabilities and modernize border control systems.

As Palau positions itself as a secure and trade-friendly nation, the government views investments in Customs training and systems as a strategic priority to drive both security and economic resilience. (PR)

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