The Task Force was established in June 2002 in response to requests by G-8 and the International Maritime Organization concerning the possibility of international trade consignments being used to deliver weapons of mass destruction. The Task Force prepared a range of instruments and standards which were approved by the WCO Council in its June 2003 sessions. These include:

1. A new International Convention and Commentary on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Customs matters;
2. The WCO Data Model and a list of essential data elements required for the identification of high risk consignments;
3. International Customs guidelines on advance cargo information;
4. High level guidelines for co-operative arrangements between WCO Members and the private sector to increase supply chain security;
5. Enhancement to the WCO’s information and intelligence strategy including the operation of its global RILO (Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices) network;
6. A new internet based technology data bank to enable WCO Members to identify technology to assist with the detection of illegal consignments and contraband.

At the present meeting, the Task Force worked on finalizing industry specific guidelines and an Action Plan to ensure that the package of security facilitation measures adopted by the WCO Council in June 2003 are implemented. The main objectives of the Action Plan are :

1. To review and develop standardized set of data elements to identify high-risk goods;
2. To develop guidelines to enable the advance electronic transmission of customs data;
3. To promote adoption of security supply chain standards by customs and business sector;
4. To identify WCO Members’ Assistance needs;
5. To further develop effective working relationship and co-operation with appropriate international bodies and other government agencies;
6. To promote the role of customs administrations in supply chain security.

The meeting considered actions and responsibilities of various participants of international trade to achieve those objectives and decided on tentative target dates.

Discussions during the meeting and informal contacts with the representatives of many countries and international organizations clearly showed that in order to cope with the changed international scenario after 1 September events, most administration have devised new procedures to increase export supply chain security. In this connection, the United States Customs was the first to introduce a number of measures which include Container Security Initiative (CSI), Customs Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and the 24-hour rule. Most administrations have tailored their security measures to meet the US requirements.

The CSI enables US customs personnel to be stationed in foreign ports and to review advance manifest information to screen and identify US bound high risk containers. For this purpose US identified top 20 mega ports where CSI has already been implemented. The US administration is planning to expand CSI to more ports in the near future. The C-TPAT programme is a joint Government business initiative to build cooperative relationships for strengthening overall supply chain. Under this initiative, businesses have to sign an agreement with customs to ensure increased security of supply chain. In the 24-hour rule an advance cargo declaration has to be given to US Customs by all sea carriers.

In addition to above measures, the United States Trade and Development Agency is providing technical assistance and funds to developing countries to help them improve the security and meet the US requirements. Recently, on 29 October, 2003, the US Administration signed an agreement with Sri Lanka to enhance security of Colombo port.

Pakistan may have already taken necessary measures to meet the emergent international requirements. If an effective and visibly improved system has not been put in place, it may be beneficial to seek assistance of some countries who have already set up an effective supply chain can also be sought. In this connection a brochure explaining how New Zealand Customs has improved its supply chain security is enclosed.

I discussed possible technical assistance with the WCO Secretariat. I was informed that they are actively considering three or four ports for setting up pilot projects. One such port will be in Asia and Karachi was being actively considered for that purpose. The funding is being provided by UNODC. It is important that we follow it up with the WCO and UNODC.

In order to comply with the new international requirements of increased security, the following options may be considered :

1. A Standing Committee on National Trade and Transport Facilitations headed by the Commerce Secretary is already in place. This Committee has members from Ministries of Commerce, Communications, Central Board of Revenue, State Bank of Pakistan, Export Promotion Bureau, Port Qasim, Karachi Port Trust, Railways and trade bodies. The World Bank and UNCTAD are also sponsoring this project. One of the experts, Mr. Douglas Cruickshank, visited Karachi recently to advise on International Logistics Security. The terms of reference of this World Bank project could be slightly modified so that it can also address the issues of security of international supply chain.
    
2. A Task Force, perhaps headed by Director General (Customs, Intelligence and Investigations), and involving all the interested parties from the public and private sector may be set up to study our export supply chain and to bring it in accordance with international requirements.

In addition to the above, we may also seek Technical Assistance and Financial Support for the US Government for this purpose. WCO may also be officially requested for technical assistance. They have already developed a diagnostic tool for this purpose.

The work of the Task Force has almost been finalized. The WCO Policy Commission is to consider at its December 2003 session as to whether there is any further need for continuation of the Task Force for implementation of its recommendations. While several members of the Task Force would like it to continue its work, some major countries like the United States felt that this work could now be handled by the Permanent Technical Committee.

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