Basseterre, St. Kitts, (25 April 2016) – The Trade Competiveness Section of the Trade Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat, in partnerships with Ministry of International Trade, Industry, Commerce & Consumer Affairs and the Custom & Excise Department of St Kitts and Nevis, will be conducting a three-day training to enhance the capacity of the customs brokers in St Kitts and Nevis.
One of the main challenges confronting the Custom administration of St Kitts and Nevis is the quality of the customs declarations submitted by the brokers. This training is therefore geared towards ensuring that the customs brokers of St. Kitts and Nevis are equipped with the adequate knowledge on custom related procedures.
The training programme is intended to cover important topics such as Valuation of Goods, International Trade Transactions and Border Control & Agency Functions. The training would also provide an insight into rules of World Trade Organisation (WTO) valuation of goods system and its applicability to the work of the customs broker. In addition, participants will be provided with an understanding of international trade transactions and how it impacts on the goods clearance process and be provided with knowledge of selected trade facilitation measures which impact on border control activities and agency functions.
In line with ongoing Customs reforms and to further enhance their service delivery, some Customs brokers are transitioning towards a more comprehensive consultancy and advisory role. Customs brokers generally act as an intermediary between traders and Customs and as such, should possess the knowledge of Customs laws and processes. Additionally, Customs brokers are also expected to maintain government interests by ensuring compliance with Customs and other regulatory requirements and the collection of appropriate duties and taxes.
Over one hundred (100) custom brokers are expected to attend this training programme. The training days will be conducted from two locations: Customs House in Bird Rock and the Ocean Terrace Inn (OTI) from April 27 to 29, 2016.
Additional information is available by contacting the Ministry of International Trade et al, at 467-1203/1638.