BRICS Customs Cooperation
In line with discussions between BRICS representatives on the side lines of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council meeting in June 2012, it was agreed that BRICS would also pursue Customs co-operation on the wider BRICS agenda. This co-operation platform can also be used to address strategy and policy issues at a broader level, such as those at the WCO.
SARS hosted the first BRICS Heads of Customs meeting, which was held in Bela Bela on 7-8 March, 2013, to expand the scope of the BRICS framework to include Customs cooperation and to explore an increase in bilateral and multilateral co-operation. Such cooperation will enable BRICS to collectively curb Customs offences, safeguard the international supply chain and achieve effective enforcement of Customs legislation, while facilitating legitimate trade amongst ourselves and also globally.
Finance Ministers discussed the Customs Cooperation in April 2013, and a progress report will be submitted to Leaders in September 2013.
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