A WCO Regional Workshop organized in Qingdao, China 🇨🇳 to strengthen Customs Laboratory Expertise in the Asia-Pacific

A Regional Workshop in the Asia Pacific Region on Customs Laboratory Matters was held in Qingdao, China, from 25 to 29 August 2025. The Workshop was organized by the World Customs Organization in cooperation with China Customs and with the sponsorship of the Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF) of China. It was facilitated by experts from the WCO Secretariat and China Customs, including a WCO accredited expert on Customs Laboratory matters from China Customs.

The Regional Workshop brought together 18 officials from 17 Customs Administrations: Bangladesh, Cambodia, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

With his opening remarks, Mr. Wu Haiping, Vice Minister of the General Administration of China Customs (GACC), called on the global Customs community to foster a more open, fair, and sustainable trade environment, highlighting proposals for advancing Customs laboratory development, including leveraging "Smart Customs" to empower laboratories, strengthening regional cooperation, and enhancing the role of the WCO Regional Customs Laboratories.

The Workshop focused on strengthening the knowledge of Customs laboratories, the HS classification, and the relevant WCO tools. Presentations covered the General Interpretative Rules, legal provisions related to diverse product classifications, WCO Smart Customs projects as well as Operation DEMETER XI. Through discussions and practical exercises, participants shared experiences, tackled classification challenges, and deepened their understanding of analytical approaches.

As part of the Agenda, participants visited the Customs Laboratory of Qingdao and Qingdao Port. They were introduced to laboratory methods, equipment, safety standards, and procedures, as well as the advanced Customs control operations and fully automated container terminal of the Qingdao Port.

At the conclusion of the Workshop, all participants expressed their satisfaction and appreciation to the WCO and China Customs for the fruitful Workshop.

This Workshop marks a crucial step in enhancing regional cooperation and exchange of expertise and best practices among Customs laboratories, reinforcing the commitment of the WCO and its member countries to maintain the integrity of international trade and promote fair and efficient Customs procedures.