A five-day regional workshop has begun in Apia to support Pacific nations to harmonise their local systems to a global standard for classifying goods in international trade.

The workshop on Harmonised Systems (HS) was jointly organised by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) and the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) under the European Union-funded Improving Pacific Islands Customs and Trade project implemented in partnership with United Nations Conference on Trade and Development. It will run from 21–25 August 2023, according to a press release issued on Monday, by the PACER Plus Implementation Unit.

The HS Nomenclature 2022 brought about 351 sets of amendments, posing significant challenges to customs administrations in the Pacific. Only a limited number of Pacific countries, including Fiji, French Polynesia, Nauru, New Caledonia, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, and Wallis and Futuna, have successfully implemented HS 2022 to date. 

This highlights the need for further assistance in the transposition of HS 2022 to retain historical concessions and ensure market access conditions remain unaffected by technical revisions to scheduled tariff commitments.

The Head of the PPIU, Roy Lagolago said the five-day workshop is critical to assisting the participating Pacific nations complete their HS 2022 transposition work by December 2023.

"The complexity and scale of the HS amendments have presented technical and time-consuming challenges for our members," said Mr. Lagolago. "It will enable us to enhance the uniformity in the interpretation and application of the HS Nomenclature 2022, fostering greater regional trade facilitation."

The workshop's main objectives include providing an overview of the Harmonised System, HS 2022 Amendments, and the Pacific Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (PACHS 22) work. It will also facilitate discussions among members to share progress and experiences in implementing HS 2022 amendments and resolving outstanding issues that may hinder the process. 

Additionally, technical discussions and reviews will focus on the transposition of PACER Plus Tariff Schedules from HS 2012 to HS 2017. Moreover, the workshop will also raise awareness of the interim Economic Partnership Agreement and its requirements.

Nancy Oraka, Head of OCO, emphasised the importance of collaboration and capacity building while navigating the complexities of the HS amendments.

"By working together, we can enhance the efficiency and transparency of customs administrations in the region, ultimately benefiting businesses and consumers alike," said Ms. Oraka. 

Also Attending the five-day workshop are customs administrators and stakeholders from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Guam, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, the Northern Mariana Islands, Palau, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Timor-Leste, Tonga, Tuvalu, and Vanuatu.

The Regional Workshop on Harmonised Systems marks a significant step forward in promoting regional economic cooperation and fostering sustainable development in the Pacific. By overcoming challenges and enhancing customs practices, the workshop seeks to create a conducive environment for trade in the region.