The Bureau of Customs (BOC) recently completed an intensive training program on Capacity Building for Customs Laboratory Processes in South Korea. The training was held from August 4 to August 17, 2024. The specialized training was organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Korea International Cooperation Services (KOICS), Korean Central Customs Laboratory (KCCL), and Korea Customs Service (KCS). It was attended by officials and chemists from the BOC.
This event marked the completion of the third and final phase of KOICA's multi-year Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow (CIAT) fellowship program. The program aimed to enhance bilateral collaboration, promote knowledge sharing between South Korea and the Philippines and offer valuable insights into developing, operating, and maintaining a sustainable PCL. The focus was on the final revision of the Project Concept Paper (PCP).
During the training, the BOC delegation made field study visits to strategic customs offices in South Korea. These included the Korea International Cooperation Agency Head Quarters, Detector Dog Training Center in Incheon, Korea Customs Human Resources Development Institute, and Korea Customs Central Laboratory and Scientific Service.
The delegation gained firsthand experience through a tour and lectures at the Korean Customs Central Laboratory, where they learned about the facility's essential role in customs enforcement, trade facilitation, and public safety through rigorous testing and analysis. They acquired insights into the laboratory’s methods for analyzing key imported and exported goods, the advanced scientific equipment employed, operational guidelines, safety management, and staffing structures. KCCL experts actively shared their knowledge and answered the delegation's queries.
A special session was dedicated to finalizing the comprehensive PCP, including its revision, presentation, and evaluation. This was crucial for obtaining local and international development support for the BOC laboratory.
Re-establishing the PCL provides multiple advantages, including more precise tariff classification with laboratory analysis that meets international standards, improved revenue collection, enhanced border security against illicit trade, and enhanced public health through the identification of harmful chemicals.
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