WCO Enhances Cuban Customs' Expertise in Rules of Origin and Advance Rulings

From 16 to 20 September, 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held a national workshop in Havana, Cuba. This workshop, funded by the China Customs Cooperation Fund (CCF-China), was designed to improve the competencies of Cuban Customs officials by providing training on rules of origin and advance rulings, which are essential for the correct application and implementation of free trade agreements (FTAs).

In her opening speech, Ms. Yamila Martinez Morales, Deputy Director General of Cuban Customs, underscored the importance of correctly and efficiently applying rules of origin. She highlighted that the workshop played a key role in enhancing the knowledge of customs staff and preparing them for the implementation of an advance ruling system. Ainsi, Ms. Martinez Morales encouraged participants to fully engage with the workshop to address the operational challenges they face in their day-to-day work.

The workshop gathered 21 participants, offering them an opportunity to explore the key principles of rules of origin. Through practical exercises, participants learned how to apply these principles in real-world scenarios. Discussions focused on the current infrastructure for managing rules of origin, the challenges associated with granting preferential treatment for goods, and the steps needed to develop a more efficient advance ruling system. By the end of the workshop, participants had gained both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience, which will better equip them to implement and apply rules of origin in their work.

During the closing ceremony, Mr. Nelson Enrique Cordovés Reyes, Director General of Cuban Customs, expressed sincere gratitude to the WCO and CCF-China for their ongoing technical support. He highlighted the value of continuous collaboration in modernizing customs infrastructure, particularly in the area of rules of origin.

Mr. Cordovés Reyes also emphasized the importance of disseminating the knowledge gained during the workshop to a broader group of Cuban Customs staff. He noted that this would ensure the effective management of advance rulings and the correct application of rules of origin. With these enhanced competencies, Cuban Customs officials are now better equipped to implement an efficient advance ruling system, address challenges related to rules of origin, and navigate the complexities of free trade agreements.