Collaboration with International Organisations

The work and international engagement of the INCU further reinforces the value of maintaining a partnership approach – working together to identify sound policy and practical operational solutions based on scientific enquiry and empirical evidence.

The INCU has emerged as an extremely relevant network, and remains at the forefront of academic research and development in the field of customs.

Since its establishment in 2005, the principal objective of the INCU has been to raise the academic standing of the customs profession. During the intervening period, the INCU has worked closely with universities, academics, as well as international organisations such as the World Customs Organization (WCO), World Trade Organization (WTO) and other international organisations to provide opportunities for debating matters of mutual interest to customs administrations and other border agencies, academia and the private sector.

Through its work, the INCU has been able to form or further cement the relationship with organisations that support the INCU objectives. Recognising the importance that many international organisations play in developing international trade and the associated customs and border management policies, the INCU has decided to increase its engagement with a broader cross-section of the international community.

While INCU continues to work closely with the WCO and WTO, it also cooperates with other international organisations such as the International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and is exploring cooperation opportunities with the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as well as donor agencies such as the World Bank to increase the knowledge and interest of the donor organisations about the academic research projects and educational programs related to Customs.