Huila: At least 35 representatives of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP) began discussions in Angola’s central Huila province on the harmonization process of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, which comes into force in 2028. The system is crucial for identifying cargo, facilitating customs taxation during import and export, and collecting statistical data.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the meeting, held under the auspices of the World Customs Organization (WCO), is hosted by the General Tax Administration (AGT) as part of the 60th Session of the Harmonization System (HS) Working Group of the CPLP. Its main objective is to ensure the periodic analysis of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System, an international instrument used to classify products in import and export operations.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Francisco Simone, Director of Customs Services of the AGT, highlighted the strategic importance of the meeting. He noted that it aims to adapt to recent changes defined by the World Customs Organization, which manages the system used by 98% of international trade. Simone emphasized the event’s role in enhancing cooperation between Portuguese-speaking countries and the significance of standardizing customs nomenclatures and classifications.
In March, the World Customs Organization made changes to the Harmonized System, and the CPLP is currently adapting to these updates. Simone pointed out that these changes would be the focus of the work of the members of the Working Party at the 60th Session of the WTO. Discussions will address technical issues related to the application of the HS to resolve challenges faced by countries in classifying goods, with a focus on maintaining Portuguese as an official language in international trade forums.
Recommendations from the last meeting in Portugal, which resulted in the delayed approval of the 2022 version of the tariff due to the COVID-19 pandemic, will also be reviewed. Angolan products such as catato (a type of caterpillar) and fºmbua leaves are included in the system, having undergone extensive study and debate to ensure their correct classification.
Participants anticipate that the meeting will yield concrete proposals to be presented at the upcoming Directors General of Customs meeting in Brussels, with representatives from 198 WCO member countries.