Customs Centre Launches International Journal

Edward O'Daly

17 April 2007:

The changing role of the customs profession is examined in the first edition of a new journal launched by the Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) at the University of Canberra.

The first publication of its kind, The World Customs Journal was formally launched at the headquarters of the World Customs Organization (WCO) in Brussels, last month.

Published jointly by the University of Canberra and Germany's University of Münster, the journal aims to provide a forum for those researching and working in the field to share information and promote their profession.

“A professional customs sector, supported by rigorous education and research is essential for global trade to flourish and for our borders to remain secure from the disruptive effects of smuggling, fraud and terrorist activities,” CCES chief executive Professor David Widdowson said.

“For some time now, a number of universities and research institutions have been seeking to raise the academic profile of the customs profession through the development and promotion of educational programs, academic and applied research and intellectual input to strategic decision making.  

“The World Customs Journal provides a forum for customs professionals, academics, industry researchers, and research students to contribute items of interest and share research and experiences to enhance its readers' understanding of all aspects of the roles and responsibilities of customs.”

The journal is published on behalf of the International Network of Customs Universities, an association established last year by Professor Widdowson to provide the WCO and other organisations with a single point of contact with universities and research institutes that are active in the field of customs research, education and training.

Initially the journal will be released online twice a year, but with the option of also publishing it as a print journal at a later date, the each edition will focus on particular topics of interest.   The first edition examines the evolving role of customs from the perspective of both academics and practitioners, and the next edition of will focus on the ways governments are seeking to ensure the security of international supply chains.

Secretary General of the WCO Mr Michel Danet said the journal would be a valuable source of reference.

“It will also serve as the flagship of the cooperative effort being made by the WCO and the academic world. I hope that Customs managers, students and researchers everywhere will take this opportunity to publish valuable insights into the world in and around Customs,” he added.

For the latest news in customs visit: www.worldcustomsjournal.org