The WCO SACU Connect Project, funded by Sweden, supports the SACU region in implementing Customs Systems interconnectivity to facilitate real-time Customs to Customs information exchange. The system is based on regionally agreed standards and international best practices, namely, the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Globally Network Customs (GNC) Approach, the WCO Data Model, SACU Utility Blocks and the SACU Unique Consignment Reference (UCR) framework.

From 15 to 19 August 2016 the project held a meeting of IT Experts and National Project Managers from each member administration, in Johannesburg. During this meeting, which was co- facilitated by IT experts from Swaziland and South Africa and virtually supported by the WCO GNC expert, it was agreed to pursue a point-to-point interconnectivity model based on common communication protocols and messaging formats which ensures a direct connection between Member States. Specific business, hardware, Software and skills requirements, as well as a roll- out framework were compiled during the meeting to inform the necessary national consultation. In light of the SACU Secretariat needs of data and information from Member States, future tasks will include the determination of data sets and assessment of appropriate communication capabilities to ensure data sharing with the SACU Secretariat in line with the regional roll- out of the SACU Customs Systems Interfacing Capabilities.

The meeting also considered the set-up of a prototype to demonstrate data exchange between Member States based on the work done between South Africa and Swaziland. Therefore, Swaziland and South Africa will engage to commence preparations for the prototype demonstration which is planned to take place during the Project Steering Committee Meeting in November 2016.

For further information, please contact the WCO SACU Connect Project Regional Project Manager, Mr. Dalton Nxumalo (dalton.Nxumalo@wcoomd.org)