A Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) has been signed between Sri Lanka Customs and Australian Border Force on 30 May 2023 in Perth, Australia. The event took place in parallel to the Asia Pacific Conference of the World Customs Organization. The MoU was signed by Mr. P.B.S.C. Nonis Director General, Sri Lanka Customs and Australian Border Force Commissioner Mr.Michael Outram. The necessary approval to enter into the MoU was granted by the Cabinet of Ministers on 02.05.2023.
The objective of the MoU is to strengthen, promote and develop cooperation and mutual assistance on matters pertaining to Customs and to increase the mutual understanding and communication between both authorities, especially in the application of Customs laws, including those in the areas of trade facilitation, the collection of due Customs duties and taxes as well as prevention of the movement of prohibited, restricted and regulated goods.
The MoU enables the two agencies to exchange information efficiently and effectively on the movement of illicit goods and of persons known to have or suspected to have contravened Customs laws and regulations of the participants.
Moreover, the MoU also opens up opportunities for both agencies to share best practices and technical expertise on Customs matters. It is expected that the MoU will provide officials of both administrations with a great opportunity to improve capacity-building activities.
In addition, the Australian Border Force has already provided many training opportunities for the officials of Sri Lanka Customs and provided various instruments to be utilized for officials in their routine assignments.