The Kingdom of Bhutan acceded to the International Convention on the Simplification and Harmonization of Customs Procedures (Revised Kyoto Convention [RKC]) on 15 September 2014. It is the ninety-sixth contracting party to the RKC. World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretary General, Mr. Kunio Mikuriya welcomed His Excellency the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Bhutan in Brussels, Mr. Sonam Tshong, and urged other WCO members to accede to the RKC.

The RKC is an international standard that promotes trade facilitation and effective controls through the application of efficient procedures. It was initially adopted in June 1999 as a blueprint for modern and efficient Customs procedures in the  twenty-first century and entered into force on 3 February 2006. The key governing principles of the RKC include 

• transparency and predictability of Customs actions;
• standardization and simplification of goods declaration and supporting documents;
• simplified procedures for authorized persons;
• maximum use of information technology;
• minimum necessary Customs control to ensure compliance with regulations;
• use of risk management and audit-based controls;
• coordinated interventions with border agencies; and
• partnership with the trade.

Bhutan’s accession will further benefit its anti-corruption initiatives by promoting integrity and professionalism of the Customs administration. It will enter into full force on 15 December 2014.

Related Links:

The Revised Kyoto Convention
National Council of Bhutan
The Kingdom of Bhutan Accedes to the Revised Kyoto Convention