Rules of Origin Training in Tonga

The Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) was pleased to support the Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) and PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU) in conducting a Rules of Origin workshop in Nuku’alofa, Tonga from 16 to 20 October 2023.

The workshop, which was funded by the European Union, was facilitated by Brent Juratowitch and Watisoni Rauicava from CCES. It was designed to enhance the skills of trainers drawn from 14 customs administrations from across the Pacific in delivering Rules of Origin training to their fellow officers and members of the international trading community.

The workshop addressed Rules of Origin in the context of the Interim Economic Partnership Agreement, Micronesia Spearhead Group Trade Agreement, Pacific Islands Community Trade Agreement and the PACER Plus Agreement. The initiative formed part of the ongoing OCO Professional Standards Framework program, in which CCES has been partnering with OCO for many years.