International Customs Day is celebrated each year on the 26th of January and regards the customs administrations' critical functions such as societal and economic security, trade facilitation, and economic prosperity. Every year, the World Customs Organization (WCO) puts out its International Customs Day theme to underscore the most recent challenges and opportunities regarding customs. The WCO theme for 2025 is "Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security, and Prosperity". This theme indicates the commitment to the development and modernization of customs processes around the globe.
2024 has been a transformative year, marked by significant achievements alongside my core responsibilities at Nepal Customs. I contributed to global customs initiatives through the WCO and led workshops in Nepal to build a data-driven culture. Highlights include participating in the BACUDA Scholarship Program, serving as an AI Specialist at the Auditor General's Office, and training professionals on AI and data analytics. In 2025, I aim to further enhance AI and risk management in customs, support WCO initiatives, and advocate for ethical AI practices.
Global trade has shown remarkable resilience, particularly in its V-shaped recovery following the disruptions caused by COVID-19, driven by technological advancements and data-driven decision-making. Modern customs authorities face challenges managing complex data streams from various sources, such as import/export declarations and passenger information. Leveraging advanced analytics, AI, and technologies like data lakes enhances efficiency, security, and compliance. Innovations like AI-powered HS classification and fraud detection models are transforming customs operations. Moving forward, robust data strategies, technology integration, and workforce development will be essential for customs administrations to navigate the complexities of post-pandemic international trade.
Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) is revolutionizing customs operations by utilizing publicly available data from digital platforms, public records, and media to enhance risk assessment, fraud detection, and smuggling prevention. As technology advances, customs authorities can leverage tools like data scraping, social media monitoring, and geospatial mapping to gain real-time insights and identify suspicious trade activities. However, successful implementation requires adherence to legal and ethical standards, along with continuous evaluation of data sources and integration with existing systems to ensure secure and effective global trade