Nadi, Fiji – 21 March 2025 – A regional workshop on Cross-Border E-commerce was held in Nadi, Fiji, from 17 to 21 March 2025, bringing together 25 senior customs officials from Oceania Customs Organisation (OCO) member countries. The workshop was jointly organised by OCO and the PACER Plus Implementation Unit (PPIU), with support from Japan Customs.

“This workshop directly supports our mission to enhance economic integration and sustainable development in the Pacific through PACER Plus,” said Mr Roy Lagolago, Head of the PPIU. “While customs administrations address the regulatory aspects, PACER Plus is also focused on helping Parties to enhance legislative framework on ecommerce and support Pacific businesses seize the opportunities of digital trade. We are helping customs officers understand both sides of e-commerce thereby creating pathways for Pacific products to reach global markets while maintaining appropriate safeguards.”

Pacific Island countries face logistical challenges in cross-border trade, with high shipping costs, irregular transport connections, and underdeveloped last-mile delivery systems making e-commerce difficult for businesses and consumers. The Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap, endorsed by Forum Trade Ministers in 2021, aims to modernise customs processes and improve trade efficiency. Key measures include the harmonised implementation of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Framework of Standards for Cross-Border E-commerce, interoperable customs systems like ASYCUDA, and the Customs Declaration System (CDS) at post offices to facilitate small parcel processing.

“As customs officials, our primary concern is implementing international standards that facilitate legitimate trade while protecting our borders,” said Ms Nancy T Oraka, Head of Secretariat for OCO. “This workshop focuses on the eight guiding principles of the WCO Framework of Standards for Cross-Border E-Commerce, which provides our members with a harmonised approach to this growing trade channel.”

Custom officials were introduced to various resources developed by WCO, including the E-commerce package and the resolution on the Guiding Principles for Cross-Border E-commerce, while also covering broader discussions on the regional measures essential for supporting Customs in the implementation of the Pacific Regional E-commerce Strategy and Roadmap (the Strategy). Participants also developed national and regional actions to enhance their ability to tackle the growing challenges of digital trade, focusing on improved risk management, automation, and efficient revenue collection.

The discussions aligned with Measure 3.1.1 of the Strategy, endorsed by Forum Trade Ministers in 2021.