An analysis of selected effects on the Maltese customs by globalization

Abstract

The Universality of Customs is widely acknowledged. Their function goes back to hundreds of years, acting to raise taxes on the movement of goods. As such, their close association with commerce is well founded. Today such functions are increasingly under scrutiny. States acknowledge the importance that global trade has on the economic prosperity of their citizens and Customs are perfectly placed to assist this. Customs are thus increasingly being pitched as trade facilitators. Globalization is devouring traditional boundaries at an unprecedented pace; information communication technology (ICT), multinational companies and the quest for the cheapest manufacturing capacity have altered the way that global trade is conducted. Terrorism, fraud and similar threats to the social and physical environment, place a considerable responsibility on Customs acting as the State's first line of defence. To rise up to these challenges and meet our European Union (EU) obligations, Maltese Customs had to adopt strategies aided by technology not so much as to do routine tasks faster, but more to enhance security and facilitate trade through the cooperation with our colleagues in other countries and all stakeholders. This analysis attempts to demonstrate how these globalization effects are Influencing Customs activities