This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from one of Transparency International’s national chapters. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
What are the links between corruption, lack of transparency and customs? What are the best practices for customs transparency and consumer information? What steps can be taken to improve access to the information in question?
Purpose
We are working with other NGOs to prevent corruption-tainted products from passing through customs in order to protect consumers.
Content
- Connections between corruption risks and customs transparency
- Best practices in customs transparency
- Steps to improve consumer information
- References
Summary
Supply chains are susceptible to many different forms of corrupt practices and illicit behaviour, all of which inflict costs and harm to the wider society. Different strategies exist to address these risks, such as legislation, enhancing management procedures and pursuing due diligence. Yet all of these rely on transparency.
Customs is a possible link in the supply chains where transparency can be increased. This brief discusses the connections between customs transparency, corruption in supply chains and consumer protection before identifying best practices to increase the transparency of products passing through customs and best practices for how consumers can access more information. The final section focuses on next steps that the governments, businesses and civil society can make to increase the transparency of products passing through customs.
Authors
David Jackson, Transparency International
Reviewers
Marie Chêne, Transparency International,[email protected]
Date
23/06/2016
Tags
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