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Friday 5 July 2013

Inside the World Customs Organisation (WCO) (4) Day One of Harmonised System training

Changed to my second program of the Academy today – Harmonised System and the classification of hi-tech goods, current issues under discussion and the possible amendments for HS2017.  I knew it took a long time to get the amendments through but I was surprised to learn that the final drafts for inclusion in the next revision (the HS Codes are revised about every 5 years – current HS2012) have to be ready by November 2013 for publication 2017!  The HS is a brilliant system of coding goods internationally for customs and trade purposes but it will always be out of date – little titbit = new headings for LED lights, lamps, modules, panels to be added; possible new heading for tripods, monopods, etc for digital cameras.

This group had more people from trade – about 50/50 trade and customs – Siemens Denmark and Ikea Sweden to name just two companies who had sent someone over to the Academy.  I recommend it.  Really good day – looking forward to tomorrow’s session already.

And in the evening around 15 of us went on the town – and the weather was kind, no rain but chilly – it was the annual Ommegang.  After taking pictures with that lovely little boy the Manneken Pis and a beer in a great place full of puppets we joined the people in the Grand-Place. From 9 pm the historic parade, part of the Brussels folklore, unfolded with more than 1.400 actors, folk and historic groups  – many local people who had made their own costumes - horses, puppet theatre, giants, flags,... It was breath-taking.  The event is to honour the coming of Charles the Fifth to Brussels in 1549 – here’s a link to more information about the Ommegang with a video clip http://www.brussels.be/artdet.cfm?id=4843&agendaid=599

I take it all back, Brussels is beautiful – the Grand-Place stunning



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