Abstract:
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This study examines the relationship, transactions, and interactions between
Customs and business in regulating, controlling, and processing cross-border trade
movement and safeguarding national security. More specifically, theoretical and
practical dimensions on Customs-business partnership (CBP) are studied within the
broader context of administrative reform and Customs modernization since the 1990s
in China Customs and Thai Customs.
The research objectives of this study are: to analyze the context, initial
conditions and drivers for Customs and business to build the CBP in a broad context
of administrative reform and Customs modernization; to explore the key enabling
factors and barriers in designing and implementing CBP; to understand the relevant
outcomes of Customs-business partnership.
Literature review on inter-organizational relations (IORs), administrative
reform, public-private partnerships (PPPs) and regulatory compliance management
provide theoretical lens to understand and explore the CBP as an emerging
phenomenon.
Methodologically, the study was designed as a two-case study with China
Customs and Thai Customs are selected as the subjects. Qualitative methods like indepth
and focus group interviews, documentary study, and observations are primarily
used in the data collection and analysis. For each case, interviews were conducted
with the key informants both with Customs and business.
This study generates sound empirical findings and exerts theoretical and
practical implications. In legal terms, the nature of the Customs-business relationship
has not altered dramatically. As an emerging trend, Customs has adopted the
Customs-business partnership as a possible new mode in trade regulation and
enforcement. However, it is still difficult to justify a paradigm shift in the governance
mode of Customs administration and enforcement. The emerging of the CBP in both
Customs administrations can be attributed to broader contextual imperatives:
nationwide administrative reform, potential sector and certain immediate conditions.
The major factors in building the CBP are identified: leadership and political will,
trust, communication, transparency, technology and risk management. Regarding
outcomes of the CBP, solid evidence shows that benefits and impacts have been
made, to some degree both at the organizational level for Customs and business and
for society at large. For both China Customs and Thai Customs, level of
institutionalization of the CBP needs to be improved, and major hindrances include
power imbalance, policy fragmentation, compliance culture and other issues.
The implications for the theoretical enrichment of IORs, compliance
management are discussed, and recommendations for policy and practical purposes
are discussed. Finally, suggestions for future research are envisaged.
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