Customs co-op: Commissioner of Customs & Excise Timothy Tong and Australian Customs Service Chief Executive Officer Michael Carmody.

Commissioner of Customs & Excise Timothy Tong has signed a joint communique for closer customs co-operation with Australia.

The pact was signed at his biennial meeting with Australian Customs Service Chief Executive Officer Michael Carmody today.

They agreed to continue with the Immediate Notification Mechanism for prompt exchange of intelligence to combat transnational customs offences like drug trafficking, intellectual property rights infringements and revenue fraud. They also pledged to enhance co-operation in risk analysis and sharing of expertise, and to organise training and reciprocal visits.

Mr Tong said the notification mechanism has proved effective and efficient, helping thwart a heroin smuggling syndicate.