In his presentation, AI Governance for Customs Administrations: Navigating Regulatory Compliance and Technological Change, delivered at the 4th Meeting of the WCO Data Innovation Hub in Brussels, Dr. Jon Truby from the Centre for International Law at NUS explored the critical intersection of artificial intelligence, customs operations, and international law. Organized by the World Customs Organisation (WCO), the session highlighted the growing challenges customs administrations faced as they adopted AI technologies while ensuring compliance with complex international legal frameworks.

Dr. Truby began with an introduction to the importance of AI governance, illustrating how AI had the potential to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and risk management in customs. He emphasised that robust governance frameworks, grounded in international law, were necessary to prevent misuse and ensure that AI adoption complied with both global and domestic legal standards.

In Part 1, Dr. Truby examined the global regulatory environment, including key international treaties, guidelines, and standards that influenced the responsible use of AI in customs operations. He discussed the importance of customs administrations navigating both international and local regulations in their adoption of new technologies.

Part 2 addressed existing tools and instruments that customs administrations could use to manage the regulatory and legal challenges posed by AI. Dr. Truby showcased examples of AI innovations, emphasising their alignment with international legal norms to ensure compliance and effectiveness in implementation.

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