The Customs Declaration: Lessons From The Theory Of Transaction Costs

Abstract

This article attempts to provide an analysis of the current model of the customs declaration put into effect, since 1991, by the customs authorities of Morocco, in the light of the theory of transaction costs founded by R. Coase and developed by O.E Williamson. To achieve this objective, the methodology adopted consists of firstly exposing the foundations of the theory of transaction costs, then presenting and comparing this model to that theory before analyzing it with a view to drawing out the lessons capable of making it  more adaptive and more efficient.

In light of this theory, the analysis concluded that the current declaration model remains unsuitable for the structure and value chain of current international trade and suffers from an information deficiency which positions customs in a situation of asymmetry of information  by reducing its immunity against the probable risks of occurrence of cases of fraud (ex-post costs). It is also concluded that this model condemns the risk analysis approach practiced by customs which is mainly based on the integrated management of information available at the declaration level.