Corruption and Other Crimes in Customs

10. Russia: "Customs regulations change frequently and often without sufficient notice...and are subject to arbitrary application," (U.S. Department of State).

This is just a partial list. But a quick glance at many of the world's economies demonstrates that corruption in the customs service is not an isolated occurrence - a problem to be dealt with when it occasionally rises. Instead corruption remains a major problem throughout the global economy.

It has only been recently that the WTO and other organizations have begun to address this problem. Indeed, some economist do not see corruption as a problem, it's just another cost of business. Regardless, this is one cost that is on the rise. If organizations like the WTO are serious about liberalizing world trade, this is one area that deserves increased scrutiny.

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