1.0 Background 1.1 From a regional integration perspective, the Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP) of SADC states that in order to accelerate and achieve sustainable regional economic integration and poverty eradication the private sector has to be integratedin policy and strategy formulation and programme implementation in SADC (SADC, 2005). The RISDP also calls for the institutionalisation of public and private dialogue and even for the adequate representation of the private sector at all relevant decision-making levels in SADC. 1.2 The Sub Committee on Customs Cooperation (SCCC) emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between Customs and the private sector in order to give Customs Administrations in the SADC region an opportunity to offer a more efficient and effective customs service to their clients. The overall purpose of Customs to business partnerships is to ensure a partnership and dialogue structure of key stakeholders in the trading chain that contributes to trade facilitation, improvements in customs operations and higher compliance by the trading community. 1.3 The SCCC during its 20th meeting made the recommendation to establish National Customs Business Forums (NCBF) in all SADC Member States. The NCBFs are meant to facilitate a stronger partnership between customs and business at national level, promoting a regular and results oriented dialogue, and taking action on existing challenges in the country (SADC, 2009). 2.0 Objective 2.1 The SCCC, in its 22 meeting held in June 2012 in Gaborone directed SPAG to explore ways the involvement of the private sector may be enhanced in the implementation of the SCCC Strategic Plan 2012-2016. The SCCC had also observed that it is essential to consult the private sector stakeholders in the assignment. 2.2 The main objective of the strategy to enhance the involvement of the private sector in in the implementation of the SCCC Strategic Plan 2012-2016. 3.0 Current status of Customs to Private Sector involvement This chapter will briefly describe the current status of the involvement of the private sector in Customs matters in Member States. nd 2