Members' rights

Each Member State has one vote in the General Assembly, whether it is a founder or a recent member, large or small. It may vote on the budget, the scale of contributions, the admission of new members, amendments to the texts and the election of officers. Admission decisions are taken by a two-thirds majority.

The vote may be cast by a delegate or, in case of impediment, by proxy entrusted to another State. A proxy may not represent more than one State.

Members enjoy preferential rates on several Desk services and priority access to customs training and regional programmes. They may request legal assistance or technical assistance.

The member area gives access to restricted documents, directories and detailed statistical series. It is described on the restricted documents page.

Any State may put forward candidates to the Council and committees, on a principle of regional balance. Seats are distributed so as to guarantee the presence of each of the five regions: Europe, the Americas, Asia-Pacific, Africa, the Middle East.

Focal points meet in plenary session each year. This meeting allows them to propose topics, present their priorities and exchange with the Secretariat.

Members receive session documents, activity reports and the financial report. They may put written questions to the Secretariat, which replies within an indicative timeframe of fifteen days. They are consulted before any significant amendment of the texts.

The right to be heard includes the right to submit observations before any measure is taken against a State, notably before a suspension.

A State may leave the Organization by written notification, with one year's notice (indicative). It remains liable for its contributions until the effective date of its withdrawal.

A former member retains the possibility of reapplying for membership, under the ordinary procedure described on the admission procedure page.