The importance of customs reform and modernisation to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of international trade is recognised in the World Trade Organization’s Doha Round negotiations on trade facilitation. Capacity building in support of such reform and modernisation is an important aspect of trade facilitation and its requirement for technical assistance for developing and least-developed countries. Achieving success and sustainability of capacity building outcomes is an issue that has confronted many international and donor organisations and it is possible to discern some key elements directly relevant to the success and sustainability of capacity building programs. These key elements have been identified and incorporated in the World Customs Organization’s Columbus Programme for customs capacity building and if applied strategically and correctly, will provide lasting benefit to government and business.