Tag / Private Sector Consultative Group

by Mike Poverello

WCO Council Adopts Resolution on Strengthening Customs-Industry Resilience

On 30 June 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council approved a Resolution of the Customs Co-operation Council on Strengthening Customs-Industry Resilience. This new Resolution, developed under the leadership of Australia, responds to the growing need for collaboration between Customs administrations and industry partners to ensure global security and economic stability amidst rapid technological advancements, environmental challenges, and other emerging threats. Recognizing the critical role Customs played during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Resolution seeks to evolve the Customs-Industry relationship from a focus on trade facilitation to building resilience in the supply chain.

The Resolution emphasizes the importance of committing to resilience as a strategic priority, encouraging Customs administrations to review and develop robust business continuity plans that are prepared for disruptive global events. It also highlights the need for innovative partnerships, urging the reaffirmation of existing relationships while fostering new collaborations. A key component of the Resolution is the enhancement of digitalization and the adoption of paperless trade practices, advocating for the use of secure digital formats for risk assessment and clearance processes.

Building trust through increased data sharing and information exchange is another crucial element, with a specific focus on strengthening relationships with Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) and enhancing the benefits of AEO programmes. Capacity-building activities are also encouraged to ensure Customs and Industry can respond agilely to disruptions. The Resolution calls on the WCO to support Members in implementing these measures, particularly through the enhancement of AEO programmes and cooperation with international industry stakeholders. Monitoring of the Resolution’s implementation will be overseen by the Permanent Technical Committee and the Enforcement Committee.

The Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) is invited to support the actions reflected in this Resolution by driving industry engagement through its global network. This Resolution marks a significant step towards creating a more resilient global trade environment by fostering stronger partnerships and leveraging digital technologies to build a secure and efficient supply chain capable of withstanding future disruptions.

Source: WCO website, 17 July 2024

by Mike Poverello

Meeting of the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG)

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The WCO Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) met for the 41st time at the WCO headquarters on 3 and 4 July 2017. The meeting was chaired by Mr. John Mein from PROCOMEX and attended by representatives from 17 of the 21 PSCG members – AAEI, BMW, CATERPILLAR, E-BAY, FIATA, FONASBA, FONTERRA, GEA, HAIER, HUAWEI, IATA, ICC, IFCBA, MICROSOFT, OPORA, PROCOMEX and SAAFF.

During their two-day meeting, the PSCG discussed a number of very topical matters and developments, including current threats of protectionism to free trade, the state of trade facilitation and the implementation of the WTO TFA agreement and e-commerce. WCO members also attended part of the meeting and presented current WCO work programmes, including the upcoming review of the Revised Kyoto Convention and encouraged PSCG members to take an active role in this review work. The Secretary General, Kunio Mikuriya, also addressed the PSCG on its first day on issues relating to the current state of international trade.

Following the PSCG meeting, a dialogue between Policy Commission and PSCG members including Trade Observers was held to discuss current challenges with regard to free trade and globalization.  During break-out groups representatives from both the Customs administrations and private sector discussed the current problem landscape and what the international Customs community can do in collaboration with the private sector to support economic and social development and growth through the application of trade facilitation principles and measures. Source: WCO