Tag / World Customs Organisation

by Mike Poverello

WCO publishes new SAFE 2025

The World Customs Organization (WCO) sets the standards to facilitate and secure international trade. As part of its ongoing commitment to the protection of society, the SAFE Framework of Standards to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade (SAFE FoS) has been updated to ensure that the pathway for a resilient global trading environment is secure and reflects current realities. With a focus on inter-agency cooperation, the WCO’s 186 Members can now implement the new SAFE FoS in areas that highlight collaboration between Customs and environmental authorities, as well as now recognizing the important role that Micro-, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) play by ensuring the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme is accessible to them. 

WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, said: “As we look to the future, the SAFE FoS 2025 is a clear and visible demonstration of the WCO’s enduring commitment to a secure, transparent, and innovative trade environment.”

Advancing secure, efficient, and innovative international trade

The 2025 edition of the SAFE FoS reflects a modernized approach to the full spectrum of supply chain management and focuses on expanding inter-agency cooperation in new areas. Over the past four years, the WCO has worked diligently, in close collaboration with Customs administrations, Private Sector Consultative Group and various stakeholders, to review and identify the areas in this flagship international tool requiring an update to improve cooperation across WCO Members, AEOs and supply chain actors. 

The core elements of the SAFE FoS remain unchanged; this new edition expands and enhances the FoS. Building on best practices and lessons learned by the community serves to strengthen collective defenses and drive continual improvement in many aspects of global trade operations. 

Through joint efforts, under the leadership and co-facilitation of the New Zealand Customs Service and the Private Sector Consultative Group, four key areas have been added that reflect the realities of today’s supply chain and trade environment. 

The key updates in the FoS 2025 are:

  • New provisions to enhance collaboration with environmental authorities to increase the focus on global climate change and reflect the desire of Customs to support the global sustainability agenda. By recognizing the linkages between trade, environment, and security, this edition recognizes the importance of environmental authorities. Alignment of procedures and controls for applicable standards between Customs and environmental authorities will support sustainability of trade.
  • Recognition that MSME’s should be part of the AEO programme. The WCO and its members determined it was time to expand the reach of AEO programmes to Micro-sized enterprises along with Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs). A focus on inclusivity for the eligibility of AEO programmes and the tailoring of standards to the MSMEs’ unique needs will serve to further expand opportunities for secure trade and increase sustainable economic growth of businesses of all sizes.
  • A requirement for AEOs to adopt a Code of Conduct (Ethics) will serve to enhance the integrity and accountability of the supply chain for AEOs and Customs. The addition of this requirement, with a focus on ethics, demonstrates that AEOs are committed to the security of their organization which will facilitate future recognition as trusted traders. By improving integrity in the premises of AEOs, the implementation of Codes of Conduct will contribute to the overall security of international trade.
  • Addressing insider threats and internal conspirators is a growing concern. The SAFE FoS 2025 expands upon the joint role that Customs and AEOs play in raising awareness and proactively implementing measures to combat this issue given the risk to the supply chain and security in the trade environment. Now both the AEOs and Customs are encouraged to make every effort to educate their personnel with regard to the risks posed by internal conspirators and insider threats to supply chain integrity.

With specific recognition to the participation and contributions of Customs representatives from Australia, the European Union, Guatemala, and the United Kingdom along with the International Chamber of Commerce, the FoS 2025 updates will fortify the collective defences and drive continual improvement in many aspects of global trade operations for Customs administrations, industry stakeholders and business communities around the world.

Implementation

The implementation of each of the three pillars of the SAFE FoS – Customs-to-Customs network arrangements, Customs-to-Business partnerships and Customs-to-other Government Agencies cooperation – is designed to be done as a whole to balance trade facilitation and supply chain security. By implementing the SAFE FoS 2025, all stakeholders can enhance and expand existing cooperation and build trust and transparency in their operations. 

Secretary General Ian Saunders calls upon Customs administrations, industry partners, and business of all sizes “to embrace these standards as a foundation for achieving a more secure and prosperous future with the support of international trade.”

Source: WCO

by Mike Poverello

World Customs Organization Releases Data Model Version 4.2.0, Advancing the Digitalization of Customs Processes

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is proud to announce the release of the WCO Data Model Version 4.2.0, marking a significant step forward in the digitalization and harmonization of customs procedures worldwide. This latest version introduces two critical data sets: Customs Bonds and Certificates of Origin, providing WCO Members with tools to streamline operations, and enhance the efficiency of digital customs processes.

The WCO Data Model provides a comprehensive framework for standardizing data elements in cross-border trade. Version 4.2.0 builds on this foundation by incorporating standardized data sets that support key customs processes.

Key Highlights of Version 4.2.0:

  1. Customs Bonds Information Package: This new data set enables WCO Members that require surety-issued customs bonds to streamline and digitalize their bonds submission processes. By adopting this standard, Members can reduce administrative burdens, enhance compliance, and automate obligation management to protect revenue. Importantly, the standardized approach also reduces the time and costs required for implementation, enabling Members to achieve operational efficiency and faster deployment of digitalized customs bond processes.
  2. Certificate of Origin Information Package: Developed using the dataset created by the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin (TCRO), this package empowers Members to digitalize electronic Certificates of Origin (eCOs). This digitalization improves validation of product origin, helping to combat fraud and ensure fair trade practices.

The WCO Data Model Version 4.2.0 is now available to WCO Members and stakeholders. The WCO encourages its members to adopt and implement this latest version to fully realize the benefits of standardized and digitalized customs procedures.

Source: WCO 15 July 2025

by Mike Poverello

WCO ICD 2025 – Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity

icd_2025_message-from-the-wco-secretary-general_enDownload
by Mike Poverello

WCO News – Measuring Performance

A new edition of the WCO magazine is available covering insights of performance management in several countries. Of particular mention for the Southern African Customs Union are two articles on recent timed release studies conducted in the region, in Namibia and between Eswatini and South Africa.

You can access the magazine here!

Source: WCO Website

by Mike Poverello

A revamped Time Release Study e-learning course is now available on WCO CLiKC!

Photo by Tiry Nelson Gono

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is delighted to announce the release of an updated e-learning module on Time Release Study (TRS), now accessible on the CLiKC! platform.

The TRS is a strategic and internationally recognized tool designed to measure the average time taken to release or clear goods at borders. It tracks every step from the moment cargo arrives until its physical release.

This course provides practical guidance on conducting TRS, demonstrating how to execute each phase effectively. It starts with preparing for the study, then moves on to collecting, recording and analyzing data, and finally ends with the monitoring and evaluation phase.

In summary, these updates to the TRS module reflect the WCO’s commitment to bridging the gap between theory and practical application, empowering Customs professionals and stakeholders with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to conduct efficient, effective, and impactful TRS implementation tailored to diverse Customs environments. 

The module’s comprehensive approach includes integrating real-world scenarios, interactive exercises, and role-playing activities to deepen understanding and immediate application of TRS methodologies. It also emphasizes developing detailed work plans, addressing data collection methods, sampling techniques, process ownership, stakeholder engagement, and data quality assurance for informed decision-making and process improvements. Ultimately, these updates facilitate the efficient execution of TRS assessments and actionable strategies, enhancing trade facilitation outcomes worldwide.

The course is now available to all WCO Members on CLiKC!, the WCO’s e-learning platform. The WCO achieved this update with the support of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs of Switzerland (SECO) through the SECO-WCO Global Trade Facilitation Programme (GTFP).

For further information, please contact capacity.building@wcoomd.org.

by Mike Poverello

WCO News – Engaging Partners

This years first edition is packed with articles across the globe, featuring a variety of topics including the topic of Partnerships.

To access the Magazine, follow this link

Source: World Customs Organisation website, 26 February 2024

by Mike Poverello

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme

In December 2021, the World Customs Organization (WCO) and the European Union (EU) successfully signed a partnership agreement for a comprehensive programme on the implementation and application of rules of origin (RoO) for enhanced Intra-African trade, commonly referred to as the EU-WCO Rules of Origin RoO Africa Programme. This 48 months initiative aims to support the African continent to improve its capacity to deal with rules of origin and ultimately to support the harmonized and well-coordinated implementation and application of the rules of origin under Annex 2 of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and other regional and international commitments.

The AfCFTA is a landmark achievement in fostering regional integration to unify the African continent and further its socio-economic development. Under the AfCFTA Agreement, it is the rules of origin – establishing the nationality of products produced in Africa – that will determine whether preferential trade liberalization can be a game changer for Africa’s industrialization.

The EU-WCO RoO Africa Programme was launched on 19-20 July 2022 in Accra, Ghana, complementing and building up on the EU-WCO HS Africa Programme success.

The Programme provides tailored-made demand driven technical assistance, with an emphasis on training, and includes diagnostic and needs assessments, forums and consultations, Guidelines, Manuals and Standard operating Procedures and implementation of flagship initiatives.

The EU-WCO Rules of Origin Africa Programme aims to facilitating and increasing intra-African trade, trade between Africa and Europe, and between Africa and the rest of the world. The Programme is a concrete step taken by the European Union and the World Customs Organization in consultation with key stakeholders to support African partners in the implementation of the AfCFTA.

The outcome of the Programme is that beneficiaries at continental (AfCFTA Secretariat and African Union Commission), regional (African Regional Economic Communities – RECs) and national level (African Customs Administrations, Government Administrations and Private Sector) implement and apply the rules of origin in compliance with Annex 2 of the AfCFTA and in line with international commitments and best practices.

For more details, please contact EU-WCORoOAfrica.Program@wcoomd.org.

Comprehensive Comparative Study on the Applicable Rules of Origin in the Eastern and Southern Africa Region (PDF)

Source: World Customs Organisation Website

by Mike Poverello

Message from the World Customs Organization International Customs Day 2024

On 26 January each year, the Customs community comes together to celebrate International Customs Day. As we gather to commemorate this important occasion, I am filled with a profound sense of honour and anticipation in my first year as Secretary General. While this year’s celebration is especially significant for me, its wider importance in part comes from it marking the launch of our new theme: “Customs Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose”. 

This year, we are embarking on a path that challenges us to both reaffirm our longstanding partnerships and to boldly forge new alliances. Our world has changed dramatically over the last decade and continues to do so, presenting us with unprecedented challenges, including rapid technological advances, environmental and health crises, and complex geopolitical and economic dynamics. These conditions require that the global Customs community take a forward-thinking approach to its work and seek solutions that are not just based on its own knowledge and resources, but are supplemented by the support of stakeholders.

The theme for 2024 is a strategic call to action, urging us to broaden our perspectives, think creatively, and embrace innovative approaches. This is essential for Customs administrations to maintain their role in facilitating global trade and ensuring security in a rapidly evolving environment.

In 2024, we focus on deepening and enriching our established relationships to ensure they continue to be strong, relevant, and mutually beneficial. At the same time, we aim to actively seek and establish new connections with a wider range of stakeholders, including financial institutions, environmental organizations, NGOs, and academic institutions.

These new partnerships will infuse our efforts with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions. Our collaboration this year is about aligning all our partnerships with the overarching mission and values of our Customs administrations. We aim to ensure they contribute meaningfully to our objectives of trade facilitation, border security, and the resilience of global supply chains.

Incorporating a broad spectrum of voices and perspectives into our strategies is also paramount. Doing so will ensure that our strategies are comprehensive and more resonant with the global community we serve.

We are also committed to continuously evaluating and refining our partnerships to maintain their effectiveness and relevance. Such a dynamic approach is vital in an ever-changing global landscape, and increases our ability to achieve meaningful results in line with our critical mission.

Lastly, as we think about the enablers of our engagement, we must look to the value of cutting-edge technologies and data analytics. These will enhance our understanding and engagement with partners, thereby increasing our responsiveness and effectiveness.

As we begin this year and take this day to reflect on our mission, our accomplishments, and our way forward, I hope that our efforts – as Customs and with partners – will advance us toward a safe, prosperous, and inclusive future. 

I am deeply appreciative of your support and dedication to making International Customs Day a noteworthy occasion, and for promoting and acting upon our 2024 theme throughout the year. 

I wish you a productive and engaging International Customs Day.

Ian Saunders

Secretary General

Source: WCO, 26 January 2024

by Mike Poverello

WCO publishes updated version of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Compendium

The latest version of the Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Compendium contains a number of new features and aims to comprehensively support Customs administrations, Cross-Border Regulatory Agencies (CBRAs) and international organizations in strengthening implementation of CBM in various fields.  The concept of CBM has existed for many years and refers to a coordinated approach by border control agencies, both domestic and international, in the context of seeking greater efficiencies in managing trade and travel flows, while maintaining a balance with compliance requirements.  

The updated version of the Compendium briefly describes various WCO instruments and tools that are relevant to further supporting CBM implementation.  Among these are the Revised Kyoto Convention, Risk Management, Single Window, the WCO Data Model and the SAFE Framework of Standards.  It also recognizes that CBRAs are guided in their work by other  international standards, and that it is necessary for both Customs and CBRAs to acquire a working knowledge of each other’s standards in order to arrive at a common understanding that enhances CBM.

The Compendium also includes a new section on cooperation between the WCO and the UPU.  This section sets out potential opportunities for cooperation between Customs administrations and designated postal operators, including the exchange of advance electronic data aimed at improving risk management, trade facilitation and control of postal items, particularly in the context of growing e-commerce via post. 

Furthermore, the updated Compendium includes (in Annex I) examples of CBM-related practice and experience in the context of two countries, namely, Botswana and Finland.  There is scope for other examples to be added during the next review/update of the Compendium. 

The Customs-Police Cooperation Handbook, developed by the WCO and INTERPOL, has also been included in the Compendium (appended as Annex 2).  The Handbook presents a clear approach for Customs administrations to assess their current level of efficiency and effectiveness in cooperating with their respective Police authorities, and encourages Customs administrations to explore avenues to further strengthen cooperation. 

Against this backdrop, the WCO stands ready to support its Members with the implementation of the updated version of the CBM Compendium, with a view to improving cross-border trade and ensuring the security of international supply chains.

Download the new version of CBM Compendium here!

Source: WCO, 16 April 2023

by Mike Poverello

WCO News – March 2023

The theme for this edition is “Managing Knowledge“. Of course there is much more for Customs users and trade practitioners in this publication.

View the magazine at this link

Download a PDF copy at this link

Source: WCO

by Mike Poverello

International Customs Day 2023

Each year, International Customs Day provides an opportunity for the WCO Secretariat to invite the Organization’s Members to focus on a theme it considers relevant to the Customs community and its partners. In 2023, under the slogan “Nurturing the Next Generation: Promoting a Culture of Knowledge-sharing and Professional Pride in Customs”, the Secretariat is inviting Members to look at how they support newly-recruited officers, facilitate the sharing of knowledge, and heighten the sense of pride in being part of this institution and of the global Customs community.

This is about placing human capital, and especially the new generation, at the heart of the transformation of Customs – an approach the WCO has been advocating for a number of years. Young Customs officers often have particular strengths, but they need to acquire specific, and often tacit, knowledge and know-how. This approach to learning must be rooted in the culture of the administration, holding true throughout the officers’ careers. It requires not only dynamic inter- generational relationships, but also an outward-looking attitude, characterized by exchanges with the actors engaged in the movement of goods and passengers, as well as with service providers and with academia.

However, it has to be recognized that certain Customs organizations do not have the processes and methodologies in place for managing knowledge and ensuring that it is transmitted. In 2023, Customs administrations are therefore being invited to focus on this issue and develop a knowledge management system which fosters the identification and provision of knowledge and know-how in all their forms: reports and other documentation, training courses, whether online or in-person, forums, mentoring programmes, work placements, exchanges between services, magazines and newsletters, among others.

Another interesting approach is to extend collaboration among Customs stakeholders and collect multi-disciplinary views. For this purpose, some administrations collaborate with academia and participate in think tanks. This will ensure that Customs knowledge is acquired through the rigorous analysis of data, and is supported by expert opinion, skills and expertise. Knowledge acquired in this way can be a valuable resource for decision-making.

Customs must avoid the loss of organisational memory, to ensure that mistakes are not repeated and experience is transmitted between departments and to the next generation.

By creating a stimulating work environment and offering learning opportunities to their officers, Customs administrations can not only attract and retain talent, but also enhance their officers’ sense of professional pride. It is often said that the new generation are searching for meaning; working in Customs is a noble mission, whose fulfilment is essential for the wellbeing of nations.

As the reputation of an organization depends largely on its employees, it is important that they take pride in their work, and that the way their work connects with the government’s vision is clearly explained. To achieve this, Customs administrations must increase their visibility, not only among their natural partners but also among those – such as decision-makers and the general public – who may be less familiar with the multi-faceted role of Customs, and less aware of the challenges faced by Customs and the constraints it has to manage.

I have every confidence that Customs administrations will get to grips with this year’s theme and I invite them to present information, during meetings of WCO working bodies which address this theme, during the events we organize throughout the year and in our various publications, about practices and measures they have introduced.

I wish you all a happy International Customs Day!

Kunio Mikuriya

WCO Secretary General 26 January 2023

by Mike Poverello

WCO – 2021 Illicit Trade Report

The World Customs Organization (WCO) issues its 2021 Illicit Trade Report (ITR), an annual publication which offers a comprehensive study of illicit trade flows through an in-depth analysis of seizure data and case studies voluntarily submitted by Member Customs administrations worldwide. The information captured in the ITR provides essential insight into the occurrences of illicit trade, thereby assisting Customs administrations in understanding trends and patterns and making enlightened decisions to secure cross-border trade. 

This year, the analysis provided in this Report is based on data collected from 138 Member administrations. Previously composed of six sections, the Report now covers seven key areas of risk in the context of Customs enforcement: Anti-money laundering and terrorist financing; Cultural heritage; Drugs; Environment; IPR, health and safety; Revenue; and Security.

Overall, this 2021 Report largely focuses on the impact the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the flows of illicit trade worldwide and how criminal organizations have adapted and shifted transport and shipment modes of smuggled goods. One common denominator to the different areas covered in this Report, is the increased use of online marketplaces and social media to accommodate both demand and supply during the health crisis. Consequently, seizures in mail consignments are seeing an important increase.

The analysis contained in this Report is mainly based on the collection of data from the WCO Customs Enforcement Network (CEN) — a database of worldwide Customs seizures and offences. The CEN is a vital resource, allowing all WCO Members to access a critical mass of information for analysis of illicit trafficking in the various areas of Customs’ competence. 

However, the CEN database relies heavily on voluntary submissions by Members hence the quantity and quality of the data submitted to the system has its limitations. To overcome these shortcomings and to complement the CEN dataset, the WCO has undertaken a review of the Illicit Trade Report and its methodology. This is an ongoing process and work is still underway until a final product can be delivered next year. 

However, as part of this new methodology, the data and information sources used to elaborate this Report has been enlarged to include various open sources. These sources include official government media outlets, reports published online by Customs administrations and international organizations, and a survey elaborated by the WCO in order to collect additional data from its Members and from its Regional Intelligence Liaison Offices (RILOs).

“The importance of comprehensive data analysis is indisputably a key component to support effective and efficient Customs enforcement activities”, says Dr. Kunio Mikuriya, WCO Secretary General. “The Illicit Trade Report is a pioneer in terms of data collection and analysis for over twenty years, and as a strong believer in the power of data and Customs digital transformation, I am pleased that we now have the in-house resources and technology to offer such in-depth analysis, further supported by open source information, and the most recent and intelligible data visualizations for this edition of the Report”.

by Mike Poverello

WCO News – June 2022 Edition

The WCO has published the 98th edition of WCO News, the Organization’s magazine aimed at the global Customs community, providing a selection of informative articles that bring the international Customs and trade world to life.

This edition’s “Dossier” focuses on ongoing discussions and initiatives that aim to “green” trade as well as on the role of Customs in supporting this ambition. Given that one question that comes up repeatedly is how to increase the available data for environmentally friendly goods and ensure they are specified by name under their own Harmonized System (HS) code, the Dossier also provides answers to some of the most common queries about the HS and how to tailor it to meet changing needs.

The “Panorama” section looks at a broad variety of initiatives such as developing an anti-corruption strategy, building Customs-Business partnership, launching research and development programmes and placing scientists at ports of entry to identify unknown substances. 

The “Focus” section brings together articles dealing with gender equality and diversity. The WCO Secretariat presents the latest developments at the WCO in these areas, while two administrations share their experience of creating an inclusive workplace culture where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly.

Lastly, in the “Point of View” section representatives from the private sector share highlights of some technological breakthroughs aimed at improving Customs controls while facilitating trade and, in one case, protecting importers’ information.

by Mike Poverello

SAFE Working Group urges greater harmonization of AEO programmes

Picture – Nazarizal Mohammed

The 26th/27th Meetings of the SAFE Working Group (SWG) were held successfully from 11 to 14 April 2022. The virtual meetings brought together more than 260 delegates representing Customs administrations, the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), other international organizations and academia.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Pranab Kumar Das, WCO Director of Compliance and Facilitation, highlighted that the SWG had reached an important juncture as the new three-year SAFE review cycle 2021-2024 was about to enter into discussions. It was pointed out that 17 years after it was first published, the SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS) had garnered substantial interest from WCO Members. During the meetings, Guyana became the 172nd WCO Member to express its interest in implementing the SAFE FoS. 

With a view to continued enhancement of the AEO criteria and provisions to strengthen the SAFE FoS, WCO Members made several new proposals to revise the Framework. The SWG also received feedback from the private sector on the urgent need to enhance the harmonization of SAFE and AEO implementation. In this context, the SWG heard a presentation by the WCO Anti-Corruption and Integrity Promotion (A-CIP) Programme on maintaining the integrity and transparency of AEO implementation.

On this occasion, the SWG reviewed and adopted the new Work Plan for 2022-2024, which reflected the critical activities the SWG will carry out over the next two years until 2024, in parallel with the SAFE review cycle. The SWG also received an update on the development of new features for the Online AEO Compendium (OAC) and the other extensive work underway in collaboration with other international organizations in the areas of security and facilitation.

Against the backdrop of the WCO’s theme for 2022, the panel discussion on “Scaling up Customs Digital Transformation by Embracing a Data Culture and Building a Data Ecosystem” attracted significant interest from Members and the private sector. The experienced speakers from Member Customs administrations, the private sector and the Secretariat enriched the discussions by sharing their best practices on using data for enhancing risk management and monitoring AEO programmes.

As a way forward, the SWG agreed that efforts will be reserved for a comprehensive review to assess and monitor SAFE implementation for greater harmonization of AEO programmes globally.

Source: World Customs Organisation, 25 April 2022

by Mike Poverello

WCO/WTO – “The role of advanced technologies in cross-border trade: A customs perspective”

The WCO and the World Trade Organization (WTO) held a webinar to launch their joint publication on Customs use of advance technologies.  The event attracted more than 700 attendees and provided insights into how advanced technologies can help Customs administrations facilitate the flow of goods across borders. The publication titled, “The role of advanced technologies in cross-border trade: A customs perspective” provides the current state of play and sheds light on the opportunities and challenges Customs face when deploying these technologies.

The publication outlines the key findings of WCO’s 2021 Annual Consolidated Survey and its results on Customs’ use of advanced technologies such as blockchain, the internet of things, data analytics and artificial intelligence to facilitate trade and enhance safety, security and fair revenue collection. 

The joint publication highlights the benefits that can result from the adoption of these advanced technologies, such as enhanced transparency of procedures, sharing of information amongst all relevant stakeholders in real time, better risk management, and improved data quality, leading to greater efficiency in Customs processes and procedures.

In his remarks, WCO Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Treviño Chapa said, “Technologies will assist implementation of international trade facilitation rules and standards, such as the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention and the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement. We are therefore delighted to be partnering with the WTO, to ensure that our work in assisting our Members’ digital transformation journeys is complementary, that we bring all relevant partners to the same table, and that we avoid duplication.”

In her opening remarks, WTO Deputy Director-General Anabel González noted, “Advanced technologies offer customs an opportunity to take a big leap forward on trade facilitation. Take blockchain. Its widespread application could help us make trade both more transparent and less paper intensive. That would reduce trade costs, which is good news for everyone, especially small businesses, which are disproportionately affected by red tape at the border.”

The webinar presented the main findings from the WCO/WTO paper and featured presentations by Brazil, Nigeria, Singapore and the Inter-American Development Bank. For a greater uptake of these technologies, the speakers underlined the importance of continuous sensitization of Customs and other stakeholders, the need for interoperability and implementation of international standards, the relevance of engaging in dialogues at international level, as well as having a strategy and space for innovation and testing at national level.

The full publication can be accessed here.