The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization with 181 member states, and is the only international organization with competence in customs matters. Established in 1952 as the Customs Co-operation Council (the CCC) and subsequently renamed the World Customs Organization in 1994, the WCO is headquartered in Brussels and is governed by the WCO Council, which meets annually.
The WCO is the only international, intergovernmental organization solely focused on the facilitation of cross-border movement of goods and the updating of worldwide conventions and technical instruments to respond to the dynamic needs of supply chain and Customs operations. To this end, the WCO works in close collaboration with its members and many international and regional organizations as well as stakeholders to ensure that the trade of legitimate goods is freely and efficiently conducted.
The WCO has developed a series of internationally recognized instruments and protocols, notably the internationally recognized Harmonized System (HS) nomenclature for Customs Tariff and Trade purposes, and the Revised Kyoto Convention (RKC). The HS provides for a uniform classification of goods worldwide and underpins Customs Valuation and Rules of Origin. The RKC is the only global Customs modernized framework in force and it structures the legal environment, simplifies data exchange, and facilitates the efficient operation of Customs.
The WCO delivers a range of capacity building and technical assistance services to its members, including the delivery of face-to-face and online training, through its various bodies and Projects. Recent progress in capacity building includes additional customs forums and seminars and the modernization of technical instruments.
The WCO also plays an important role in global and economic development by taking measures to strengthen the economic and financial stability of the globa, such as the outcomes of the G20/OECD High Level Principles on Digital Economy, and taking a leading role in defining and implementing global standards for the Customs and Trade Facilitation.
The WCO has delivered several important projects to accelerate progress on global economic development, such as the creation of global trade procedures, the development of the customs support for trade (CST) system, and the accession of WCO members to the WTO Valuation Agreement.
The WCO recognizes the importance of providing Customs administrations and other relevant stakeholders with the latest technology and enhanced communication networks to improve their effectiveness and efficiency. This includes the successful implementation of integrated Customs information systems to facilitate the smooth movement of goods across international borders.
The WCO is committed to open and enforceable disciplines, including the elimination of impunity for Customs violations and the implementation of measures to strengthen border control. To this end, the WCO has signed several agreements relating to the prevention and control of trading across the world’s borders, the application of appropriate measures and sanctions, and taking effective enforcement against those engaged in illegal activities such as customs fraud and smuggling.
In conclusion, the WCO is an important global organization that provides its members and other stakeholders with the guidance and tools they need to effectively facilitate the legitimate trade conducted around the world. It’s commitment to working hand in hand with its members and other international organizations is at the heart of its mission and brings stability to the global economy.
