The gears of global trade continue turning with remarkable efficiency, thanks in large part to the behind-the-scenes work of the World Customs Organization (WCO). Recent developments from the WCO's Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) signal significant progress, with a suite of refined instruments now awaiting final approval that could reshape international commerce.
Hybrid Meeting Brings Global Customs Experts Together
The WCO successfully convened its 235th/236th PTC sessions in hybrid format from April 25-29, 2022. Approximately 300 delegates representing WCO members, international organizations, private sector entities, and academic institutions registered for the event, with strong in-person participation. The week-long meeting yielded substantial outcomes, with multiple tools approved for submission to the June 2022 Policy Commission and Council for final consideration.
Pranab Kumar Das, Director of Compliance and Facilitation, opened the proceedings by welcoming participants and emphasizing their crucial role in achieving the meeting's objectives. This marked the first hybrid-format PTC meeting in the organization's history.
Annual Theme Focuses on Data-Driven Customs Future
Under the "Annual Theme" agenda, WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya joined experts from the United Nations Statistics Division (UNStats), International Trade Centre (ITC), and International Network of Customs Universities (INCU) to examine the draft WCO Data Strategy. Dr. Mikuriya highlighted how the rapid expansion of the digital economy has provided WCO members with unprecedented access to data.
"As data strategies mature and tools become more accessible, we stand at a pivotal moment to expand data applications across broader domains," Dr. Mikuriya stated, assuring members of the Secretariat's full support in their transition toward data-driven operations.
The PTC contributed valuable insights to refine the Data Strategy before its submission to the Policy Commission and Council in June 2022.
WTO Collaboration Strengthens Trade Facilitation
Christopher O'Toole (Canada), Chair of the WTO Trade Facilitation Committee (TFC), presented updates including the first four-year review of Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) implementation and its relevance to WCO activities. The TFC Chair acknowledged WCO's instrumental role in providing critical perspectives to the Committee's work.
Secretary General Mikuriya reaffirmed WCO's longstanding cooperation with WTO through both the TFC and the WCO WTO TFA Working Group (TFAWG), noting WCO's continued commitment to TFA implementation through the Mercator Programme launched in 2014.
Approved Tools Advance Customs Modernization
The Committee approved several instruments for June submission, including:
- Updated Disruptive Technologies Study: Comprehensive analysis of emerging technologies' impact on customs operations
- Railway Guidelines: Operational standards for cross-border rail transport
- Revised Coordinated Border Management (CBM) Compendium: Enhanced framework for inter-agency border cooperation
- Third Edition E-Commerce Case Studies: Collection of best practices in cross-border digital trade
- Self-Assessment Checklist: Supplemental tool for the WCO Disaster Management and Supply Chain Continuity Guidelines
- PTC 2022-2025 Work Plan: Strategic roadmap for committee priorities
E-Commerce Framework Evolves for Digital Trade Era
The PTC noted significant intersessional progress in capacity building and awareness initiatives supporting implementation of the WCO Cross-Border E-Commerce Framework of Standards (E-Commerce FoS). Updates included expanding the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) concept to e-commerce and compiling the third edition of case studies.
Committee members reviewed proposed amendments to the E-Commerce FoS following its inaugural four-year review, approving revised versions of key instruments. Discussion also covered e-commerce business models and stakeholder responsibilities, scheduled for 2022-2023 fiscal year review.
Addressing Global Challenges
The PTC advanced work on multiple fronts including customs' role in pandemic response, API/PNR liaison committee membership, performance measurement mechanisms, and development of a new Time Release Study (TRS) online system.
Recognizing growing policy emphasis on circular economies, the Committee welcomed perspectives that could strengthen environmental compliance and green supply chain initiatives. Members also examined customs' role in fragile and conflict-affected situations, providing guidance to the Secretariat.
New Leadership Takes the Helm
The session concluded with the election of new PTC leadership for 2022-2023: Mr. David Saville (United Kingdom) as Chair and Ms. Ririn Septiani (Indonesia) as Vice-Chair. The next PTC meeting is scheduled for October 24-28, 2022.