The smooth functioning of global trade relies on increasingly sophisticated customs management and efficient facilitation measures. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the World Customs Organization's (WCO) recent achievements in trade facilitation and outlines future strategic directions. By examining completed initiatives and analyzing new priorities under the forthcoming strategic plan, the document offers valuable insights for customs administrations worldwide.
I. Introduction: WCO's Facilitation Framework
The WCO coordinates its facilitation activities through two primary mechanisms: the Capacity Building Package (ECP) Action Plans and the Policy Commission (PTC) Work Programme. While structurally distinct, these frameworks largely address similar objectives with different operational focuses.
The current ECP Phase V Revised Action Plan (2020-2022) and PTC Work Programme (2019-2022) both conclude in June 2022. These instruments have guided the organization's response to unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining progress on core facilitation objectives.
II. Review of Current Initiatives
A. Policy Commission Decisions
December 2021 marked a significant turning point when the Policy Committee (PC) reviewed proposals to streamline activity planning. Key outcomes included:
- Approval of a standardized template for future work programmes
- Endorsement of the transition from package-specific action plans to unified work programmes
- Preliminary review of the draft PTC Work Programme 2022-2025
B. ECP Phase V Revised Action Plan (2020-2022)
Originally approved in December 2020, this plan underwent revision in June 2021 to address pandemic-related trade disruptions. Implementation progress reveals:
- Timely completion of most time-bound actions
- Continued advancement of ongoing activities
- Some delays due to COVID-19 impacts or requiring additional deliberation
C. PTC Work Programme (2019-2022)
The mid-term review in May 2021 adjusted priorities to reflect pandemic realities. Final assessment shows:
- Successful completion of majority tasks
- Some topics becoming inactive due to member disinterest
- Several initiatives carried forward into the 2022-2025 programme
III. Future Directions (2022-2025)
A. New Programme Structure
The draft PTC Work Programme 2022-2025 introduces several innovations:
- Enhanced alignment with WCO's Strategic Plan through direct linkage indicators
- Clearer resource allocation visibility with dedicated staff tracking
- Streamlined activity categorization without thematic grouping
B. Strategic Framework
The programme aligns with four Strategic Objectives (SOs):
- Trade Facilitation
- Revenue Collection
- Social Protection
- Organizational Development
Five Strategic Processes (SPs) and three Focus Areas (FAs) provide operational structure:
- Focus Areas: Technology & Innovation, Green Customs, Performance Measurement
- Organizational Capabilities: WCO Modernization, Funding Policy
C. Programme Content
The draft contains two operational categories:
- Time-bound activities: Including new initiatives on data analytics, circular economy, and updates to existing tools like the Time Release Study system
- Ongoing activities: Covering continuous capacity building, innovation sharing, and emerging issue monitoring
IV. Conclusion
The WCO stands at a pivotal moment as it transitions to a new strategic cycle. The organization has demonstrated remarkable adaptability during global challenges while maintaining focus on core facilitation objectives. The proposed 2022-2025 framework builds on this experience with enhanced strategic alignment and operational clarity.
Key recommendations include noting progress on current initiatives and provisionally endorsing the new work programme pending final approval of the Strategic Plan. This approach ensures continuity while allowing for necessary adjustments based on evolving global trade conditions.