On 13 May 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that from 05 to 08 May 2025, delegates of the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC) came together to discuss how Customs will respond to the defining challenges of our time: climate disruption, digital transformation, and the ever-growing volume of international trade, including e-commerce. From advancing Green Customs to tackling e-commerce-related concerns and enabling micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the PTC delivered tangible steps toward the WCO’s 2025 commitment to efficiency, security, and prosperity.
The PTC’s 247th/248th Sessions, held at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, brought together close to 300 WCO members, international organisations, the private sector, and academia delegates. Following the highly interactive and intense discussions, guidance was provided on various topics. At the same time, several tools were endorsed, paving the way for their progression to the next stage. The diverse perspectives enriched the discussions, reinforcing the PTC’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Customs since its inception in April 1953.
On the first day, a dynamic roundtable discussion on the WCO theme for the year 2025 brought together high-level panellists from the Kenya Revenue Authority, Thai Customs, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The United States of America (US) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) moderated the session. The discussion focused on how Customs can leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency, respond rapidly to crises, and foster economic growth. Panellists also shared strategies to better engage the media and the public to elevate Customs visibility. They set a forward-looking tone for innovative partnerships.
Building on this momentum, delegates endorsed the 2025 edition of the SAFE Framework of Standards and the WCO-World Trade Organization (WTO)-ICC Joint Draft Study Report on integrating MSMEs into Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programmes, further strengthening Customs-to-business collaboration. The Free Zones (FZs) session featured an update on the progress of updating the Practical Guidance on FZs and experience-sharing from India and South Africa on Customs controls and procedures in FZs.
On the second day, e-commerce took centre stage, with break-out discussions reintroduced to address members’ requests for deeper analysis of e-commerce-related issues. These sessions enabled focused dialogue on the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape and the role of technology in managing e-commerce transactions. They enhanced their understanding of the multifaceted challenges. They showcased the PTC’s capacity to handle in-depth and practical deliberation of matters. Among the key outcomes, the 6th edition of the “Compendium of Case Studies on Cross-Border E-Commerce”, featuring new WCO member case studies, was endorsed. As part of the WCO’s renewed approach to e-commerce matters, it was agreed to have a dedicated e-commerce day(s) in future meetings of the PTC.
On the final day, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) discussions focused on the Mercator Programme’s progress in supporting the global implementation of the TFA. The WCO Fragile Borders Action Plan was reviewed for activity allocations, integrating updates from the March 2025 Enforcement Committee. Finally, the PTC tentatively endorsed the draft Work Programme for 2025-2028, which will shape the work of the Committee for the next three (3) years.
The meeting concluded with the re-election of the vice-chairperson for the financial year 2025/2026.