On 17 July 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) announced that on 30 June 2024, its Council had approved a Resolution of the Customs Cooperation Council on Strengthening Customs-Industry Resilience. This new Resolution, developed under the leadership of Australia, responds to the growing need for collaboration between Customs administrations and industry partners to ensure global security and economic stability amidst rapid technological advancements, environmental challenges, and other emerging threats. Recognising the critical role Customs played during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Resolution seeks to evolve the Customs-Industry relationship from focusing on trade facilitation to building resilience in the supply chain.
The Resolution emphasises the importance of committing to resilience as a strategic priority, encouraging Customs administrations to review and develop robust business continuity plans prepared for disruptive global events. It also highlights the need for innovative partnerships, urging the reaffirmation of existing relationships while fostering new collaborations. A vital component of the Resolution is the enhancement of digitalisation and the adoption of paperless trade practices, as well as advocating for the use of secure digital formats for risk assessment and clearance processes.
Building trust through increased data sharing and information exchange is another crucial element, specifically focusing on strengthening relationships with Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs) and enhancing the benefits of AEO programmes. Capacity-building activities are encouraged to ensure Customs and Industry can respond agilely to disruptions. The Resolution calls on the WCO to support Members in implementing these measures, mainly through enhancing AEO programmes and cooperation with international industry stakeholders. The Permanent Technical and Enforcement Committee will monitor the Resolution’s implementation.
The Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) is invited to support the actions reflected in this Resolution by driving industry engagement through its global network. This Resolution marks a significant step towards creating a more resilient global trade environment by fostering stronger partnerships and leveraging digital technologies to build a secure and efficient supply chain capable of withstanding future disruptions.