On May 8, 2026, the World Customs Organization (WCO) said more than 280 representatives of Customs administrations, international organisations, academia, and the private sector had gathered at WCO Headquarters in Brussels or joined online from May 5-8, 2026 for the 251st/252nd Sessions of the Permanent Technical Committee. The sessions focused on cross-border e-commerce, technology and innovation, and practical tools and frameworks supporting modern Customs operations, providing Members with an opportunity to share experiences and help shape future priorities.
The meeting opened with remarks by WCO Deputy Secretary General Ricardo Treviño, who referred to the 2026 WCO theme, “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”, highlighting how the Committee’s work contributes to this objective through the development of interoperable data frameworks, digital tools and international standards.
This was followed by a keynote address from Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) Deputy Secretary General, Fabrizia Lapecorella, who offered valuable insights on the implications of cross-border e-commerce for revenue collection and highlighted key trends shaping the digital economy.
Delivering tools for modern Customs
A key outcome of the sessions was the endorsement and advancement of several core instruments and tools underpinning Customs Modernisation.
Discussions on technology and innovation underscored the need for interoperable, practical solutions. The Committee endorsed the WCO Data Model Product Management document and the WCO Data Model annual medium release (version 4.3.0), strengthening the Data Model’s central role in supporting harmonised data exchange.
The Committee endorsed the WCO Study Report on Disruptive Technologies 2026, reflecting the latest developments in the adoption of emerging technologies. Progress under the WCO Smart Customs Project and continued work on Smart Security Devices were noted.
On Information and Communication Technology (ICT), delegations reviewed a draft module on decentralised credentials and trust frameworks, developed as part of the ongoing update of the WCO’s ICT guidelines, and guided scope and future development.
Additional outcomes included the endorsement of the updated Practical Guidance on Free Zones, which now covers chapters on Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programmes and rules of origin.
The updated tools will be submitted to the Policy Commission for endorsement and subsequently to the WCO Council in June 2026 for final approval before publication.
E-commerce in focus
Cross-border e-commerce featured prominently during the meeting, with a full day dedicated to examining its policy, technical and operational dimensions.
Discussions focused on the continued evolution of the WCO E-Commerce Package, drawing on Members’ experiences and recent developments to ensure the Package remains relevant in a rapidly changing trade environment. In this context, the Committee endorsed updates to the Technical Specifications to the Framework of Standards on Cross-Border E-Commerce, as well as the 7th edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on Cross-Border E-Commerce.
The sessions also featured presentations by Members and the Private Sector Consultative Group, providing practical insights into implementation experiences, emerging trends and ongoing challenges.
Breakout sessions focused on risk management in the e-commerce environment and the application of transformative technologies, addressing key challenges such as data quality and risk assessment. Discussion also highlighted the importance of high-quality data, advanced analytics and close cooperation with stakeholders to support effective Customs controls and facilitate legitimate trade.
Addressing emerging challenges
The sessions addressed emerging challenges, including sustainable trade and fragile borders.
The Committee endorsed the Study on the Origin Determination of Remanufactured and Recycled Goods, contributing to greater clarity and practical guidance for advancing these areas. The availability of a new tool for WCO members wishing to undertake a self-assessment of their progress in making Customs more sustainable was announced, along with an update on the compendium compiling Customs practices in this area.
Delegations reviewed ongoing work under the Fragile Borders Action Plan, focusing on a draft Concept Note outlining the scope and analytical framework for future work on the impact of conflicts on trade flows and Customs operations. Discussions also considered developing a Member survey to gather practical experience and identify operational challenges.
Strengthening cooperation
The sessions underscored the importance of cooperation and partnerships in supporting the effective implementation of the Committee’s technical work.
Members discussed proposed updates to the PSCG Terms of Reference (ToR) and Rules of Procedure (ROP), reflecting the evolving role of the PSCG and the need for more structured engagement with the private sector.
Further exchanges covered Customs-Post cooperation, with the Committee agreeing on the composition of the WCO-UPU Contact Committee for the 2026-2029 period. Discussions also addressed developments under the World Trade Organization Trade Facilitation Agreement and the functioning of National Committees for Trade Facilitation.
Closing the sessions
During the sessions, the Committee elected Coffet Lebepe from South Africa as Chairperson and Isabelle Bédoyan from Belgium as Vice-Chairperson for the 2026/2027 term.
In her closing remarks, the WCO Director of Policy and Standards expressed appreciation for Members’ active engagement. He reaffirmed the importance of translating outcomes into concrete follow-up actions.
Upcoming Summary Report
A Summary Report of the 251st/252nd Sessions of the PTC will be available to WCO Members and the public in the coming weeks on the WCO website.
