More than 280 representatives of Customs administrations, international organisations, academia and the private sector gathered at WCO headquarters in Brussels from 26 to 28 October 2026 for the 253rd/254th sessions of the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC). The three-day meeting covered key developments in e-commerce, data and technology, trade facilitation and other areas of importance to Customs.
Opening the sessions, the WCO SG referred to the WCO’s 2026 theme, “Customs protecting society through vigilance and commitment”, emphasising that effective border protection and the facilitation of legitimate trade depend on Customs’ ability to adapt to emerging challenges through better use of data, modern technologies and closer collaboration.
Following the opening remarks, International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Deputy Secretary General (DSG) delivered a keynote address on the digital transformation of international trade, including the recent launch of the eATA Carnet system and the importance of Customs-business cooperation.
Exploring priorities for e-commerce
A full day dedicated to cross-border e-commerce focused on the need to keep WCO tools relevant and strengthen collaboration to help Customs administrations respond to the increasing complexity of this area of trade.
As part of the ongoing third four-year periodic review of the WCO E-Commerce Package, members examined progress on key elements of the package, including the e‑commerce flowchart and related data elements, as well as preliminary analysis of practices contained in the Compendium of Case Studies on E-Commerce. The review process enables the package to continue providing practical guidance and support effective Customs responses to the evolving challenges of cross-border e-commerce.
Customs enforcement considerations in cross-border e-commerce were also discussed. Members received an update on the newly launched Enforcement e‑commerce CENcomm, which provides a platform for sharing enforcement-related information, tools and practices and strengthening cooperation among Customs administrations.
Breakout sessions provided an opportunity for practical exchanges on simplification and facilitation and public-private partnerships (PPP). Delegates discussed implementation challenges and shared practical solutions and good practices, while exploring ways to strengthen cooperation and data exchange with private-sector stakeholders.
Turning data into practical value
The discussions highlighted the importance of interoperability and data harmonisation in supporting Customs’ digital transformation and enabling more effective information exchange.
Building on exchanges at the June 2026 council sessions, members examined the growing role of data in Customs, including data governance, interoperability and cross-border data exchange, as well as the use of emerging technologies. They also looked at how existing WCO data-related tools could be maintained and updated to reflect members’ needs and developments in the data environment.
As part of the ongoing update of the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) guidelines, the committee reviewed a new module on data based on international standards. Discussions focused on the role of the WCO Data Model as a common foundation for regulatory cross-border data, supporting greater data consistency and more efficient cross-border information exchange through the harmonisation approach set out in the module.
Facilitating trade in an evolving environment
The Committee explored how modernising Customs procedures and strengthening operational resilience could help facilitate trade and ensure its continuity, even in challenging circumstances.
The delegates took stock of the global transition to the digital ATA Carnet System following its launch in June 2026. The exchange covered progress in the transition and practical aspects of implementing the digital system. With the transition set to continue until the end of 2027, members emphasised the importance of continued cooperation among Customs administrations and other stakeholders to support the wider adoption and smooth implementation of the digital system.
The World Trade Organization (WTO) Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) was another focus, with exchanges on implementation progress, current challenges and future priorities. A panel with the WTO, a member administration and the private sector provided various perspectives on implementing the agreement. In contrast, another member administration shared its national implementation experience.
Under the Fragile Borders Action Plan, the committee reviewed first drafts of a research report and compendium of member practices, developed based on experiences shared through a member survey. Discussion covered practical approaches to maintaining essential Customs functions and trade continuity in conflict-affected environments.
Strengthening Customs-business cooperation
Closer engagement with the private sector was also emphasised as an important element of effective Customs cooperation.
Members considered the implementation of the revised framework for the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG), following its approval by the WCO Council in June 2026. The exchange covered the group’s future engagement with the PTC and its role in supporting dialogue between Customs and the private sector, providing opportunities for private sector expertise to contribute more directly to the WCO’s technical work.
Upcoming Summary Report
A Summary Report of the 253rd/254th Sessions of the PTC will be available on the WCO website in the coming weeks.