On 22 July 2025, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that it had published an updated edition of its ‘Guide to Counter Origin Irregularities’ (excluding fraud). The updated version includes new cases submitted by WCO members, along with practical insights on how these cases were solved and how future irregularities can be prevented. The update is expected to assist other members in dealing with similar issues when they encounter them.
Updated in 2018 to reflect origin irregularities, excluding fraud, the guide has now been revised to address evolving challenges in the global trading environment. As trade patterns and practices continue to change, the WCO recognised the need to document emerging origin irregularities and share successful countermeasures.
At its 139th and 140th sessions held in June 2022, the WCO Council approved both the Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and the Implementation Plan 2023-2024. A key focus of the Implementation Plan is enhancing revenue collection tools, particularly the correct application of the Rules of Origin (RoO) when preferential treatment is claimed on traded goods.
To support this initiative, the WCO Secretariat launched a survey in May 2024 inviting members to share real cases of origin irregularities through a structured questionnaire. The responses were analysed, and selected cases were incorporated into the updated guide. These cases include both previously identified areas and two newly emerging issues: irregularities related to the wholly obtained criteria and those involving self-certification.
The questionnaire also invited members to propose suggestions for countering origin irregularities. The suggestions were categorised into three areas of countering origin: measures related to Customs administrations, the private sector, and administrative cooperation.
The updated guide is intended to provide members with tools to approach matters of origin irregularities more proactively.