As the gears of global trade risked grinding to a halt during the pandemic and cross-border cooperation faced unprecedented strain, customs authorities emerged as critical players in maintaining international commerce. Against this backdrop, the World Customs Organization (WCO) convened its 135th/136th Council Sessions, seeking to forge consensus and reinforce cooperation to safeguard global trade flows.
On June 25, 2020, delegation heads from approximately 130 WCO member customs administrations participated in the virtual council meeting. The pandemic necessitated a hybrid format combining document reviews with online consultations, with primary focus on proposed corrigenda amendments to the 2022 Harmonized System (HS) edition and recommendations from the WCO's 103rd Finance Committee session.
Leadership During Crisis
Under the guidance of Vice-Chairperson A. Al Khalifa of Bahrain, representing North Africa, the Near and Middle East region, the WCO Council—the organization's supreme decision-making body—conducted a comprehensive review of pandemic response measures. These included special operational continuity protocols, virtual capacity-building initiatives, and online technical assistance programs for members.
The Council noted the establishment of a dedicated COVID-19 web portal compiling global customs best practices, enhanced multilateral cooperation with international organizations and private sector partners, and the development of emergency response guidelines. These measures demonstrated the WCO's proactive approach to global crisis management.
Key Decisions and Reforms
The Council approved the Finance Committee's budgetary recommendations, ensuring continued support for the WCO Secretariat's critical functions during the crisis. This financial commitment underpins the organization's trade security and facilitation efforts worldwide.
Members also adopted corrigenda amendments to the HS 2022 edition, implementing revisions first proposed in the June 28, 2019 Council Recommendation. These updates maintain the HS classification system's accuracy and relevance amid evolving trade patterns.
WCO Secretary General Dr. Kunio Mikuriya emphasized the significance of the discussions: "This year's Council demonstrated that while borders may divide, technology connects customs administrations. Throughout this crisis, customs have proven their resilience by securing global supply chains. Our collective decisions will strengthen customs leadership in border management."
The next Council session is scheduled for December 2020 at WCO headquarters in Brussels, marking a anticipated return to in-person meetings. The organization remains committed to navigating trade challenges and supporting global economic recovery in the emerging post-pandemic landscape.
Pandemic Response: Digital Solutions for Trade Continuity
The WCO's rapid implementation of crisis mitigation measures included:
- A centralized COVID-19 resource portal featuring global customs best practices in risk management, trade facilitation, and border security
- Expanded virtual training programs covering customs valuation, rules of origin, and commodity classification
- Enhanced collaboration with WHO, WTO, and private sector stakeholders to maintain essential goods flows
Budgetary Implications
The approved budget enables:
- Strengthened capacity-building support for developing nations
- Accelerated adoption of emerging technologies like AI and blockchain
- Expanded international cooperation frameworks
HS Revisions: Adapting to Modern Trade
The HS amendments serve to:
- Maintain classification accuracy for dispute prevention
- Incorporate emerging technology products
- Streamline procedures for trade efficiency
Strategic Vision
Secretary General Mikuriya outlined three priority areas:
- Enhanced multilateral cooperation against smuggling and IP violations
- Strategic technology integration for border management
- Sustainable trade practices balancing economic and environmental considerations
The Council's decisions establish a framework for global customs authorities to address both immediate pandemic challenges and long-term trade system resilience, reinforcing their critical role in economic recovery and sustainable development.