Global Customs Leaders and EU Drive Modernisation at WCO Policy Commission and Council Sessions

The 186 WCO Members discussed key policy and governance priorities, emphasising strong support for the implementation of the WCO Modernisation Plan—a strategic framework to elevate the organisation’s effectiveness. The recent appointment of two female Directors marked a significant step toward modernisation, noted by the European Union alongside the WCO’s ambitious Work Plan on Gender Equality and Diversity, a critical priority for the organisation. Delegates reviewed the WCO Strategic Plan (2025–2028), a roadmap outlining priorities for the next three years. The Council’s inclusion of a prioritisation methodology reflects the EU’s sustained advocacy for modernisation, emphasising focus on core customs tasks. Paired with the 2025–2026 Implementation Plan—detailing annual deliverables—this strategic framework equips the Organisation to address challenges and Members’ needs 

The EU welcomed the adoption of the HS Convention Recommendation concerning the amendment of the Harmonised System Commodity Description and Coding System (HS Nomenclature), which will enter into force on 1 January 2028. The WCO Council’s endorsement of the Project Proposal enhancing the Harmonised System (HS) framework was another key success, aligning with the EU’s long-standing advocacy for a comprehensive HS reform. Moving forward, the EU aims to drive further decisive action at the WCO to prioritise HS modernisation, ensuring it supports economic prosperity and trade safety. Regular revisions to the HS—reflecting evolving technology and global trade dynamics—are central to the WCO’s core responsibility of keeping this critical tool up-to-date. The Council advanced cross-border e-commerce initiatives by adopting a collaborative, cross-cutting approach with stakeholder input. The EU emphasised the need for stronger international customs collaboration to develop solutions for the challenges of high-volume low-value shipments and associated safety risks—a topic widely addressed in a recent panel discussion.

A significant step was reached with the adoption of a new Capacity Building Paradigm, endorsing a more targeted, selective, efficient, and results-driven approach. This aligns with the EU’s and other Members’ long-standing call for regional reforms to enhance synergies between the WCO Secretariat and global regional entities, ensuring greater alignment with evolving operational needs.

Representatives of EU Customs Administrations with the Director General of DG TAXUD at the WCO Council