Deputy Director-General Angela Ellard highlighted the close collaboration between the World Trade Organization (WTO) and the World Customs Organization (WCO) during the recent session of the WCO Permanent Technical Committee, which took place on Wednesday (23.10.2024), in Brussels, Belgium.
The General Directorate of Customs (DGA) highlighted the long history of mutual collaboration. In this context, it recalled the creation of the Technical Committee on Customs Valuation and the Technical Committee on Rules of Origin of the World Customs Organization (WCO), established by the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreements in 1995. “We are approaching the milestone of 30 years of cooperation on both issues,” he said.
He also referred to the Harmonized System Nomenclature which serves as a "lingua franca" for all WTO Members, providing a standardized reference in negotiations, trade monitoring and dispute settlement.Active synergy between the WTO and WCO has been instrumental in ensuring the success of the global trading system.", said the director.
In this regard, he commented that “at the WTO, Members establish legal frameworks that facilitate trade, relying on the technical expertise of the WCO to ensure their effectiveness and sustainability. The work of WCO delegates also often influences policy debates at the WTO. The rules and tools developed in this context – whether through the Harmonized System, the SAFE Framework of Standards or other initiatives – provide a solid technical basis for our trade agreements.”
Agenda items
The Deputy Director referred to the collaboration around the most urgent issues in international trade. Firstly, the implementation of «digital customs»» in response to the rapid growth of electronic commerce During a workshop of the Work Programme on e-commerce, the WCO presented updates on its tools and initiatives for cross-border e-commerce, which feed into discussions on legal and regulatory frameworks. The WCO Data Model was mentioned in relation to the single window, emphasizing its support for the digitalization of customs processes. “The WCO’s experiences in digital practices will be essential for WTO Members to establish policies that foster the growth of this sector,” he said.
He also referred to the topic of "green customs» which reflects the joint commitment to address the challenges of sustainability. The WCO has been actively collaborating with the WTO, notably in the thematic session of the Market Access Committee entitled “Greening the Harmonized System”.
The future of WTO-WCO collaboration
Looking ahead, Angela Ellard stressed that the challenges ahead, such as the increasing digitalisation of trade, the need for more resilient supply chains and the implementation of sustainable trade practices, will require even closer cooperation between the WTO and the WCO. In this regard, she anticipated the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
Through the MOU, the World Trade Organization and the World Customs Organization will collaborate on specific projects in areas such as Product classification, valuation, origin determination, trade facilitation and e-commerce. They will also address emerging issues such as green customs and the prevention of illicit trade..
Ellard concluded his remarks by expressing his gratitude to the WCO Secretary-General and the delegates for their continued commitment to the advancement of international trade. Speech by Deputy Director General Angela Ellard).
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