The World Customs Organization (WCO) reported that May 5 and 6, 2025 was carried out in El Salvador, the 27th Regional Conference of General Directors of Customs of the Americas and the Caribbean. The meeting was organized by the General Directorate of Customs of El Salvador, in coordination with the WCO Regional Vice-Presidency for the Americas and the Caribbean, currently held by Peru.
The conference brought together delegations from 33 customs administrations with the aim of strengthening regional cooperation and promoting the modernization of customs operations. During the event, WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, presented a preview of the new Strategic Plan 2025-2028 which will be approved at the next Council session in June, highlighting the organization's commitment to innovation and digital transformation. In his remarks, he also urged delegates to actively contribute to building a positive narrative about the role of Customs globally, in line with this year's theme, which is " A Customs that materializes by fulfilling its commitments regarding efficiency, security and prosperity”
During the conference, the following issues were addressed: central themes Such as the modernization of customs procedures, the promotion of data-driven operations and the use of technology, the fight against cross-border illicit activities, and the strengthening of supply chain security and integrity, among others. Participants also shared their experiences and best practices and evaluated progress in the implementation of the 2024-2026 Regional Strategic Plan, with a focus on improving customs procedures in the region.
In this framework, the customs administrations of the countries that make up MERCOSUR and the Pacific Alliance signed a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for their respective Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) programs.
Likewise, It is important to emphasize that this regional meeting responds to the organizational structure of the WCO, which groups its 186 Members into six geographic regions: South America, North America, Central America and the Caribbean; Europe; Eastern and Southern Africa; North Africa, the Near and Middle East; Western and Central Africa; and the Far East, South and Southeast Asia, Australia and the Pacific Islands.
At the close of the meeting, it was reported that the delegates elected Peru and Cuba as venues for the 28th and 29th Regional Conference of Directors General of Customs of the Americas and the Caribbean, to be held in 2026 and 2027, respectively..
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