In the context of the critical situation of the pandemic, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has launched the “Project on the urgent need for facilitation and coordinated customs control of cross-border shipments linked to COVID-19 ”, the global entity reported.
The statement, released today (09.03.2021), indicates that the aim of this project, funded by the Japanese Customs, is to stop cross-border shipments of fake vaccines and other illicit products related to COVID-19, and to ensure the movement of corresponding legitimate shipments.
The Secretary General of the WCO, Kunio Mikuriya, stated that “In the context of the pandemic, it is essential that Customs facilitate, to the greatest extent possible, the legitimate trade in vaccines, medicines and medical supplies related to COVID-19”. But he also clarified: “Customs also have a key role to play in combating illicit trade in similar substandard or counterfeit products, in order to protect societies.”
The new Project is part of the actions mentioned in the WCO Council Resolution, December 2020, on the strategic role of customs in this critical situation.
The objectives of this initiative include the implementation of a coordinated customs approach, in close cooperation with vaccine producing companies and the transport industry, as well as with other international organisations, to control the trade flows of these goods between countries.
It is also expected that use of updated versions of the European Committee for Standardization guides (CEN). This will allow for the analysis of new trends in illicit trade, as well as activities to raise awareness about the trade in vaccines and other counterfeit products.
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