The World Customs Organization (WCO) today (15.09.2025) released a key document for the procedural model of customs administrations: the 2025 update of the SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS), which seeks to strengthen the security, efficiency and sustainability of international trade.
El WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, highlighted in this regard: “The SAFE FoS 2025 reflects the WCO's ongoing commitment to safe, transparent and innovative trade.".
First adopted as a resolution in 2005 and periodically revised in 2007, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2018, and 2021, the SAFE FoS laid the foundation for a modern vision of security for the entire supply chain. The approach evolved from bilateral controls between the exporting and importing country to a comprehensive model spanning from the exporter's factory to the importer's warehouse.
The edition 2025 modernizes this framework with an emphasis on inter-institutional cooperation and the inclusion of new actors. Over the past four years, the WCO has worked with customs administrations, the Private Sector Advisory Group and other stakeholders to identify and update key aspects of this international tool.
According to the WCO, there are four main new features in SAFE 2025.
- Collaboration with environmental authorities: Provisions are incorporated to strengthen cooperation between Customs and environmental authorities, promoting sustainability and aligning control procedures with international standards.
- Inclusion of SMEs in the AEO program: Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises will be able to access the benefits of the Authorized Economic Operators (AEO) program, adapting standards to their capabilities and promoting safe and sustainable trade.
- Code of Conduct for AEOsAdopting ethical and integrity principles strengthens trust in the supply chain and facilitates future recognition as reliable merchants.
- Insider Threat PreventionJoint measures are being established between Customs and AEOs to educate and prevent risks associated with internal conspirators and other threats within the supply chain.
The WCO clarified that SAFE 2025 maintains the core elements of previous editions, but expands and refines the framework, incorporating best practices and lessons learned to strengthen security, efficiency, and innovation in international trade.
For its implementation, the SAFE Framework is structured in three fundamental pillars:
- Customs-to-Customs Cooperation (C2C): agreements and networks between customs administrations.
- Customs-Business Partnerships (C2B): direct collaboration with the private sector.
- Customs-Other Government Agencies Cooperation (C2G): articulation with state agencies linked to trade and security.
The WCO recalled that its application is designed to run comprehensively, achieving a balance between trade facilitation and supply chain security.
In this regard, Secretary General Ian Saunders urged customs administrations, industry partners and companies of all sizes "to adopt these standards as a basis for achieving a more secure and prosperous future supported by international trade".
The SAFE 2025 framework is now available for download and detailed review.
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
