WCO calls on customs to provide relief goods and personnel to tackle coronavirus

The World Customs Organization (WCO) encouraged customs administrations this Monday (09.03.2020), through a release, ensure the smooth movement of relief goods and personnel while appropriate risk management is in place. The agency’s announcement came after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the current COVID-19 outbreak to be “a public health emergency of international concern.”

“Given the rapidly evolving situation, the WCO is closely monitoring recent developments with the WHO, encouraging member administrations to work closely with their public health and security agencies, to ensure the smooth movement of relief goods and personnel while implementing appropriate risk management,” the statement said. “Members may refer to the Resolution issued by the Council in June 2011 on the role of Customs in natural disaster relief and the updated WHO Council for international traffic for further guidance,” the statement said.

"Going forward, the WCO and its member administrations will continue to work with relevant international organisations to monitor the situation and will use all relevant WCO working bodies to address the implementation of appropriate measures while sharing best practices," the international organisation said.

He also explains that “when disasters strike, cross-border trade rules applicable to shipments containing humanitarian assistance, particularly for highly regulated items such as food, medicines, medical equipment, vehicles and telecommunications, are complicated by the imperative need for speed, the lack of familiarity of some donors with rules and the disruption of normal procedures.”

"Given its position at the borders, Customs plays a key role in facilitating the expeditious movement of goods sent as emergency humanitarian aid," he concludes.