As part of Customs Week, the World Customs Organization (WCO) held its annual dialogue between the Policy Commission (PC) and the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) at its headquarters in Brussels on Wednesday (June 25.06.2025, XNUMX). The institutional meeting offered "an opportunity to strengthen public-private collaboration on both traditional and emerging customs and trade issues," according to the WCO.
The session was preceded by a dedicated PSCG meeting held on June 23 and 24, focusing on the group's proposals to "formalize and strengthen its cooperation with the WCO."
El President of the WCO Council, Edward Kieswetter, of South African origin, welcomed the participants and reaffirmed “the shared commitment to moving towards efficient, secure and sustainable trade”He also highlighted that “lThe long-standing partnership between the WCO and the PSCG is a valuable driver of progress in addressing today's complex supply chain challenges.During his remarks, Mr. Kieswetter provided an oral update on the Policy Committee's recent discussions, with particular emphasis on the evolving relationship with the PSCG.
In this context, he reported that the Policy Commission “had endorsed the draft PSCG Code of Ethics and Conduct, provided strategic guidance to enhance PSCG collaboration in line with Members' priorities, and recommended initiating a review of the PSCG Terms of Reference to ensure that they reflect current realities and expectations.".
PSCG: 20 years of cooperation and new proposals
This Dialogue also marked the twentieth anniversary of the creation of the PSCG, a milestone that served as a starting point for future debate. Within this framework, the group presented proposals to "formalize and strengthen its cooperation with the WCO," including structured mechanisms, co-developed agendas, and periodic performance reviews "to ensure meaningful and impactful contributions."
Consultation practices at the national and regional levels were also addressed, with particular attention paid to the growing role of Regional Private Sector Groups (RPSGs). According to the WCO, these forums "were recognized for their ability to ensure that the diverse perspectives of the private sector are reflected in global discussions and that regional priorities are effectively communicated and addressed."
PSCG Update
During the meeting, the Deputy Secretary General of the WCO, Ricardo Treviño, presented the composition of the PSCG for the period 2025–2026. Of Mexican origin, Treviño highlighted “the importance of the group's diverse experience and broad representation, which are essential to supporting WCO Members in an increasingly dynamic trading environment".
As he could know Customs News, such composition of the PSCG for the period 2025–2026 is made up of 30 private sector companies and associations. In detail,
(I.e.International Organizations and Associations
- American Association of Exporters and Importers (AAEI)
- Arab Union of Customs Executives (AUCE)
- International Association of Professional Customs Brokers (ASAPRA)
- Business Alliance for Secure Commerce (BASC)
- Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA)
- International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
- The Federation of National Associations of Ship Brokers and Agents (FONASBA)
- Global Express Association (GEA)
- International Air Transport Association (IATA)
- International Chamber of Commerce (ICC)
- International Federation of Customs Brokers Associations (IFCBA)
- International Port Community Systems Association (IPCSA)
- International Road Transport Union (IRU)
- Japan Tariff Association (JTAS)
- Pan Asian E-commerce Alliance (PAA)
- PROCOMEX – Alliance for Foreign Trade Logistics Modernization
- Regional Private Sector Group for Americas and Caribbean region (RPSG AMS)
- Regional Private Sector Group for Asia Pacific (RPSG AP)
- Regional Private Sector Group for East and Southern Africa (RPSG ESA)
- The International Air Cargo Association (TIACA)
- International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF)
(I.e.Private businesses
- DHL Group (Deutsche Post DHL Group)
- Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
- Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd.
- International Business Machines Corporation (IBM)
- Inter IKEA Group (IKEA)
- Moller – Maersk Group (AP Møller – Mærsk A/S)
- Schwarz Corporate Solutions KG
- Syensqo SA
- Webb Fontaine Group
At the close of the open Dialogue, the WCO Secretary General, Ian Saunders, the highest authority of the Organization and a native of the United States, reaffirmed “The Organization's commitment to strengthening stronger, results-oriented collaboration with the private sector”. He also stressed that “Effective partnerships are essential to fulfilling the WCO's mission of promoting efficiency, security and prosperity across borders.".
In line with this message, when opening Customs Week, Mr. Saunders stated that the modernization of customs requires collaboration with all the actors involved: “We can't do this alone. Our success depends on working together with Members, international organizations, the private sector, and the communities we serve.system. (WCO News) (Remarks by the Secretary General of the WCO, Ian Saunders)
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