At the 92nd WCO Policy Commission and 145th/146th Council meetings, held in Brussels, international customs leaders and the European Union renewed their commitment to modernising global trade governance.
Last week, the World Customs Organization (WCO) hosted its annual high-level sessions, bringing together senior customs officials from its 186 member countries. A central focus of the discussions was the implementation of the WCO Modernisation Plan, a strategic effort to enhance the organisation’s operational effectiveness.
One milestone was the appointment of two female Directors, praised by the European Union as a major step forward in driving equality and institutional reform. The sessions also spotlighted the WCO’s 2025–2028 Strategic Plan, which sets key priorities for the next three years, backed by a detailed 2025–2026 Implementation Plan.
The EU highlighted the importance of the prioritisation methodology introduced within the plan—an approach aimed at focusing resources on essential customs tasks. This aligns with the EU’s advocacy for streamlined, impact-driven governance across global customs frameworks.
EU Advances Harmonised System Reforms
The European Union welcomed the adoption of the latest HS Convention Recommendation, amending the Harmonised System (HS) Nomenclature, with changes set to take effect on 1 January 2028. The WCO Council also approved a Project Proposal to further strengthen the HS framework, in line with long-standing EU efforts to modernise and future-proof global trade classification systems.
These updates ensure the HS remains responsive to evolving technologies, trade flows, and safety standards. The EU reaffirmed its support for continued reform to ensure the HS serves as a resilient, up-to-date instrument supporting economic growth and secure trade.
Focus on E-commerce and Global Customs Collaboration
The Council endorsed a collaborative approach to cross-border e-commerce, addressing challenges linked to high volumes of low-value shipments. During expert panels, the EU stressed the urgent need for enhanced customs cooperation to tackle risks associated with digital trade and small parcels.
New Capacity Building Paradigm Adopted
A key outcome of the sessions was the approval of a new Capacity Building Paradigm, designed to make training and assistance more targeted, efficient, and results-oriented. This reform reflects the EU’s ongoing push—shared by many members—for better regional coordination between the WCO Secretariat and international partners.
By advancing strategic reforms and reinforcing collaboration, the EU and its partners aim to strengthen global customs systems, making them more adaptive, inclusive, and aligned with modern trade realities.