WCO

The World Customs Organization (WCO) is an intergovernmental organization that serves as the global standards and cooperation body for customs administrations. Established in 1952 as the Customs Cooperation Council (CCC) and renamed the World Customs Organization in 1994, the WCO is headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Its mission is to facilitate legitimate trade by simplifying and harmonizing border procedures while strengthening border security and combating illicit cross-border activities.

WCO member administrations from more than 180 countries and territories collaborate to develop and promote international standards, best practices, and capacity-building programs. Core activities include the development and maintenance of global customs standards, most notably the Harmonized System (HS) of tariff nomenclature, as well as the WCO Data Model, which provides a common data structure for customs declarations and trade transactions. The organization also oversees initiatives such as the SAFE Framework of Standards for secure and efficient cross-border trade, and programs related to risk management, trade statistics, and supply chain security.

Governance is organized around the WCO Council, which sets policy, and a Secretariat that carries out day-to-day work. Regional bodies and technical committees support implementation and outreach. In addition to normative work, the WCO provides technical assistance, training, and practical tools to help member administrations modernize border management, adopt digital solutions, and improve compliance.

The WCO's work influences international trade by enabling faster clearance, reducing compliance costs, and strengthening enforcement against fraud, smuggling, and other illicit activities.