Over the four days of the Permanent Technical Committee (PTC), delegates came together to shape how Customs will respond to the defining challenges of our time: climate disruption, digital transformation, and the ever-growing volume of international trade including e-commerce. From advancing Green Customs to tackling e-commerce related concerns and enabling micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), the PTC delivered tangible steps toward the WCO’s 2025 commitment to efficiency, security, and prosperity.
Holding its 247th/248th Sessions from 5 to 8 May 2025, at the World Customs Organization (WCO) Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, the PTC brought together close to 300 delegates from WCO Members, international organizations, the private sector, and academia. Following the highly interactive and intense discussions, guidance was provided on a wide range of topics that were put forward while several tools were endorsed, paving the way for their progression to the next stage. The diverse perspectives enriched the discussions, reinforcing the PTC’s pivotal role in shaping the future of Customs since its inception in April 1953.
On the first day, a dynamic roundtable discussion on the WCO theme for the year 2025 brought together high-level panelists from Kenya Revenue Authority, Thai Customs, the International Chamber of Commerce, and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies. The session was moderated by the United States Customs and Border Protection. The discussion focused on how Customs can leverage technology to enhance operational efficiency, respond rapidly to crises, and foster economic growth. Panelists also shared strategies on how to better engage the media and the public to elevate Customs visibility and set a forward-looking tone for innovative partnerships.
Building on this momentum, delegates endorsed the 2025 edition of the SAFE Framework of Standards and the WCO-WTO-ICC Joint Draft Study Report on integrating MSMEs into AEO Programmes, further strengthening Customs-to-business collaboration. The Free Zones session featured an update on the progress with updating the Practical Guidance on Free Zones, and experience-sharing from India and South Africa on Customs controls and procedures in free zones.
On the second day, e-commerce took center stage, with break-out discussions reintroduced to address Members’ requests for deeper analysis of e-commerce related issues. These sessions enabled focused dialogue on the fast-evolving e-commerce landscape and the role of technology in managing e-commerce transactions. They not only enhanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges but also showcased the PTC’s capacity to handle in-depth and effective deliberation of matters. Among the key outcomes, the 6th edition of the Compendium of Case Studies on Cross-Border E-Commerce, featuring new Member case studies, was endorsed. As part of the WCO’s renewed approach to e-commerce matters, it was agreed to have a dedicated e-commerce day(s) in future meetings of the PTC.
On the final day, the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) discussions focused on the Mercator Programme’s progress in supporting global implementation of the TFA. The WCO Fragile Borders Action Plan was reviewed for activity allocations, integrating updates from the March 2025 Enforcement Committee. Finally, the PTC tentatively endorsed the draft Work Programme for 2025-2028 that will shape the work of the Committee for the next three years.
The meeting concluded with the re-election of Hoai Nguyen as Chairperson and Abraham F. Siafa as Vice-Chairperson for the financial year 2025/2026.
