Proving the strong interest in the use of preferential origin measures, around 300 in-person, and numerous online, participants from Customs administrations, intergovernmental organizations, the private sector, and academia gathered for the opening day of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Global Forum on Origin Interconnectivity at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

This two-day event, held from 3 – 4 February 2025 and organized under the theme “Facilitating Trade with Origin Interconnectivity: From Framework to Implementation,” is allowing participants to discuss advancements in Origin digitalization and interconnectivity.

The forum includes interactive discussions on key aspects of Origin interconnectivity, focusing on collaboration between Customs administrations, issuing authorities, the private sector, and regional economic communities. The ability to ask questions was well utilized by participants, even opening up further areas for future discussion. The value of having a forum open to both the public and private sectors was readily apparent both in the interactions in the event and the networking on the sidelines.

In his opening address, the WCO Deputy Secretary General Mr. Ricardo Treviño Chapa noted that the forum serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration, stating, “this event provides a space to share experiences, foster partnerships, and advance discussions on the digitalization and interoperability of Origin-related processes.”.

Emphasizing the importance of strengthening Origin interconnectivity to facilitate trade, he thanked the Korea Customs Service (KCS) and the European Union (EU), through the EU-WCO Programme for Rules of Origin in Africa, for co-funding this Forum to provide this valuable opportunity.

Additionally, Mr. Treviño Chapa presented updates on the WCO’s efforts on digitalizing origin data exchanges. Since 2022, the WCO has conducted research on origin-related processes, resulting in a Feasibility Study aimed at establishing an Interconnectivity Framework for Certificates of Origin. This initiative, endorsed by the WCO Council, aligns with the WCO Strategic Plan 2022-2025 and aims to improve automation and interoperability.

The opening also included two distinguished speakers, Dr. Im Hyuncheol, Customs Attaché at the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Belgium and the European Union, and Ms. Isabel Garcia Catalan, Head of Unit of DG TAXUD A6 at the European Commission, who both shared the importance of enhancing digital connectivity and trade facilitation. Ms. Gael Grooby, Acting Director of the Tariff and Trade Affairs Directorate, and Mr. Brendan O’Hearn, Acting Director of the Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, moderated the opening as this event results from collaborative work between the Origin and Facilitation areas of the WCO.

Over the next day, the participants will continue to explore vital topics related to origin interconnectivity, focusing on seamless collaboration among Customs administrations, issuing authorities, the private sector, and Regional Economic Communities. Additionally, the forum provides a significant opportunity for stakeholders to share practices and insight on the digitalization of proof of origin in international trade.

The levels of engagement by participants show the willingness to continue to drive progress toward a more integrated and efficient global Origin certification system.

The WCO remains dedicated to supporting its Members in relation to both origin digitalization and origin in general, whether through capacity building, technical assistance, research and tools. Following on from the Global Forum and the work on origin digitalization, it will be developing an E-learning course to enhance Customs officials’ understanding on origin interconnectivity.