An environment where innovation and creativity can thrive is an environment that relies on a broadly respected intellectual property system. The WCO supports the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights and joins the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) on an annual basis to pledge support for the campaign it launches on 26 April each year in celebration of World Intellectual Property Day.

The theme for 2023, as selected by WIPO, is "Women and IP: Accelerating innovation and creativity". Women everywhere are shaping the world with their imagination, ingenuity and hard work, and it is vitally important that they understand the role that intellectual property can play in their development plan as well as the intellectual property measures that might be used by them.

The WCO Secretariat is inviting Customs administrations to make their officials as well as entrepreneurs and creators aware of the protection afforded in respect of intellectual property, with particular focus being placed on women so that they can learn not only how to acquire and manage IPRs but also how to secure their enforcement. It is also inviting them to consult the tools and instruments developed towards enhancing their oversight capacity and to take full advantage of the support and activities proposed as part of its IPR, Health and Safety Programme.

Last but not least, Administrations interested in working on gender equality and inclusion, as prescribed in the WCO Declaration on Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs (2020), can assess existing policies using the Gender Equality Organizational Assessment Tool (GEOAT) and should participate actively in the work of the WCO by participating in the Virtual Working Group (VWG) on Gender Equality and Diversity and joining the Network for Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs.