When disasters occur, cross-border trade rules applicable to consignments containing humanitarian assistance – particularly for highly regulated items such as foodstuffs, medication, medical equipment, vehicles and telecommunications – are complicated by the imperative need for speed, the unfamiliarity of some donors with local rules, and the disruption of normal procedures.
Given its position at borders, Customs plays a key role in facilitating the expeditious movement of goods sent as emergency humanitarian aid.
You will find below information on WCO instruments and tools relating to the movement of consignments containing goods for humanitarian assistance, initiatives taken by WCO Members, as well as the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.