On 30 January 2020 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that the outbreak of novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). On 11 March 2020 the WHO characterized the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) as a pandemic.
Facing this global challenge, it is expected that the movement of relief goods (supplies, medicines and medical equipment) across borders will increase dramatically in the coming weeks. Moreover, as the WHO notes in its 29 February 2020 Updated WHO recommendations for international traffic in relation to COVID-19 outbreak, “… restrictions may interrupt needed aid and technical support, may disrupt businesses, and may have negative social and economic effects on the affected countries.” It is critical that Customs administrations continue to facilitate, not only relief goods, but goods in general, to help minimize the overall impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on our economies and societies. Customs administrations are strongly urged to establish a coordinated and proactive approach with all concerned agencies to ensure the integrity and continued facilitation of the global supply chain.
This section of the WCO web-site is designed to compile information about the instruments, tools, initiatives and databases that can be utilized in the efforts to address the various COVID-19-related challenges faced by our Members and their stakeholders worldwide.