A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the World Shipping Council (WSC) and the WCO was signed on 4 May 2015.

By signing this MOU, the two Organizations seek to strengthen their already longstanding cooperation in terms of information sharing in line with standards and procedures to facilitate and secure international trade.

The WSC represents the liner shipping industry which is responsible for transporting goods by means of high-capacity, ocean-going ships that travel regular routes on fixed schedules. In particular, the liner shipping sector moves containerized goods and vehicles.

The WSC and the WCO consequently share a common interest in simplifying and harmonizing port procedures, including Customs procedures, and recognize the importance of working together to enhance security along the global supply chain.

The WCO appreciates the willingness of the WSC to provide its specialist input to various WCO bodies, including the SAFE Working Group, and to promote the principles embodied in the relevant WCO instruments.

The WSC welcomes the opportunity to contribute to the WCO’s work with a view to achieving the common goal of trade and transport facilitation and improved compliance.