The 5th meeting of the Passenger Facilitation and Control Working Group (PFCWG) took place in a hybrid format on April 13 and 14, 2023, with 150 participants joining physically and virtually from across the globe. Observers from the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) also participated.

Initially established in 2020 with a term set to conclude in December 2023, the PFCWG has made significant strides in achieving its goals. During the meeting, both the WCO and PFCWG delegates acknowledged these accomplishments and discussed the group's future direction. The delegates committed to developing global data standards for alternative transportation modes such as ferries, railways, roads, and other non-commercial means of travel. 

The work of the PFCWG has highlighted a need for Customs administrations and industry partners to continue to meet regularly to address  all passenger related work, global data standards and operations within a multimodal context.

As part of the dialogue, the attendees agreed to adopt a more descriptive term for PNR-like data, which encompasses information related to bookings or reservations (PNR data in aviation) in maritime travel and other forms of transportation. The new term, Booking and Reservation Information (BRI), was proposed and accepted.

The PFCWG delegates acknowledged the ongoing collaboration between the WCO, IMO, and their respective committees and working groups to integrate the Maritime API and BRI/PNR standards into IMO's instruments and tools. By working closely with both CLIA and IMO, the WCO aims to streamline data provision for the cruise industry worldwide, ultimately benefiting Customs administrations by ensuring they receive higher quality information.