The 29th Session of the WCO SAFE Working Group (SWG) Meeting has made notable advancements in fulfilling the objectives outlined in its Work Programme. Held from November 15 to 17, 2023, in a hybrid format, the session drew participation from approximately 300 registered delegates.
Preceding the SWG meeting, the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) meeting occurred from November 13 to 14. During this gathering, the WCO Deputy Secretary General, Ricardo Treviño Chapa, updated the participants on the WCO Environmental Scan and later the group engaged in discussions covering the strategic review of the Harmonized System, capacity-building activities, and enhancements to the PSCG selection process.
A significant achievement of the SWG meeting was the endorsement of the draft Study Report on Smart Security Devices (SSDs). This report underscores the importance of innovative security technologies and practices, in alignment with the WCO's commitment to adopting technology for safer and more efficient Customs processes.
Another noteworthy development was the endorsement of a new filtration mechanism for the SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS) review cycle. This mechanism aims to streamline the review process, ensuring more effective evaluations of proposals to maintain the relevance and strength of the SAFE FoS.
Additionally, the SWG lent its support to the establishment of an online WCO repository of Members’ practices on collaboration with regulatory agencies for public safety and security, with a focus on environmental compliance under Pillar III of the SAFE FoS
The meeting also addressed various critical topics, including progress on the Customs – Port Cooperation Guidelines, highlighting the need for ongoing collaboration between these key players in the global trade ecosystem.
The SWG assessed the progress in monitoring the implementation of the SAFE FoS, including the results of a pilot survey, and laid out plans for the official launch of a comprehensive survey.
Discussions also revolved around expanding the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme to include Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) as well as e-commerce stakeholders, recognizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility of AEO programmes. Furthermore, a draft concept note was discussed to strengthen Customs-industry resilience, reflecting potential proactive approach to addressing future challenges.
The 29th Session of the SWG has made significant progress in endorsing several important initiatives, and discussions hold the promise of bringing improvements to the entire SAFE package. The 30th SWG Meeting is scheduled to take place in the second half of 2024.