The 67th Meeting of the WCO Data Model Projects Team (DMPT) was held successfully, in a hybrid mode, on 28 and 29 September 2023 at WCO Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Some 142 registered participants, comprising WCO Member delegates and representatives of international organizations and the private sector, participated in the 67th Meeting which was preceded by a Focus Group session convened in person from 25 to 27 September 2023.
Pranab Kumar Das, Director of the Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, provided the opening remarks, setting the stage for the discussions ahead. In his speech he highlighted the approval of Version 4.0.0 of the WCO Data Model (DM) by the Council in June 2023; collaboration with other international organizations in pursuing the goal of international trade facilitation; and engagement with the private sector in the development and adoption of the My Information Package (MyIP).
The Focus Group convener presented the Focus Group's work to the DMPT. In addition, the DMPT noted that no Data Maintenance Requests (DMR) had been submitted during this meeting. The Secretariat went on to update DMPT members about changes to the DM App regarding the submission of DMRs. The DMPT acknowledged the approval of Version 4.0.0 of the WCO DM by the Council in June 2023 and its publication at the end of the same month, recognizing the need to update the WCO DM guiding materials to ensure alignment with this latest version.
The DMPT discussed the Maritime Advance Passenger Information (API) and Booking/Reservation Information (BRI)/Passenger Name Record (PNR) datasets. These datasets had previously been approved by the Passenger Facilitation and Control Working Group (PFCWG). The DMPT examined the current status of these Data Models and discussed the electronic message format and Message Implementation Guides based on them.
The DMPT explored opportunities to continue improving its working methods, particularly by enabling DMPT members to volunteer for the maintenance and further development of the WCO DM as a product. In this regard, the WCO reviewed the WCO DM Product Roles and Requirements document and the DMPT Terms of Reference to enhance the WCO DM product management process.
Discussions also revolved around the harmonization of the Customs Bond dataset and business process model. This presented an opportunity for DMPT members to share their national practices and gain insights into this critical area. Additionally, the DMPT endorsed new technical guiding material on the use of ”Pointers”, which would contribute to increased efficiency and accuracy in Customs operations.
The Secretariat provided an update on the further development of the WCO DM App, introducing a new capability to export syntax documents which support Members in implementing MyIP for the adoption of the WCO DM and in achieving global interoperability.
The DMPT also discussed the progress of its existing Work Programme and endorsed the updates to the DMPT Work Programme 2023-2025.
Brendan O’Hearn, Deputy Director in charge of Procedures and Facilitation, brought the 67th Meeting of the DMPT to a close.