WCO forms security and facilitation strategic group

WCO forms security and facilitation strategic group    The World Customs Organizations, based in Brussels, has decided to form a “high level strategic group” that will be asked to provide leadership and guidance to WCO members in the establishment of an international framework on security and facilitation.
   Directors generals of national customs administrations decided to set up the new group at the WCO council meetings June 24-26.
   The WCO said the high level strategic group will comprise “a small, diverse group” of customs directors general to:
   * Provide leadership and guidance on enhancing the position of the WCO and customs administrations on security and facilitation matters.
   * Build upon and consolidate the work of the existing security and facilitation task force of the WCO.
   * Prepare a WCO framework for the security and facilitation of global trade to be presented within 12 months.
   * Further develop the concept of integrated supply chain management and related customs matters.
   * Develop and define standards on integrated supply chain security and facilitation and related customs matters.
   * Make recommendations to enhance the capacity building provided to members.
   * Develop strategies to assist in the implementation of new measures by members.
   The high level group met for the first time June 26.
   The WCO council has also decided to establish a third directorate within the organization’s secretariat, with the responsibility for capacity building activities.
   “The private sector and other international organizations will be fully involved in the implementation of the international framework, as developed by the customs administrations,” the WCO said in a statement.