Every year, the WCO Secretariat calls on the Organization’s Members to focus their activities on a specific area. This is usually a topic of particular concern to societies around the world, or may relate to a specific approach identified as being instrumental in advancing Customs’ mission.
In 2025, we are taking a slightly different tack by introducing the theme of “Customs Delivering on its Commitment to Efficiency, Security and Prosperity” and challenging the WCO and the global Customs community to demonstrate that everything we do, both individually and collectively, is making a difference.
Efficiency, security and prosperity are permanent global aims, achieved through steadfast efforts to improve everything Customs does. Efficiency, in particular, is powered by the modernization of Customs procedures and the development of digital services, the promotion of data-driven operations and analytical tools, the use of inspection and monitoring devices, and cooperation and engagement with public and private entities. In the security realm, Customs’ activities range from bolstering supply chain integrity to preventing the movement of illicit goods, combating money laundering and enhancing crisis preparedness. The ultimate goal of prosperity depends on our ability to ensure fair revenue collection, foster innovation and entrepreneurship, support sustainable economic development, and create environments that take into account the diverse needs of the citizens we serve.
While Customs works every day to further efficiency, improve security and support prosperity, we need to demonstrate more visibly to our governments and society at large how we are taking action and delivering results. Reporting and accountability mechanisms are already in place in some countries. However, they are often aimed at specialized audiences who are already familiar with the work of Customs. As a consequence, Customs’ achievements and their impact on social well-being are often not well understood by the general public.
This year, we are challenging ourselves to communicate more and better, to tell stories of the positive work Customs is doing and to recall the fundamental principles that drive our efforts. When we tell these stories, we must be open and candid. The goals we are pursuing are large and complex, and the work to accomplish them must be understood to be ongoing. To describe our efforts effectively, we must blend data with compelling, people-centred stories. By weaving facts and narrative, we can better engage, influence, teach and inspire those with whom we are communicating.
For the Dossier section of this edition of the magazine, we have selected a number of articles that demonstrate how Customs works tirelessly to protect society, facilitate the legal movement of goods and people across borders, and improve people’s lives and prospects all around the world.
The first article, written by Portugal Customs, introduces an innovative process that simplifies VAT exemption claims for the export of low-value consignments. This fairly simple domestic measure should have a significant impact on e-commerce companies operating in Portugal and is set to generate an increase in exports.
This is followed by an article by Uzbekistan Customs on the measures taken in that country to combat tobacco smuggling that led to a significant reduction in the volume of Customs seizures of cigarettes in 2024 together with an increase in the volume of importations. The Uzbekistan Customs Administration launched a communication campaign to raise public awareness of the impact of this trade and garner the support of the country’s citizens. This is a powerful reminder that communicating with the public is a powerful method for reducing illicit activities in certain areas.
Next is an article by Bolivia Customs, in which it explains how it is striving to overcome its landlocked situation, rugged terrain and poor transportation infrastructure in order to become a key player in South American economic integration and global trade flows. Here, too, the Bolivian Customs Administration shows how it is committed to building a more prosperous future for its citizens.
An article by the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA) then looks at performance measurement and the efforts being made to adopt new key performance indicators that are aligned with WCO standards. The results of these efforts will not only impact the government and business sector by enabling the ZRA to respond to their demands more effectively, but also society as a whole by enhancing the Authority’s accountability and transparency.
It is then the turn of Cameroon Customs which, in response to a call by corporations and brands to step up the fight against illicit trade, set up nearly eight years ago an enforcement team of roughly 100 Customs officers under the supervision of a central command unit. The results are broadly positive, and the objectives pursued by the unit, which has seen its staffing levels triple, have been extended to cover other major types of illicit trade.
Next is Indonesian Customs, which elaborates on how it has strengthened its capacity to control air passenger flows based on risk profiling. It reports that it is also currently looking into ways of collecting and analysing data from sea and land carriers as well as private aircraft. The capacity to control passenger flows is critical to a country’s security, but, as the article explains, it is not without its challenges.
His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC) of the United Kingdom then presents initiatives aimed at pooling data and intelligence to gain a better understanding of and tackle the challenge of trade-based money laundering. Building structured cooperation with the public and private sectors is no easy task, but, once again, coalitions of the willing are working hard to overcome any barriers.
It is then the turn of Nigeria Customs which recently launched an Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programme that holds great promise for transforming the country’s trade sector and contributing to its overall economic growth.
In the penultimate article, Bahamas Customs explains how it has managed to recoup evaded revenue while enhancing the business environment for the overall benefit of the nation. Thanks to this approach, revenue collection reached a record level in 2023/2024, business compliance rates have increased, the average time required to complete Customs clearance has been reduced , as well as the time required for the completion of Customs processes.
The final article in the Dossier presents an initiative taken by Bahrain Customs to evaluate trade operators and ensure that those found to be compliant benefit from facilitation measures. This approach is particularly beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may not have the capacity to conduct internal audits, may need guidance on practice and procedures, and may not have established strong relationships with Bahrain’s Customs Administration.
My sincere thanks go to all of the contributors who have taken the time to tell us about how they are making a difference through their efforts to deliver greater efficiency, security and prosperity. By sharing their stories, they are creating the possibility for a greater understanding and greater appreciation of what Customs does.
