World Customs Organisation - Role, Members, Framework | Testbook.com

Introduction to World Customs Organisation

The World Customs Organisation (WCO) plays a pivotal role in the global economic landscape.

• It strives to enhance the performance of its member customs administrations.
• It also aids these administrations in areas like revenue collection, national security, trade facilitation, community protection, and trade statistics collection.

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Key Insights about the World Customs Organisation

The World Customs Organisation (WCO), established on January 26, 1952, comprises 182 customs administrations as its members. Together, these administrations handle about 98% of world trade. Previously, WCO was known as the Customs Co-operation Council (CCC).

India's Association with WCO

India is not only a member of WCO, but it also held the position of Vice-Chair (Regional Head) of the Asia Pacific Region from 2018 to 2020. The WCO is divided into 6 regions, each represented by an elected Vice-Chairperson in the WCO Council.

Understanding the WCO SAFE Framework

The WCO adopted the SAFE framework in 2005, which serves as a standard for securing and facilitating global trade. The primary objectives of this framework include:

• Serving as a deterrent to international terrorism.
• Ensuring secure revenue collections.
• Promoting global trade facilitation.
• Mitigating threats to supply chain security.

Location of the WCO Headquarters

The central headquarters of the WCO is situated in Brussels, Belgium.

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