The World Customs Organization (WCO) has today published its Annual Report for 2024-2025, which also includes details of its WCO Strategic Plan 2025-2028 - Serving data-driven Customs for a connected world. Endorsed by the WCO Council, the governing body of the organization, the Strategic Plan will guide the Organization’s efforts to focus on the most pressing issues of the global Customs community in a rapidly changing environment. 

WCO’s Annual Report

WCO’s Annual Report 2024-2025 highlights the organization's achievements, strategic plan and transformations as part of its broader modernization effort. It serves as a resource for WCO members and stakeholders, providing insights into the organization's activities and contributions to the Customs domain.  The report also contains a timeline of highlights from 2024-2025, which include; 

• Innovation and Operational Achievements

Over the past year, the WCO advanced efforts to modernize Customs operations and strengthen international enforcement. The study Unlocking the Value of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) in Customs Enforcement demonstrated how open data can enhance operations in fragile and conflict-affected regions. Joint initiatives also yielded tangible results—Operation Thunder 2024, conducted with INTERPOL across 138 countries, led to the seizure of nearly 20,000 live animals and significant quantities of endangered species products. 

• Digital Transformation and Modernization

The 2024 WCO Technology Conference in Rio de Janeiro gathered over 1,300 participants from 117 countries under the theme Digital Frontiers: Customs Embracing Innovation with Traditional and New Partners. Discussions highlighted the growing use of artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics in Customs modernization. The WCO also released studies on rules of origin cumulation and a review of the Harmonized System, emphasizing adaptability in global trade standards. 

• Capacity Building and Ethics

Between July 2024 and June 2025, the WCO conducted 514 capacity-building missions and expanded its network of accredited experts to 786. These experts support Members in implementing Customs standards, digitalization, and enforcement measures. The Organization further advanced ethics and inclusion, convening the Fourth Global Conference of the WCO Network for Gender Equality and Diversity in Customs and launching two new integrity training kits to bolster anti-corruption efforts. 

• Expanding Global Partnerships

New Memoranda of Understanding were signed with the World Trade Organization and the European Space Agency, the latter paving the way for the use of space-based technologies to enhance border management and crisis response. 

WCO Strategic Plan 2025-2028 

Shaped through extensive consultation with our Members, this plan will guide the Organization through the next cycle of its evolution. It is grounded in three core principles: leading through excellence, focusing on what matters most and amplifying our impact and visibility. The principal aspects and modifications of the Strategic Plan include;

• WCO Mission and Functions

The WCO’s vision, mission, and values were updated to better respond to the evolving role of Customs in today’s global environment. In addition, the entire strategy was developed with a renewed focus on the core functions defining the essence of the Organization. Based on the Strategic Plan, the WCO’s two core functions are Developing and Maintaining Customs Standards and Policy as it provides leadership in shaping and refining global Customs standards, and Implementation and Capacity Development, as it is committed to assist its Members in the practical implementation of standards and in enhancing their capabilities through targeted support and development programmes. 

• Focus Areas - Advancing the Global Customs Agenda in a data-driven world

Identified as emerging trends and longstanding issues requiring enhanced focus, the three focus areas are: Technology and innovation; E-Commerce; and Green Customs. In its efforts to deliver tangible results in these essential matters, the WCO will be guided by the understanding of critical importance of leveraging the opportunities of big data and technological advancement – hence the emphasis on data-driven Customs as the overarching theme of the plan. 

Related : ZATCA Urges Taxpayers to Benefit from the Cancellation of Fines and Exemption of Penalties Initiative

• Reflecting Customs reality – WCO’s vision

Reflecting the active role Customs wants to play in addressing environmental issues, the Strategic Plan also introduces the notion of sustainability in its updated vision statement: ‘Bringing Customs together for a safer, more prosperous and sustainable world. Borders divide, Customs connects’. 

Annual Report 2024-2025

Annual Survey

WCO’s annual survey, also published within the Annual Report is a central tool for assessing how Customs administrations are operating and evolving worldwide. This year, 111 of the WCO’s 186 Members responded, offering enough data to identify global trends while also underscoring the need for broader participation to strengthen future analysis. Findings from these responses include; 

• Customs tax revenue accounts for 26.10% of total government income;
• Maritime transport overwhelmingly dominates, carrying 78.20% of total reported trade value; and,
• Female representation within Customs administrations continues to rise, including in middle and senior management roles. 

Source : Press - Release

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