6 December 2024 – The South African Revenue Service (SARS) proudly hosted the 91st World Customs Organization (WCO) Policy Commission Meeting in Cape Town. This meeting was a milestone for the global customs community. The highly anticipated gathering brought together customs leaders and experts from around the world to deal with the evolving challenges of international trade and to shape the future of customs practices.
Speaking at the opening, SARS Commissioner Edward Kieswetter described the WCO as “a catalyst for change”. He stressed the importance of unity and adaptability in navigating today’s complex global trade environment. He noted that collaboration and innovation are essential to enable customs authorities to fulfil their critical role in facilitating trade while safeguarding security and compliance.
The meeting agenda covered a range of pressing issues, such as trade facilitation; combating trade-based money laundering; modernising customs systems; and integrating advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and blockchain.
There was a specific focus on Customs to balance a challenging mandate of the (1) the facilitation of trade (Service), (2) the enforcement of our customs laws; (3) the protection of society of harmful and illicit goods, and the global proliferation of Cross-Border tax and customs crimes and Trade-based money laundering.
Delegates engaged in productive discussions to explore solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability in customs operations. The meeting also highlighted the importance of sustainability in customs practices, with delegates focusing on enabling green trade practices and aligning with global climate goals. This emphasis on environmental responsibility reflects a commitment to balancing economic growth with sustainable development.
South Africa demonstrated its leadership by hosting bilateral discussions with prominent customs authorities, including the Canada Border Services Agency and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs of India. A milestone was the signing of an Authorised Economic Operator Mutual Recognition Arrangement between SARS and Hong Kong Customs, strengthening global supply-chain security and enhancing trade facilitation.
As the 91st WCO Policy Commission Meeting concluded, the insights and resolutions shared in Cape Town are set to reverberate across borders. Customs administrations are now better equipped to adapt to a rapidly evolving trade environment driven by digitalisation and interconnected global supply chains.
SARS Commissioner Mr Edward Kieswetter said reiterated that “customs play a seminal role in trade facilitation not for its own sake but to extricate people from poverty, hunger and unemployment, which disproportionately affect developing countries. Accordingly, harnessing technology to ensure seamless movement of goods between borders must necessarily result in tangible impact on changing people’s life. The Policy Commission afforded us the opportunity to make that tangible contributions and steer the path forward.”
SARS remains committed to driving innovation, sustainability, and collaboration in global trade. This meeting has reaffirmed the vital role of customs in fostering economic growth and building a secure, inclusive, and resilient global trading system.
WCO Statement on the conclusion of the 91st Policy Commission: https://www.wcoomd.org/en/media/newsroom/2024/december/91st-session-of-the-wco-policy-commission-concludes-in-cape-town.aspx
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