Newsletters

The World Customs Organization (WCO) Secretariat has issued a dedicated Secretariat Note to reiterate the important role that Customs plays in humanitarian crises, as well as to remind Member Customs administrations of the available WCO instruments, tools and guidance material and the measures they can implement with regard to the clearance of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and medical equipment.

The WCO highlights that in the event of a natural disaster or similar catastrophe, as well as in sustained emergencies it is critical that aid to those affected by such catastrophes be delivered and moved across international boundaries efficiently and expeditiously. The effectiveness of humanitarian assistance is dependent to a large extent on the speed with which it can be furnished. It is therefore imperative that Customs administrations be as facilitative as possible and be prepared to rapidly clear goods that, as a result of catastrophic events, are being forwarded as aid.

“Member Customs administrations are urged to implement measures, as outlined in the WCO instruments and tools, and facilitate the cross-border movement of humanitarian supplies, including medicines and medical equipment in view of their swift delivery to the affected population of Members suffering from humanitarian crises, including the current crisis in Ukraine”, said the WCO Secretary General, Dr. Kunio Mikuriya.

Source: WCO