More than 50 representatives of Asia Pacific Customs administrations and international logistics organizations gathered in Hong Kong in February for a World Customs Organization (WCO) seminar on “SAFE Framework of Standards (FoS) to Secure and Facilitate Global Trade.”
Logistically supported by the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department, the four-day seminar provided a platform for Customs authorities to exchange views and share their experiences with the implementation of standards under FoS, particularly the Customs-Business Partnership and Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) standards.
Developed by WCO, SAFE FoS aims to facilitate Customs authorities to ensure cargo security and seamless cargo flow. It offers a set of common standards for establishing Customs-to-Customs and Customs-to-Business strategic partnerships.
Deputy Commissioner of Customs and Excise Lawrence Wong said SAFE FoS will substantially change the philosophies, systems and operations of Customs authorities worldwide.
“The Two Pillars and the Four Core Elements of the Framework will have far-reaching implications on the international trade and the world's economy in the coming decades,” he said.
Underlining the importance of close cooperation of all stakeholders to the successful implementation of SAFE FoS, Mr. Wong called on business partners in the supply chain to participate actively in its implementation.
He said the seminar will help the local trading community better understand the benefits of the more efficient Customs clearance that results from SAFE FoS.
During the seminar, speakers from private sectors made presentations on trade facilitation, security measures in force and their cooperation with Customs.
SAFE FoS was first adopted in WCO Council Session in June 2005. Today, 144 WCO members have signed a letter of intent to implement SAFE FoS. Twenty-five of these members are from the Asia Pacific region.
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