30th Session of the WCO SAFE Working Group Advances its Efforts to Support SMEs and MSMEs

The 30th Session of the World Customs Organization (WCO) SAFE Working Group (SWG) took place in a hybrid format from 6 to 7 November 2024, bringing together over 160 registered delegates.

Preceding the SWG meeting, the Private Sector Consultative Group (PSCG) meeting was held from 4 to 5 November 2024.

A significant accomplishment of the session was the endorsement of the draft Unified File Format (UFF) 3.0.0 Technical Specification and the updated Non-Intrusive Inspection (NII) Guidelines. These Guidelines aim to support stakeholders in making informed decisions on acquiring and deploying detection equipment by providing relevant technical specifications and best practices.

The SWG had a detailed dialogue on monitoring implementation of the SAFE Framework of Standards (SAFE FoS) and discussed the possibility of integrating it into the Performance Measurement Mechanism (PMM). In addition, active discussions on the SAFE FoS review proposals were carried out, with the current review cycle anticipated to conclude in June 2025.

Promoting inclusivity in Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) programmes, the SWG session also provided updates on initiatives on integrating Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) and Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs). An outline for a Study Report - developed in collaboration with the WCO, WTO, and ICC - was presented and endorsed, marking a strategic step towards making AEO benefits more easily accessible to SMEs and MSMEs.

Regarding expanding the concept of AEO to cross-border e-commerce, SWG delegates evaluated the results of a survey conducted in June 2024, shared insightful comments and provided guidance on the next steps of developing draft comprehensive guidelines, supplemented by additional Member practices.

The Meeting also addressed the critical topic of expanding the concept of AEO to Free Zone stakeholders. The proposal by the Secretariat to establish a mini working group to collect Member practices and update the WCO's Practical Guidance on Free Zones received substantial support from SWG delegates and was endorsed by the SWG.

The SWG also acknowledged outcomes from the 6th WCO Global AEO Conference held in Shenzhen, China, from 8 to 10 May 2024. The draft Shenzhen Action Plan, a product based on the outcomes and recommendations of the conference, was endorsed for inclusion in the SWG Work Programme for 2025-2028, which will be further discussed in the 31st SWG Meeting.

Discussions also took place on security assessments, Standard 9 of Pillar I of the SAFE FoS. The Secretariat presented new supporting materials for harmonizing security standards across Members, with SWG delegates agreeing to further develop these materials in upcoming sessions.

The 30th SWG Session represents a notable stride forward in achieving its Work Programme objectives, with significant progress on multiple fronts. The 31st SWG Meeting is scheduled to take place from 15 to 17 April 2025.