2024 WCO Technology Conference kicks off in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The 2024 World Customs Organization (WCO) Technology Conference and Exhibition has been launched today in the vibrant city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with the theme "Digital Frontiers: Customs Embracing Innovation with Traditional and New Partners". This WCO's flagship event attracted nearly 1,300 registered participants from 117 countries.

The Exhibition, which runs concurrently with the Conference, features 54 booths, showcasing cutting-edge technological solutions designed to enhance Customs operations. The event is hosted by Brazil's Secretariat of the Federal Revenue and organized in partnership with private sector companies, including the Conference's corporate sponsor, Webb Fontaine.

Opening speeches were delivered by Cláudia Thomaz, Undersecretary for Customs Administration, Secretariat of the Federal Revenue of Brazil, and Ian Saunders, Secretary General of the WCO, who underscored the transformative impact of technology and partnerships in strengthening Customs' role in global trade security, promoting sustainable practices, and building resilient supply chains through innovative collaboration.

The opening ceremony was followed by a high-level round table titled "Unveiling New Tech Horizons through Collaboration and Innovation for Seamless Trade." Moderated by the WCO Secretary General, the session featured contributions from Cláudia Thomaz, Head of the host Administration; AnnMarie Highsmith, Executive Assistant Commissioner, Office of Trade, United States Customs and Border Protection (U.S. CBP); Colm Leonard, Vice-Chairperson of the WCO Private Sector Consultative Group; and Francisco Lima Mena, Secretary General of the Secretariat for Central American Economic Integration (SIECA). The panellists explored the critical role of data-driven innovation and emerging technologies in reshaping Customs operations, showcasing specific strategies to improve efficiency, enhance real-time risk management and foster seamless cross-border collaboration.

The first day's agenda also included keynote speeches and three panel sessions discussing technological advancements in the various modes of transport.

Over the subsequent two days, participants will delve deeper into detection technology advancements, explore digital solutions for global trade facilitation, and look into the benefits offered by Single Window platforms. A dedicated session will examine how Customs can harness the potential offered by strategic engagement with new partners to foster safe, secure and sustainable cross-border e-commerce.

On the second afternoon, participants can join one of the two streams of break-out sessions focused on enhancing data exchange and scaling up detection capabilities through effective Command Centre Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). Other sessions will explore the deployment of technologies like blockchain and the Internet of Things (IoT) by Customs administrations, as well as share success stories from Research and Development (R&D) initiatives that support improved detection capabilities and drive green and digital transitions.

The Conference's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Day scheduled for 14 November 2024, will focus on various AI applications within Customs, discussing regulatory aspects, prerequisites, risks and challenges associated with its deployment.

Under the theme "The Future of Customs in the Digital Age: Crafting Strategies for Sustainable Innovation and Collaboration", the closing round table will reflect on the key insights and discussions from the Conference, outlining a strategic vision for the future of Customs operations in the digital era.