On 05 December 2024, the World Customs Organization (WCO) advised that at the invitation of the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS) and Chairperson of the WCO Council, Edward Kieswetter, the heads of 29 of the 30 Customs administrations that form the WCO Policy Commission had gathered in Cape Town from 03 to 05 December 2024 to discuss key issues and set the way forward for the organisation over the coming months.
In his opening address, WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders welcomed delegates and thanked the Government of South Africa, particularly SARS, for the kind hospitality and careful preparation of the meeting, which would undoubtedly be conducive to fruitful discussions. Secretary General Saunders went on to remind delegates that the Policy Commission was responsible for driving key decisions that would impact the future work of the WCO and thus influence how Customs administrations around the world come together to make the vision of trade facilitation, supply chain security, economic prosperity, and protection of society a reality.
The Chairperson of the WCO Council, Edward Kieswetter, then took the floor, highlighting in his welcoming remarks the active participation of SARS in the work of the WCO since South Africa joined the organisation in 1964, as well as his commitment as Chairperson of the WCO Council since 2023. He explained that SARS was committed to aligning with Customs best practice and standards, helping shape the Customs community reform agenda and positioning itself as a benchmark for other Customs administrations.
Ashor Sarupen, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance, also welcomed participants to Cape Town, explaining that the city was the legislative capital of South Africa, where many of the laws implemented by SARS had first been created. He expressed his satisfaction to see the Policy Commission back in his country after more than 20 years while noting that sizeable changes had taken place since then, significantly transforming the Customs community. During this period, he said that the WCO had shown steadfast support to Customs administrations as they faced increasingly complex demands, and he congratulated the organisation for its resilience. While commending the WCO for the excellent work so far, he challenged participants not to become complacent or turn too quickly to the latest trend when defining priorities.
During the three-day meeting, delegates discussed a wide range of topics, including performance measurement, fragile borders, and trade-based money laundering, and they considered proposals to enhance the Harmonized System. The Policy Commission also deliberated on essential governance topics, including implementing the WCO Modernisation Plan and updating the organisational structure. Delegates looked at prospective content for the next WCO Strategic Plan. This key document will guide the organisation and determine its work priorities for the next three years.
As is customary, a detailed report on the session will be published in late December on the WCO website. It will be available for the organisation’s members to consult.
Welcome address by South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Finance is accessible at:
