What Changed
- Unveiling of the Smart Customs Community Portal on December 18, 2024, funded by CCF-China.
- Establishment of public knowledge sections alongside restricted member-only forums for peer learning.
- Planned future addition of stakeholder consultation resources and an academic research corner on disruptive technologies.
On December 18, 2024, the Smart Customs Community Portal was officially unveiled on the World Customs Organization (WCO) website. Supported by China Customs and funded through the Customs Cooperation Fund of China (CCF-China), the platform was established under the umbrella of the Smart Customs Project. The initiative is designed to address and bridge the digital divide among WCO Member administrations by enabling them to adopt and leverage disruptive technologies. This effort aligns directly with the focus on technology and innovation outlined in the WCO 2022/2025 Strategic Plan, aiming to improve the security and efficiency of global supply chains.
The Portal operates as a collaborative hub intended to foster peer-to-peer learning, knowledge exchange, and partnership building across international customs authorities. It provides Customs administrations with a structured platform to enhance operational performance, examine innovative technological solutions, and advance digitalization strategies through shared expertise.
To cater to different operational and information-sharing needs, the platform features both public and restricted sections. The public sections facilitate broad dissemination of customs-related knowledge, whereas the member-only restricted areas allow WCO Members to participate in targeted dialogues and peer learning regarding technology integration and digital customs operations. Furthermore, future releases of the Portal will introduce dedicated resources collected from stakeholder consultations, along with an academic research corner offering insights into the implementation of disruptive technologies in customs administration.
Customs officials who oversee technology adoption and digital strategy development are invited to participate as National Contact Points, granting them access to exclusive forums for ongoing cross-border collaboration.
This development directly affects customs administrations, technology policy officers, and international trade stakeholders across WCO Member jurisdictions. By providing a centralized mechanism for technology transfer and capacity building, the platform supports international efforts to modernize trade administration, streamline customs procedures, and strengthen global supply chain resilience.
Who May Be Affected
Customs administrations, technology adoption officials, National Contact Points, and international trade stakeholders across WCO Member jurisdictions.
Cross-Border Context
The platform connects China Customs with international customs authorities under the WCO framework to narrow the digital divide and modernize supply chain operations.
What to check next
- Check the Smart Customs Community Portal at https://scp.wcoomd.org for public resources and official access instructions for National Contact Points.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.