
WCO adopts resolution on cross-border e-commerce
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has established a working group on e-commerce to discuss opportunities and challenges, and develop collaborative solutions for the future.
The World Customs Organization (WCO) has established a working group on e-commerce to discuss opportunities and challenges, and develop collaborative solutions for the future.
The Policy Commission of the WCO unanimously adopted the Luxor Resolution at its meeting of December 4–6, 2017, in Luxor, Egypt. This resolution seeks to help customs and government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders in the cross-border e-commerce supply chain to understand, coordinate, and better respond to current and emerging challenges.
It was developed in close collaboration with all stakeholders and outlines the guiding principles for cross-border e-commerce, addressing eight critical aspects: Advance Electronic Data and Risk Management; Facilitation and Simplification; Safety and Security; Revenue Collection; Measurement and Analysis; Partnerships; Public Awareness, Outreach, and Capacity-Building; and Legislative Frameworks.
>> View the original WCO press release of December 7, 2017
The growing trade in electronic commerce has generated enormous opportunities for the global economy. This unprecedented growth has revolutionized how businesses and consumers market, sell, and purchase goods, providing more choices and advanced shipping, payment, and delivery options.
It has also opened up global economic opportunities to micro-businesses and small and medium-sized enterprises for wider access to overseas markets by lowering entry barriers and promoting inclusive, robust global trade. But e-commerce, especially B2B and C2C transactions, also poses several challenges to governments and businesses alike.
This fast-evolving trading environment requires a comprehensive and well-considered response from all stakeholders, including customs authorities, to address increasing concerns about the unprecedented growth in volume, lack of global standards and guidelines, and increasing border risks.
To this end, the World Customs Organization (WCO) has established a working group on e-commerce comprising representatives from governments, the private sector, international organizations, e-commerce operators/intermediaries, and academia to discuss opportunities and challenges presented by e-commerce and develop collaborative solutions for addressing current and emerging challenges more effectively and efficiently.
Working closely with the private sector and stakeholders over the last 15 months, the WCO has rigorously explored the key drivers of e-commerce, examined existing business models, and considered current and likely future trends based on extensive research and consultation.
It has been developing standards, guidelines, and recommendations to facilitate cross-border e-commerce in a way that meets the needs of industry, consumers, and regulatory agencies alike.
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